The Technology
Progesterone, a critical steroid hormone, regulates numerous reproductive functions and has wide-ranging clinical applications, including hormone replacement therapy, contraception, and pregnancy maintenance. Despite its essential role, progesterone is poorly water-soluble, limiting its effectiveness when administered through conventional routes. To address this, long-releasing progesterone microcrystals have been developed using innovative crystallization techniques. These microcrystals offer controlled release profiles and improved bioavailability, making them highly suitable for localized drug delivery in medical treatments. The technology uses two solvent crystallization systems to create microcrystals that enable a controlled release over 14 days:
- The IPA system produces hollow-like progesterone microcrystals, ideal for slow, sustained release.
- The AcN system forms condensed microcrystals with denser structures, offering an intermediate release profile between rapid and slow release.
Both systems result in stable form 1 polymorphs of progesterone, ensuring predictable and tunable drug release, with potential for a variety of clinical applications.
Advantages
- Extended 14-day release, reducing the frequency of dosing.
- Controlled release profiles through customizable crystal formation.
- Localized delivery, minimizing systemic side effects.
- Improved bioavailability compared to conventional forms.
- Carrier-free microcrystals, reducing immune responses and maximizing drug content.
Applications and Opportunities
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Sustained progesterone release for better patient compliance.
- Contraception: Long-term localized release for hormone-based contraceptives.
- Pregnancy Maintenance: Effective in maintaining progesterone levels to prevent preterm labor.
- Drug Delivery Platform: Potential for other hormones (e.g., estradiol) and combined drug formulations.
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