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Last updated: April 9, 2025

Injectable LNG in PLA/PLGA Microspheres

LNG Long-Acting Microsphere Injectable (LLMI)

  • User: Female
  • Hormonal: Hormonal
  • Delivery type:
    • Injectable
  • Intended Duration:
    • Short-Acting
  • Development Stage: Pre-Clinical
  • Developer(s)/researcher(s): FHI 360, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies
Details
  • API: Levonorgestrel
  • Target: Progesterone Receptor
  • Mechanism of Action:
    • Ovulation Inhibition
    • Cervical Mucus Changes
    • Endometrial Changes
  • Inactive Materials: PLGA
  • Regimen: 1 Injection/6 Months
  • MPT: Not Potential MPT
  • Promising Attributes: A longer-acting injectable with a more-controlled release may improve method adoption and continuation and minimize side effects associated with an initial burst of LNG following injection.
Product Status

CMC and Pre-Clinical Research Ongoing. First-in-Human Trial Planned. 

History

1989: US FDA approves first injectable drug to use PLGA microspheres loaded with an API. 
1985-2009: Pre-clinical studies indicate promise for the controlled release of LNG both in vivo and in vitro. PLGA is a desirable encapsulation material due to its consistent biodegradability and biocompatability. 
2011-Present: User acceptablity research and market research indicate strong and consistent user interest in a 6-month contraceptive injectable method
2011: FHI 360 launches the Longer-Acting Injectable Initiative, which supports a number of proposals for development of new/modified injectables. 
2020-Present: Researchers from SIBPT and FHI 360 collaborate to develop appropriate encapsulation, suspension, and delivery processes and systems for PLGA-encased LNG. 
 

Publications

Additional Information