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M.A.S.T.I.C:

Mastication-Activated Sustained Therapeutic Intelligent Capsule

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Max Calcoen, Wes DeJarnette, Christy Lee, Angel Pavu

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40% Americans

Reported issues when pills don’t slide easily down throat

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125,000 Americans

Die annually due to not adhering to drug regimen

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70% Children Ages 5-9

Are unable to swallow a standard size pill

20% Patients

Skip taking medication due to fear of stigma

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M.A.S.T.I.C

Mastication-Activated Sustained Therapeutic Intelligent Capsule

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Step 1:

Put mastic in your mouth

Step 2:

Start chewing for slow release

Step 3:

Insert between gums for fast acting release

M.A.S.T.I.C

Mastication-Activated Sustained Therapeutic Intelligent Capsule

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M.A.S.T.I.C.

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Technology:

Buccal Drug Delivery

M.A.S.T.I.C

Mastication-Activated Sustained Therapeutic Intelligent Capsule

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A chewable, multi-layer drug delivery system using:

  • Microencapsulation
    1. Tiny coated drug particles
  • Polymer-based release layers
    • Control timing using layers
  • Mucoadhesion
    • sticks to cheek/gums for absorption (Carbopol)

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How it works

M.A.S.T.I.C

Mastication-Activated Sustained Therapeutic Intelligent Capsule

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How it works:

  • Immediate Release (Pullulan)
    • Fast-dissolving outer layer → absorbed through gums (buccal delivery)
  • Chew-Activated Release (Microcrystalline Cellulose)
    • Capsules break under chewing → controlled burst doses
  • Sustained Release (Ethyl Cellulose)
    • Thicker polymer layers → gradual drug release over time

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Ethical Frameworks

NSPE Cannon I.1: "Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public."

Utilitarian

Risk Mitigation

Risk Mitigation

  • Dosage inconsistency is addressed through release layers

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  • Risk prevention is built into the design, not ignored

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  • Engineers must design inclusive medication systems

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  • M.A.S.T.I.C maximizes access across the broadest population possible

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Product Rationale

Risk Mitigation

Risk Mitigation

Practicality

    • Builds on already existing mechanisms
      • Buccal absorption is clinically established
      • Nicotine gum infrastructure

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Impact

    • Improves medication adherence
    • Reduces stigma around treatment
    • Supports better health outcomes for vulnerable populations

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Adoption

Mastication-Activated Sustained Therapeutic Intelligent Capsule

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M.A.S.T.I.C

MASTIC is uncomfortable and will not be adopted

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Risk

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Effectiveness

Mastication-Activated Sustained Therapeutic Intelligent Capsule

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M.A.S.T.I.C

MASTIC is unable to deliver the drug consistently

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Risk

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M.A.S.T.I.C

Mastication-Activated Sustained Therapeutic Intelligent Capsule

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What we’re asking for:

  • 100k to Support to develop M.A.S.T.I.C. as:
    • A regulated medical product
    • With ethical safeguards built in from day one

Where the support goes:

  • Clinical testing for:
    • Dose consistency
    • Safety of polymer materials
  • Environmental design:
    • Biodegradable gum base
  • FDA approval pathway

Platform tech → expandable to:

  • Anxiety meds
  • Migraine relief
  • Emergency drugs (Sustained Epinephrine)

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The Ask

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Thank You

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