The development of automated drug-delivery systems bring benefits, risks

Patients who may otherwise be unable to take medication may benefit from new electronic implants capable of dispensing drugs automatically. However, researchers warn of security risks.

The Remote Intelligent Drug Delivery System (RIDDS), a device implanted under the skin and connected to a wireless control center, is being developed to remove the inconvenience associated with taking drugs manually. Such devices will include built-in sensors that allow health care workers to monitor pulse rate, blood oxygen levels and other functions. Based on the information, they could adjust how frequently the medication is delivered or increase or decrease amounts as necessary. Researchers believe that automated drug-delivery systems will be especially beneficial for people with physical or mental disabilities, who would otherwise be unable to take medications on their own.

Drug-delivery technology is advancing at a rapid pace, especially with baby boomers living longer and demanding products from drug-delivery manufacturers that are convenient, safe, targeted and user-friendly. However, with the technology comes concerns about security. YanYan Wang and Carey Thaldorf at the University of Central Florida, and colleague John Haynes of Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia, emphasize that any wireless communications technology could be subject to hackers, who could steal personal medical information and even trick the sensors into improperly releasing medication so to harm or even kill patients.

"We have raised security concerns in relation to RIDDS, especially in the context of medical sensor networks, because, among other reasons, a failure to do so could risk the privacy and possibly the life of a patient," the researchers say. "The dilemma in RIDDS makes adoption of the technologies intimidating. Security mechanisms for RIDDS must be fully considered prior to the widespread deployment of such delivery systems."

News Release: Wireless drug control http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-02/ip-wdc020609.php February 6, 2009