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Transvaginal Mesh Insertion in the Ovine Model
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Development of Hormonal Intravaginal Rings: Technology and Challenges
Fojan Rafiei1, Hadi Tabesh1, Shayan Farzad2
1Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Geburtshilfe Und Frauenheilkunde
|July 19, 2021
Summary
Hormonal intravaginal rings (IVRs) offer sustained drug delivery for contraception and hormone therapy. This review classifies IVR designs, analyzes performance, and discusses challenges for improved women
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Intravaginal rings (IVRs) provide sustained, topical drug delivery, minimizing systemic side effects and avoiding hepatic first-pass metabolism.
- Topical delivery enhances drug concentration at the target site, improving efficacy for contraception and conditions like endometriosis and hormone deficiencies.
- Hormonal IVRs, primarily using estrogen and progestogens, offer advantages over conventional administration methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To classify and compare various hormonal intravaginal ring (IVR) designs, both commercial and non-commercial.
- To analyze the performance, materials, and applications of hormonal IVRs.
- To investigate current challenges and propose solutions for IVR development.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE/PubMed for IVR publications.
- Evaluation of commercial product data for intravaginal rings.
- Analysis of IVR materials (silicone, polyurethane, polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate), designs, performance, and applications.
Main Results:
- Hormonal IVRs are categorized by material into silicone, polyurethane, and polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate types.
- Four major IVR designs significantly influence drug release profiles and performance.
- Key challenges include managing initial burst release, ensuring long-term hormone bioavailability, and reducing manufacturing costs.
Conclusions:
- Hormonal IVRs represent a promising drug delivery platform for contraception, hormone replacement, and combination therapies.
- Optimized IVR designs can improve therapeutic outcomes and reduce side effects compared to traditional methods.
- Further development can enhance IVR technology, potentially improving women's quality of life globally.
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