Researchers at Boston-based Mass General Brigham and MIT have developed a long-acting contraceptive injection designed to be delivered through tiny needles, reducing discomfort and increasing accessibility.
The new injection, detailed in Nature Chemical Engineering, could provide an alternative to traditional contraceptive implants which usually require a surgical insertion, according to a March 24 news release from Mass General Brigham.
The new injection uses self-assembling long-acting injectable microcrystals to deliver levonorgestrel, a synthetic progesterone hormone used as a form of contraception. Once injected, the microcrystals form a solid implant inside the body, slowly releasing the drug over time.
The method allows for smaller needles and easier self-administration, potentially benefiting individuals with limited access to healthcare, the release said.
