Innovative Once-Weekly Pill Shows Promise for Schizophrenia Treatment

Recent advancements in pharmaceutical technology have led to the development of a novel once-a-week oral medication for schizophrenia, demonstrating promising results in clinical trials. Researchers at MIT, through their spinout Lyndra Therapeutics, engineered an innovative ingestible capsule that releases medication gradually over a week, potentially transforming how chronic mental health conditions are managed.

The capsule, approximately the size of a multivitamin, is designed to expand into a star shape once swallowed. This shape helps it stay within the stomach for an extended period, ensuring controlled drug release. The development stems from over a decade of research into long-acting drug delivery systems, aimed at improving medication adherence, especially for conditions like schizophrenia where consistent treatment is crucial.

In a Phase III trial, the capsule was loaded with risperidone, a widely prescribed antipsychotic. The study involved 83 patients across five U.S. sites, where participants took a single capsule weekly instead of daily pills. Results indicated stable drug levels in the bloodstream, comparable efficacy to traditional daily dosing, and a significant improvement in medication adherence.

The trial's primary outcome was that symptom management, assessed via the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), remained effective and stable throughout the study. Participants experienced minimal side effects, with only mild, transient issues such as acid reflux and constipation. This suggests the capsule's potential as a safe, effective alternative for long-term schizophrenia management.

This technology addresses a critical unmet need by simplifying medication routines, which can improve adherence and reduce relapse risks. The capsule’s design allows it to remain in the stomach for about a week, with the arms of the star-shaped device automatically detaching and exiting the body after that period, making it a non-invasive, patient-friendly option.

Building on this success, researchers aim to conduct larger Phase III studies to seek FDA approval for risperidone delivery via this capsule. They are also exploring the adaptation of this technology for other medications, including contraceptives. Innovators like MIT’s Giovanni Traverso and Lyndra’s Richard Scranton believe this approach could revolutionize treatment adherence for neuropsychiatric conditions and beyond.

This breakthrough signifies a step closer to more manageable and consistent medication regimens, improving quality of life for patients with chronic illnesses. The development highlights the potential of ingestible device technology to enhance how medications are delivered and improve health outcomes.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-week-pill-schizophrenia-clinical-trials.html