Revolutionizing drug delivery, a breakthrough approach has been developed to deliver drugs in higher doses with less pain, by injecting them as a suspension of tiny crystals. This novel method enables longer treatment periods and tunable drug release.
Engineers at MIT have developed a novel approach to deliver drugs in higher doses with less pain, by injecting them as a suspension of tiny crystals. Once under the skin, these crystals assemble into a drug ‘depot’ that can last for months or years, eliminating the need for frequent drug injections.
The new method uses a combination of a contraceptive drug called levonorgestrel and an organic solvent to create a highly compact implant. This depot is stable and releases the drug gradually over time, allowing for longer treatment periods. The researchers have successfully tested their approach in rats, showing that the depots can remain stable for up to three months, with about 85% of the drug remaining in the depots after this period.
By adding small amounts of a biodegradable polymer, the researchers can modulate the release rate of the drug, extending its duration while maintaining injectability. This demonstrates the tunability of their system, which can be engineered to accommodate a broader range of contraceptive needs as well as tailored dosing regimens for other therapeutic applications.
The new approach has far-reaching potential for delivering drugs to treat various conditions, including neuropsychiatric disorders and infectious diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis. The researchers are now moving towards assessing its translation to humans through advanced preclinical studies.
Drug delivery refers to the methods and systems used to administer medications to patients.
It involves the design, development, and optimization of dosage forms and routes of administration to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Advances in drug delivery have led to the creation of targeted therapies, such as nanoparticles and liposomes, which can improve bioavailability and reduce side effects.
Statistics show that 70% of new drugs fail due to poor pharmacokinetics, highlighting the importance of innovative drug delivery systems.
The research was funded by a range of organizations, including the Gates Foundation, the Karl van Tassel Career Development Professorship, and the MIT Department of Mechanical Engineering. As the team moves forward, they will be considering which indications to pursue first, such as contraception or other therapeutic applications.
Contraception refers to methods, devices, and techniques used to prevent pregnancy.
There are various types of contraception, including hormonal birth control pills, 'intrauterine devices (IUDs)', condoms, diaphragms, and sterilization procedures.
According to the World Health Organization, over 200 million women worldwide have an unmet need for modern contraception.
In the United States, it is estimated that nearly half of all pregnancies are unintended.
Contraception not only prevents unplanned pregnancies but also reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize drug delivery, making it easier for patients to access life-saving treatments while reducing the need for frequent injections.
