Episode 5: A View On: Smart Capsule Technology

A Swallow Instead of a Jab? A Capsule That Delivers Like an Injection

In this episode, we’re joined by Karsten Lindhardt, Founder and CEO of Biograil, to explore how a spring-loaded oral capsule could revolutionize drug delivery—offering patients a needle-free alternative with the same therapeutic impact as subcutaneous injections.

From insulin to monoclonal antibodies, biologic drugs are typically delivered through injections—often multiple times a week. For many patients, this isn’t just painful; it disrupts daily life and can be a major barrier to long-term treatment compliance. Imagine a world where those same treatments could be taken as a pill—no injections, no anxiety, no need for clinical visits.

That’s the vision behind Biograil’s BIONDD™ platform: a capsule that carries a mechanical device inside. Once swallowed, the capsule settles in the stomach, where it activates a spring-loaded insertion element like a bee’s stinger that delivers the active drug directly into the stomach lining. The result? Bioavailability comparable to injections, but with all the ease of an oral dose.

Curious to Learn More?

Join us in this conversation hosted by Martina Ribar Hestericová to hear how BioGrail is reshaping the future of biologic drug delivery—making it more convenient, less invasive, and better suited to real-life patient needs. We discuss everything from pediatric applications and veterinary uses to sustainability and the engineering behind this remarkable technology.

*The presented information was correct and current at the time of publication.

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A View On podcast is produced by moomoostudios.com

KEY TERMS:

Smart capsule In this episode, the term smart capsule is used broadly to describe oral delivery systems that do more than passively release medication. While BioGrail’s CEO Karsten Lindhart notes it’s not a term they typically use, their capsule fits the category — and exceeds it — by incorporating a spring-loaded mechanism that actively delivers biologics into the stomach lining, achieving injection-like bioavailability without the needle.

Capsule sizes 00 and 0Capsule size standards refer to the physical dimensions of pharmaceutical capsules. Size 00 is a large capsule, often used for adult dosages, while size 0 is slightly smaller. BioGrail is exploring these sizes, including smaller versions for pediatric patients.

Bioavailability Bioavailability measures how much of a drug enters the bloodstream and becomes available at the intended site of action. Biograil’s oral capsule achieves levels of bioavailability similar to subcutaneous injections, marking a significant advancement for oral biologics.

Insertion element is a sensation or action where stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus, contributing to discomfort and heartburn.

Compliance Also called adherence, compliance refers to whether patients take their medication as prescribed. Easier, less invasive administration methods like oral capsules can significantly increase patient compliance—especially in chronic conditions requiring frequent dosing.

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