Continuous Dosing with One-Shot Drug

Researchers at Rice University have developed a drug-delivery system that uses microparticles to release medication in timed delays that can span days or even weeks. The system involves an injection containing hundreds of tiny microplastic particles, each encapsulating a small dose of a drug. By adjusting the molecular weight of the polymer used for each capsule, the scientists can control how fast they erode and release medication. The technology could help patients with chronic illnesses who struggle with dosing adherence and could be particularly useful for elderly patients who are dependent on family members for transportation and may skip appointments.