The solid implant created through this method can be easily administered using small needles, enhancing patient comfort and allowing for retrieval if necessary.

This method is particularly promising for long-lasting contraceptives and other medications that require extended administration periods.

The simplicity of this drug delivery system could lead to applications beyond contraception, potentially treating conditions such as neuropsychiatric disorders, HIV, and tuberculosis.

Dr. Giovanni Traverso, an associate professor at MIT, noted that this technique allows for controlled, sustained delivery of drugs, enhancing treatment options for various health issues.

Researchers have found that by adjusting the density of the drug depot with biodegradable polymers, they can control the drug release rate, tailoring it to specific therapeutic needs.

Researchers at MIT have developed a groundbreaking drug delivery method that utilizes tiny crystals to form a long-lasting drug depot under the skin, significantly reducing the frequency of injections.

The project is funded by the Gates Foundation, with a focus on improving contraceptive options in developing countries, providing women with accessible, long-acting solutions.

Dr. Janet Barter, president of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, has highlighted the potential of this innovation for low-resource settings, emphasizing the need for further research into its safety and efficacy.

Initial tests in animal models demonstrated that the drug depots remained stable, releasing medication gradually over three months and retaining about 85% of the drug, indicating potential for longer efficacy.

This innovative approach involves injecting levonorgestrel, a contraceptive drug, suspended in a biocompatible solvent called benzyl benzoate, which facilitates the formation of a compact drug depot post-injection.

Unlike current injectable drugs that last only about three months, this new method aims for a duration of effectiveness between six months to two years.

While the research is still in its early stages, human trials are projected to begin within the next three to five years, according to Dr. Giovanni Traverso.