Materials engineers at Stanford University have developed a groundbreaking hydrogel drug delivery system, potentially transforming the administration of diabetes and weight control drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, Trulicity, Victoza, and others. A new system allows for one injection every four months, improving diabetes and weight management, medication adherence, and long-term health outcomes for Type 2 diabetes patients.
The new hydrogel system, known as a polymer-nanoparticle (PNP) hydrogel, is designed to release GLP-1 drugs gradually over four months. The hydrogel, a combination of polymer chains and nanoparticles, encapsulates drug molecules and gradually dissolves to release medication over four months. Its composition ensures easy injection via standard needles and maintains its form and effectiveness in the body throughout this period. Injected under the skin as a compact depot, its design balances size for patient comfort and drug effectiveness.
This hydrogel was successfully trialed in lab rats, and the next steps include testing in pigs, with human clinical trials expected in the next one and a half to two years.
Ref: d’Aquino AI, Maikawa CL, Nguyen LT, et al. Use of a biomimetic hydrogel depot technology for sustained delivery of GLP-1 receptor agonists reduces burden of diabetes management. Cell Rep Med. 2023;4(11). doi:10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101292
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