In yet another display of Abu Dhabi’s growing strength as a hub for scientific innovation, a team of researchers at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) has developed a tiny ingestible device that could one day revolutionize the treatment of obesity and digestive disorders.
The experimental capsule — a 3D-printed LED device — emits controlled light inside the gut, offering a futuristic alternative to injectable weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro. The breakthrough has been published in the peer-reviewed journal Advanced Materials Technologies, drawing global attention to the UAE’s leadership in next-generation medical research.
A “Holy Grail” in Weight-Loss Technology
The NYUAD research team, led by Dr Khalil Ramadi, Assistant Professor of Bioengineering and Director of the Laboratory for Advanced Neuroengineering and Translational Medicine, is exploring how light could influence the body’s appetite and nutrient absorption mechanisms.
When swallowed, the capsule is powered wirelessly through a magnetic field, similar to how a smartphone is charged. Once activated, it emits light that can potentially stimulate nerve cells in the gut, altering the way the body perceives hunger or processes food.
Describing the goal as the “holy grail” of ingestible medical devices, Dr Ramadi said the vision is to create a non-drug alternative to weight-loss medications.
“That’s very much a holy grail of people working on these ingestible devices – to be able to have the next Ozempic-buster,”
Dr Ramadi told The National.
“We are not there yet, but the results are promising and suggest it’s within the realm of possibility.”
Harnessing Light and Genetics
In the current phase, the capsule has been tested on rats, where it passes naturally through the digestive tract after completing its task. The next stage may involve pairing the capsule with optogenetics — an emerging field that combines light and genetic modification to control how specific cells behave.
Scientists propose that certain nerve cells in the gut could be genetically altered using plasmids (small DNA loops) to become responsive to light. When illuminated by the capsule, these light-sensitive neurons could potentially reduce appetite or influence digestion.
While the Abu Dhabi team has not yet introduced genetic modifications, such techniques are widely used in laboratories globally and could be key to unlocking the capsule’s full potential.
Beyond Weight Loss: Wider Medical Promise
Although the “Ozempic-buster” nickname reflects its weight-loss potential, the device could also have applications in treating gastrointestinal disorders, such as constipation or nutrient absorption deficiencies.
“Could we selectively uptake certain nutrients from food and not others? Can we artificially increase or decrease hunger depending on what diseases we might be looking at?” Dr Ramadi asked.
The team is conducting parallel research on human-scale versions of the capsule, exploring how wireless energy transfer and light-based control could support other therapeutic goals — including targeted drug release or gut motility management.
Wireless Power, No Batteries Needed
One of the most groundbreaking aspects of the NYUAD design is its battery-free power system. Most existing ingestible devices depend on miniature batteries, but NYUAD’s capsule operates wirelessly via magnetic induction, making it safer and more sustainable for human use.
“You can transfer power to a very small component and then do different things with that power — you can shine an LED, activate a switch, or release a drug,” Dr Ramadi explained.
“That’s a platform for many future applications.”
Innovation Made in Abu Dhabi
The research paper credits ten NYUAD scientists, including Dr Mohamed Elsherif, the study’s lead author. Dr Elsherif highlighted that the capsule was entirely fabricated in-house using 3D printing, without the need for cleanroom facilities — a rare achievement in biomedical device design.
“What makes this capsule unique is that it was entirely fabricated in-house using 3D printing,” said Dr Elsherif.
“It enables types of analysis that are not possible with invasive optical fiber implants.”
This approach underscores Abu Dhabi’s growing capacity for homegrown research and advanced manufacturing, marking a significant leap forward for the region’s biomedical innovation ecosystem.
The Road Ahead
While the project remains in its experimental stage, the findings signal a bold new direction for global metabolic health research. If proven safe and effective in humans, NYUAD’s light-based capsule could transform how weight and appetite are managed — offering a drug-free, non-invasive alternative to existing therapies.
Ozempic, originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes, has become one of the world’s most sought-after weight-loss solutions. But cost, accessibility, and side effects continue to pose challenges. The Abu Dhabi-developed capsule could eventually bridge that gap — replacing injections with a simple, swallowable device.
“We’re really excited about the potential of this technology,” Dr Ramadi said. “This is just the beginning of what wireless, ingestible devices can achieve.”
Abu Dhabi: The New Frontier for Health Tech Innovation
The “Ozempic-buster” project is more than a scientific milestone — it reflects Abu Dhabi’s vision to become a global leader in health technology, research, and life sciences. Through institutions like NYUAD and its world-class research centers, the UAE continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in medicine, sustainability, and human well-being.
As Dr Ramadi’s team continues to refine its technology, the world will be watching closely — and the light of innovation, quite literally, will be shining from Abu Dhabi.
