Novartis in partnership with Rani Therapeutics is working on a robotic pill that aims to administer biologic medicines that are normally administered through subcutaneous routes. Its 'robotic pill' under research is one of many health technologies the Swiss company is currently exploring.

Converting biotech drugs administered through injection into a pill form offers a higher level of marketability by adding convenience to the patients. Pharmaceutical companies highly acknowledge the potentials of this development but have yet to come up with a feasible innovation. Novartis is one of the drug companies in pursuit of this product concept together with the American company, Rani. Rani explains that it's evaluating selected Novartis drugs that will use the robotic pill technology within a timeline of 18-24 month. 

Pharma companies have been researching on alternative administration of traditionally injected pills. Ingesting these types of medicines will destroy it in the stomach before it reaches the body's blood stream.  Rani's robotic pill is underway to remedy this predicament. According to reports, the robotic pill is ingested conventionally where the drug is transported to the wall of the intestine through micro sugar needles inside the pill.  Rani takes pride in its robotic pill  innovation as expressed in their website:

We understand the enormity of our undertaking.  We are confident that our unique approach will overcome the historical challenges with oral biotherapeutics and allow us to achieve the Holy Grail of drug delivery. This is an assertion we do not take lightly.  We are actively developing the technology and conducting pre-clinical studies.   For more information, please contact us. "

Rani Therapeutics supporters include Google Ventures.  Novartis has also made a joint venture with Google in developing a type of contact lens that track glucose levels or restore the eye's ability to focus.  

Novartis and Rani's robotic pill will make a big impact in the pharmaceutical industry. However, it could also become a double-edge sword for the company.