Giovanni Traverso, PhD, highlights contraceptive implants through small needle
Giovanni Traverso, PhD, reveals the benefits of an innovative small-needle contraceptive implant that enhances accessibility, minimizes discomfort, and offers a versatile platform for long-acting drug delivery.
In a recent interview with Contemporary OB/GYN, Giovanni Traverso, PhD, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, discussed the challenges associated with traditional implant contraceptives and the advancements being made in long-acting drug delivery systems.
Conventional contraceptive implants often require surgical implantation or large needles, making administration invasive and requiring professional medical assistance. To improve accessibility and ease of use, Traverso and his team have developed a new system that utilizes small needles to deliver long-acting contraceptive depots, which could enable self-administration and minimize discomfort.
The newly developed contraceptive implant works by injecting a liquid suspension through a small needle, which then solidifies into a mini-tablet inside the body. This innovation offers several key advantages. First, the use of a small needle makes the procedure less invasive and more convenient for patients. Second, because the implant solidifies within the body, it allows for easy retrieval if needed. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who experience adverse effects or wish to regain fertility earlier than expected. Additionally, this platform is versatile and can be applied beyond contraception to deliver treatments for other conditions, including infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV, as well as neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
A critical factor in this new system is the viscosity of the liquid medication. Thicker liquids require more force to be injected through a thin needle, similar to how syrup flows more slowly than water. By optimizing viscosity, the research team ensured the medication can be administered smoothly and effectively without the need for large needles.
Looking ahead, the self-aggregating long-acting injectable microcrystals system has the potential to revolutionize long-acting drug administration across multiple medical fields. Traverso highlighted the collaborative effort behind this innovation, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork, including experts in material science, pharmaceutical sciences, engineering, and medicine, all working together to develop more effective and accessible drug delivery solutions.
Reference
Feig VR, Park S, Rivan PG, et al. Self-aggregating long-acting injectable microcrystals. Nature Chemical Engineering. 2025;2:209-219. doi:10.1038/s44286-025-00194-x
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