Researchers have developed a new way to deliver high doses of medication in the body with less pain from injections. This new method turns the medicine into tiny crystals that are injected under the skin, where they form a solid drug depot. The medication is then slowly released over months or even years, removing the need for repeated injections.
This study was done by scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States. The results were published in the journal Nature Chemical Engineering and shared by EurekAlert.
How Does This New Method Work?
When these drug crystals are mixed with a safe organic solvent and injected through a thin needle, the crystals automatically gather under the skin. There, they form a solid, compact storage site for the drug. This depot can slowly release the medicine over time.
To control how fast the medicine is released, scientists add a tiny amount of biodegradable polymer. This allows them to fine-tune the release depending on the type of treatment needed.
Long-Lasting and Less Painful Treatment
One of the biggest advantages of this method is that it can provide long-term treatment. In animal tests, the drug kept releasing steadily for 3 months, and 85% of the medication was still stored suggesting it could last for over a year.
If needed, doctors can surgically remove the depot to stop the treatment early. Also, since the injection uses very thin needles, the process is less painful and easier for patients.
Who Can Benefit From This Innovation?
The main goal of this technology is to improve long-acting birth control, especially in developing countries where people need simple and low-maintenance options.
But that’s not all — it could also be used for chronic diseases that need regular medication, like:
- HIV/AIDS
- Tuberculosis
- Mental and neurological disorders
This kind of drug delivery could make treatment easier, less frequent, and more comfortable for millions of patients around the world.
What’s Next?
The research team is now working on advanced testing to make this method ready for human use. They’re also looking into which diseases and conditions could benefit most from this system — whether it’s birth control or other long-term treatments.
This simple but powerful innovation could change how we take long-term medicine, making healthcare more comfortable, affordable, and accessible especially for communities with limited resources.