The device allows medicine to be released according to patient's needs, for periods lasting days, weeks or months. The device also includes a medication release mechanism, micro-sensors, and micro-actuators.

The device involves developing an intraoral micro-system, which contains a medication replacement reservoir releasing the medication in a controlled, intelligent manner.

These allow a patient to adjust medicine taken by remote control, with drugs being absorbed by oral mucosa or swallowed.

The control could also inform patients and doctors if the medicine container needs refilling, a process the European Commission said would be 'simple and non-invasive.'

The project, IntelliDrug , is aimed at developing an intelligent micro- and nano- system to provide an alternative approach for the treatment of addiction and chronic diseases.

The project explores the application potential of micro-nano technology and investigates the integration technologies required to establish the nano to macro interface.

IntelliDrug deals with research and development of key technologies, such as biosensors and secure communication, low volume controlled drug handling, and the component integration into wearable systems, to manage health status.

The device is expected to be on sale in 2007 and would be particularly useful for chronic disease sufferers and drug addicts. Researchers from Germany, Poland, Italy, Spain, Israel and Switzerland have been involved.