Purpose In this paper, we present a concept of an implantable drug delivery device able to deliver drugs in the duodenum for a long period of time (e.g. one month). This device will help to overcome therapeutic non-adherence which is the main reason why many patients do not obtain all the benefits they could expect from their medicines. Methods The presented device is based on a miniature tubular linear actuator capable to move at discrete positions inside a tube. Its small size and ability to realize small strokes makes it suitable for this type of biomedical application. Our research work mainly focuses on the actuator design. First, we present the electromagnetic modeling of the actuator followed by its experimental validation. Results Results show that the presented actuator can reach discrete positions inside the tube with an average displacement stroke value of 3.5 mm with a standard deviation of 0.1 mm for a 0.5 A supplied current. Finally, we validate the actuator as part of the complete drug delivery device where balls with a diameter of 3 mm, mimicking drug doses, were released from the tube one by one.