We designed and developed a novel subdermal implant for controlled, long-term delivery of leuprolide acetate to treat endometriosis. Current therapies rely on systemic hormone suppressants and oral medications that prioritize symptom management over disease control, requiring daily compliance and producing significant side effects. These limitations highlighted a critical need for sustained-release alternatives that reduce patient burden.
Our implant utilizes a polymer-based delivery system optimized to achieve sustained and predictable release profiles, enabling continuous drug administration over extended durations. By delivering leuprolide acetate subdermally, we eliminated frequent dosing requirements and improved treatment adherence while maintaining therapeutic hormone suppression levels. Inspired by the Nexplanon contraceptive platform but fundamentally redesigned for endometriosis-specific therapy, our design transformed conventional daily or monthly treatments into a single, long-acting intervention.
We addressed key design considerations including implant geometry, polymer membrane properties, drug loading, and diffusion-driven release kinetics to ensure precise control over dosage and duration. We used computational modeling and design optimization to guide parameter selection for achieving clinically relevant release rates.
Beyond endometriosis, our subdermal implant platform represents a scalable and adaptable drug delivery strategy for women’s health. By shifting treatment paradigms from temporary symptom management toward precision-controlled, long-term therapy, we established a foundation for next-generation implants capable of delivering therapeutics with patient-specific dosing and duration. This work aims to redefine chronic disease management in women’s health through innovative implantable drug delivery systems.