Schizophrenia Treatment Based on Sustained Release of Risperidone from Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) Acid Implantable...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Schizophrenia affects 24 million globally, with current treatments like injections having limitations.
• Conventional drug delivery methods for schizophrenia can be painful and require professional administration.
• There is a need for improved drug delivery systems offering sustained release and patient convenience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA)-based implantable microneedle patch (IMN) for transdermal risperidone (RIS) delivery.
• To assess the mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and drug release profile of the RIS-loaded IMN.
• To investigate the in vivo efficacy of the RIS IMN in a rat model compared to intramuscular injection.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of PLGA-based microneedle patches loaded with risperidone.
• Characterization using microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and infrared spectroscopy.
• In vitro drug release, ex vivo skin permeation, in vitro cytocompatibility, and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies in rats.

Main Results:

• RIS IMNs exhibited excellent mechanical properties and successful insertion into model skin.
• Biocompatibility studies showed no cytotoxicity to human dermal fibroblasts.
• In vitro studies demonstrated sustained RIS release over 7 days with over 65% delivery efficiency.
• In vivo studies showed sustained therapeutic plasma concentrations for 9 days, outperforming intramuscular injection's short duration.

Conclusions:

• RIS IMNs provide a promising, self-administering transdermal drug delivery system for schizophrenia treatment.
• The developed IMN offers prolonged therapeutic effects and potentially reduces the need for frequent medical interventions.
• This novel approach could significantly improve treatment adherence and patient outcomes in schizophrenia management.