Formulation-Based Repurposing of Mifepristone Using a Drug-Eluting Intrauterine Insert for Localized Uterine Fibroid...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Current uterine fibroid (UF) treatments are often invasive, involving oral or parenteral drug administration.
• Mifepristone (MFP), a progesterone receptor antagonist, shows promise for UF treatment, though currently used for abortion induction.
• Repurposing MFP for UF treatment via targeted delivery is a potential therapeutic strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a biodegradable drug-eluting intrauterine insert (DE-IUI) containing mifepristone (MFP).
• To evaluate the efficacy of the DE-IUI for targeted delivery and reduction of uterine fibroids (UFs).

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a biodegradable, capsule-shaped DE-IUI using a melting process.
• Assessment of drug release kinetics, showing 45-50% release over 15 days.
• Preclinical in vivo evaluation of DE-IUI biodegradation and UF size reduction.

Main Results:

• The developed DE-IUI demonstrated controlled drug release and successful biodegradation.
• In vivo studies confirmed significant reduction in uterine fibroid size following DE-IUI administration.
• The intrauterine route proved effective for targeted MFP delivery to the uterus.

Conclusions:

• The mifepristone-loaded DE-IUI is a viable and effective method for repurposing MFP to treat uterine fibroids.
• Targeted intrauterine drug delivery minimizes dosage and mitigates side effects associated with conventional UF treatments.
• This novel DE-IUI offers a promising, less invasive therapeutic option for uterine fibroids.