It’s a game-changer.
A new medical innovation could make it significantly easier for individuals with schizophrenia to manage their treatment, according to recent research.
Scientists have developed a once-weekly pill that gradually releases medication while remaining in the stomach, potentially eliminating the need for daily doses. The study, published June 10 in The Lancet, showed that this method effectively maintains steady levels of risperidone—a commonly prescribed antipsychotic—comparable to daily pills.
“This approach transforms daily dosing into a once-a-week regimen,” said Giovanni Traverso, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at MIT, in a statement. “It’s a versatile technology that could be adapted for many other medications as well.”
The innovation stems from more than a decade of research in Traverso’s lab. Roughly the size of a standard multivitamin, the capsule unfolds into a star-shaped device once ingested. This structure allows it to stay in the stomach and release the medication slowly over several days. Eventually, the arms dissolve, and the capsule exits the body naturally.
The device was originally introduced in 2016, and subsequent collaboration with Lyndra Therapeutics led to testing it with risperidone due to its importance in treating schizophrenia. Many patients with schizophrenia struggle to consistently take daily medication, which can lead to relapses and hospitalizations.
“Schizophrenia is one condition where forgetfulness or inability to manage daily medication can severely impact health,” Traverso explained. “We focused on this area to help meet a real clinical need.”
In the recent clinical trial, 83 patients from five U.S. locations participated, with 47 completing the five-week study. They took one capsule each week, and blood tests showed that drug levels remained within the therapeutic range throughout. Compared to traditional daily pills, the weekly capsule provided more stable drug concentrations.
Symptom control was also maintained throughout the study, with few side effects. Some participants reported temporary issues like mild heartburn or constipation, but no severe reactions occurred.
Dr. Leslie Citrome, lead author and professor of psychiatry at New York Medical College, noted that inconsistent medication use is a common barrier to managing chronic illnesses. “Having a weekly oral option could improve adherence, especially for those who prefer pills over injections,” he said.
Although these results are promising, researchers plan to conduct larger phase 3 trials before seeking FDA approval. They also aim to evaluate the star-shaped capsule’s potential to deliver other medications, including hormonal contraceptives.
“This study confirms that a long-held idea—creating a pill that acts as a drug reservoir in the digestive system—is both safe and effective,” Traverso said.
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