A groundbreaking pill that needs to be taken only once a week could revolutionize how patients with schizophrenia manage their condition. The star-shaped capsule, developed by researchers at MIT, gradually releases medication from inside the stomach, maintaining steady drug levels while eliminating the daily pill burden.
Clinical trial results published in Lancet Psychiatry show that the weekly treatment controlled symptoms just as effectively as daily medication, addressing one of the biggest challenges in schizophrenia care: getting patients to take their medicine consistently. The technology, which took over a decade to develop, uses a system that can be adapted for various medications, making it easier to ensure patients receive their medication.
The capsule starts small and expands into a six-armed star shape once swallowed, releasing risperidone, a widely prescribed antipsychotic medication, over the course of a week. After seven days, the arms naturally break apart and exit through the digestive system. Researchers found that blood levels of the medication stayed within optimal ranges throughout the week, with less variation than typically seen with daily pills.
The trial included 83 patients across five U.S. sites, but only 45 completed the full study. Side effects were minimal, with some participants experiencing mild acid reflux and constipation early on. The diverse group of participants – 75% male, 81% Black or African American, with an average age of 49 years – made the results particularly encouraging.
The weekly dosing approach offers a unique solution: the convenience of oral medication without the daily adherence burden. Patients get a sharp increase in drug levels on dosing day, followed by a controlled decline over the week, staying within therapeutic ranges. The technology has the potential to significantly improve outcomes for patients struggling with severe mental illness.
The researchers plan larger phase 3 studies before seeking FDA approval and are preparing trials for other medications, including contraceptives. The journey from laboratory concept to potential treatment option highlights how addressing seemingly simple problems can require sophisticated engineering solutions.
Source: https://scienceblog.com/weekly-pill-for-schizophrenia-shows-promise-in-trials