Diabetic retinopathy patients, who are at risk of losing their sight, represent a key focus in ophthalmology applications.
A small, pen-like device developed by researchers and engineers is quietly set to transform how patients in the UAE receive life-saving medicines—particularly cancer treatments—offering less pain, fewer side effects, and greater precision.
The technology, called “aDose Core,” is a next-generation drug delivery system designed to administer ultra-micro doses of medication directly to targeted areas of the body, rather than dispersing drugs broadly through the bloodstream.
For patients who currently endure repeated injections, IV drips, or other invasive procedures, aDose Core could mean gentler treatment, fewer hospital visits, and faster recovery.
At the core of aDose Core is an electro‑osmotic pump—a system that uses electrical currents to move minute amounts of liquid through membranes with extraordinary precision.
This allows drugs to be delivered at a consistent flow rate, down to nanolitre levels, making it particularly valuable for delicate applications such as oncology, ophthalmology, and regenerative medicine.
Abhishek Choudhary, India Business Manager at aDose Co., Ltd, told Khaleej Times that even advanced insulin pumps are still fundamentally mechanical. “This is a prototype, but it uses revolutionary technology,” he said, emphasizing that the system relies on electrical flow rather than physical pressure.
Pen-sized electric syringe could mean less pain, faster recovery for cancer and eye patients in UAE
A small, pen-like device developed by researchers and engineers is quietly set to transform how patients in the UAE receive life-saving medicines—particularly cancer and ophthalmology treatments—offering less pain, fewer side effects, and greater precision.
The technology, called “aDose Core,” is a next-generation drug delivery system designed to administer ultra-micro doses of medication directly to targeted areas of the body, rather than dispersing drugs broadly through the bloodstream. For patients who currently endure repeated injections, IV drips, or other invasive procedures, aDose Core could mean gentler treatment, fewer hospital visits, and faster recovery.
How it works
At the heart of the system is an electro‑osmotic pump, which uses electrical currents to move tiny amounts of liquid through membranes with extreme precision. Unlike conventional syringes that rely on finger pressure, needle size, and drug thickness, the aDose Core allows flow to be controlled purely through voltage, enabling delivery down to 0.05 microliters.
“Conventional syringes make precise dosing difficult,” said Abhishek Choudhary, India Business Manager at aDose Co., Ltd. “This prototype uses revolutionary technology based on the principle of electro-osmosis, using electricity rather than hand pressure to control drug movement.”
The core of the technology comes from a patented ceramic component developed by Japanese scientist Dr Mamoru Hirafuji, which allows liquid to move forward or backward depending on electrical polarity. Choudhary explained that microscopic pores inside the ceramic enable ultra-controlled fluid movement.
Precision that could change patient outcomes
This level of control could dramatically reduce drug usage and side effects, particularly in chemotherapy. “In the case of chemotherapy, the health effects of the drugs are very high, so patient discomfort is critical,” Choudhary said. Delivering medication directly to the tumor site could minimize damage to healthy tissue and improve outcomes.
The technology is equally promising for ophthalmology, where diabetic retinopathy patients face the risk of blindness. “Regular syringes cannot reach the retina,” Choudhary noted. The aDose Core can use ultra-fine, long needles to deliver drugs directly to the retina—something standard injections cannot achieve.
Clinical testing is already underway for breast cancer treatments, delivering drugs precisely to tumor sites. Importantly, the system does not require new needle designs; existing needles can still be used.
Designed for real-world clinical use
The device comprises two main parts: an electrical syringe and an electronic control unit, allowing clinicians to manage voltage, flow, and dosage at the press of a button. Parts of the system can be sterilized while the charging and electronic components remain separate. Future models may include advanced chips, improved reservoirs, and battery-powered options, although sterilization of fully self-contained units remains a challenge.
“This device is not intended to replace regular syringes,” Choudhary emphasized. “It is designed to address unmet medical needs, providing highly controlled drug delivery at the site.”
With its potential to reduce pain, lower side effects, and improve precision, aDose Core could mark a significant step forward in cancer care, eye treatment, and other sensitive medical applications in the UAE and beyond.
