Researchers Develop Innovative Drug Delivery System for Long-Term Treatment with Minimal Pain
A research team from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States has developed a groundbreaking drug delivery method that enables high-dose administration with reduced injection pain. The new technique involves injecting tiny drug crystals under the skin, where they form a compact reservoir that gradually releases the medication over several months—or even years—eliminating the need for frequent injections.
The findings were published in the journal Nature Chemical Engineering and highlighted by EurekAlert.
How Does It Work?
The method involves converting the drug into crystal form and mixing it with a safe organic solvent. This mixture is then injected under the skin using an ultra-thin needle. Upon injection, the crystals naturally aggregate to form a solid, compressed drug reservoir that slowly releases the medication over time.
One of the major advantages of this system is the ability to control the drug release rate by adding a small amount of biodegradable polymer, allowing for precise customization of the treatment.
Promising Results in Animal Trials
Tests conducted on mice showed that the drug release continued for three months, with 85% of the medication still present in the reservoir—indicating that the treatment could potentially last for over a year. Additionally, the reservoir can be surgically removed if treatment needs to be discontinued, offering flexibility to both patients and healthcare providers.
Additional Advantages
- Minimally painful injections due to fine needles
- Easy to administer without requiring advanced medical infrastructure
- Long-term cost reduction
- Customizable dosage and release timing depending on the disease
Potential Applications
While the primary focus is on enhancing long-acting contraceptive methods—particularly in developing countries—the technology holds promise for treating chronic conditions that require consistent medication, such as:
- HIV
- Tuberculosis
- Neurological and psychiatric disorders, including depression and schizophrenia
The MIT team is currently advancing the technology toward human trials and assessing the diseases that could benefit most from this system.
A New Era in Drug Delivery
This novel approach marks a significant breakthrough in long-term drug delivery, combining comfort, effectiveness, and adaptability. It has the potential to revolutionize chronic disease treatment and provide practical, patient-friendly healthcare solutions across the globe.
