Seeking a way to confirm that patients have taken their medication, University of Florida engineering researchers have added a tiny microchip and digestible antenna to a standard pill capsule. The prototype is intended to pave the way for mass-produced pills that, when ingested, automatically alert doctors, loved ones or scientists working with patients in clinical drug trials.



Such a pill is needed because many patients forget or refuse to take their medication. The American Heart Association calls patients’ failure to follow prescription regimens “the number one problem in treating illness today.” Studies have found, for example, that patients with chronic diseases normally take only about half their prescribed medications.

Other studies have found that not taking medication properly results in 218,000 deaths annually. 
UF has applied for patents and hopes to begin development of the pill for Food and Drug Administration approval.