Researchers from MIT have developed a pill that can deliver medication to patients with schizophrenia once a week, while maintaining consistent levels of the drug in their bodies and controlling symptoms just as well as daily doses. The innovative technology uses an ingestible capsule that slowly releases medication from within the stomach.
In a phase 3 clinical trial, Lyndra Therapeutics used this weekly pill to deliver risperidone, a commonly prescribed medication for managing schizophrenia symptoms. The results showed that patients maintained optimal levels of the drug in their bloodstream and experienced stable symptoms throughout the study.
The capsule is designed to be easy to administer, reducing the risk of non-adherence that can worsen symptoms and lead to hospitalization. Side effects were minimal, with mild acid reflux and constipation being the most common issues.
This breakthrough technology has significant implications for patients who struggle to take their medication daily due to cognitive impairments or other factors. The researchers plan to complete larger phase 3 studies before applying for FDA approval and are preparing for phase 1 trials using this capsule to deliver other drugs, including contraceptives.
The development of this weekly medication pill represents a major milestone in the field of drug delivery and could make treatment easier for patients with schizophrenia and other conditions.
Source: https://news.mit.edu/2025/weekly-pill-schizophrenia-shows-promise-clinical-trials-0610