The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first digital pill, called Abilify MyCite, which includes a small, edible sensor to help keep track of when the patient takes their dose, according to Technology Review.
Why it matters: Failure to remember to take medication or follow prescription instructions costs the U.S. an estimated $100 billion a year. This smart pill could be part of the solution to that problem, but those who oppose the smart pill movement worry about privacy and medication data being manipulated.
How it works: The antipsychotic tablet can help treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The sensor in the pill transmits information to a patch worn by the patient. That data can then be sent to a phone and shared with medics or family members to make sure the drugs are being taken.
