This archive report was first published on 9 December 2019.
Published on December 9, 2019, scientists have made a breakthrough in reproductive health by developing a once-a-month oral contraceptive pill.
According to researchers, the pill remains in the stomach for weeks, slowly releasing hormones to prevent pregnancy. This innovative design allows it to resist immediate attack by stomach acids.
Designed for women who want to take a tablet for birth control but are worried about remembering to take a daily dose, the pill is a star-shaped drug delivery system packaged into an easy-to-swallow dissolvable capsule.
Once it reaches the stomach, the star unfolds like a flower and starts doing its work of steadily releasing contraceptive hormones housed on its six arms.
Dr. Giovanni Traverso from Harvard Medical School, who developed the prototype with colleagues at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, says, “The pill is big to immediately exit the stomach and will remain there for weeks until it has finished its job and can be broken down and excreted from the body.”
Testing of the pills on patients is ongoing to determine if it can safely and reliably deliver other drugs, such as malaria therapies.
Experts believe that having several options for women will improve their decision as far as their health and fertility is concerned.
