PBPK-based link between in vitro release and in vivo performance for PLGA implants
Official title: Developing PBPK-model based mechanistic IVIVC for PLGA implants
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11401615 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A projects uses computer modeling to connect how a PLGA implant releases buprenorphine in the lab to how it behaves in the body, aiming to predict patient drug levels.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,732 |
| NIH project number | 5U01FD008303-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401615 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is focused on implant technology; future participants would be patients who receive PLGA-based buprenorphine implants.
✕Less likely to help
People not receiving PLGA-based implants or not involved in pharmacokinetic studies may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project will create a predictive model that links labrelease data from a long-acting PLGA buprenorphine implant to real patient drug levels using physiologically based pharmacokinetics. Researchers will develop a bio-predictive in-vitro release test and identify which formulation factors most influence release. They will then build a bottom-up PBPK model to translate in-vitro results into in-vivo pharmacokinetics, helping to forecast implant performance in people.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could improve the design of long-acting implants and better anticipate patient dosing needs.
How similar studies have gone: PBPK and IVIVC approaches have shown promise in prior implant and long-acting product research, but this project advances a tailored IVIVC for PLGA buprenorphine implants.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Feng — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Feng
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Translating new nerve grafts to clinical use
Aims to bring advanced nerve graft technology that uses PEG-fusion and localized immunosuppression to patients with nerve gaps.
-
GABA-A receptor gating mechanisms and how drugs affect them
Researchers are studying how GABA-A receptor gates work and how medicines can modulate them to help people with epilepsy, Alzheimer's-related symptoms, and other brain disorders.
-
Nanoparticles that calm inflammation after artery procedures
A new nanoparticle inspired by dying cells is being tested to reduce inflammation after artery procedures and help PAD patients heal better.
-
Silent speech interface using a wearable tongue tracker to help people after laryngectomy communicate
A wearable system with tongue sensors and intraoral components aims to let people without a vocal cord use natural-sounding speech in daily life.
-
Understanding and reversing abnormal brain activity in Alzheimer's disease
Aims to understand how unusual brain activity contributes to Alzheimer’s and test ways to reverse it to help people with the condition.
-
CFDE Cloud Workspace to help researchers share and analyze data
A cloud-based workspace will let a wide range of researchers import, integrate, and analyze data from CFDE and other sources using familiar tools and workflows.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.