Personalized pill packaging that tracks medication use in real time
Personalized multi-medication packaging with integrated real-time instrumentation to improve adherence
This project uses low-cost NFC tags and an Android app to detect when people take their medicines so it's easier to follow prescriptions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Insightfil NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11196731 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Your medicines would be packaged with tiny, disposable NFC tags that communicate with a smartphone when a dose is taken or removed. An Android app records those events with minimal tapping or setup so you or a caregiver don't have to manage complicated devices. The system is designed for home-based care and works across different diseases and medication forms. Collected data can send real-time alerts to caregivers or clinicians to help prevent missed doses and medication-related problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people taking multiple daily medications or receiving home-based/post-acute care who want help remembering doses and who use an Android smartphone.
Not a fit: People without an Android smartphone, those who store medicines loose rather than in packaged doses, or those who rarely take regular medications may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could cut missed doses and prevent medication-related hospital visits by making adherence easier to monitor and support.
How similar studies have performed: Some smart pill bottles and reminder apps have reduced missed doses, but low-cost NFC-based, low-interaction packaging is a newer approach with limited prior real-world testing.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Insightfil — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Acworth, Edward — Insightfil
- Study coordinator: Acworth, Edward
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.