Understanding how PLGA implants release medication in the body
Official title: Developing PBPK-model based mechanistic IVIVC for PLGA implants
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11063705 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to predict how long-lasting implants that release medication work, which could help create better treatments for patients who need long-acting injections, like those using buprenorphine.
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 | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $299,364 |
| NIH project number | 1U01FD008303-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063705 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who require long-term pain management or treatment for opioid dependence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require long-acting injectable treatments or those with contraindications to PLGA implants may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a method to predict how long-acting PLGA-based implants release medication over time. By using a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling approach, the team aims to analyze how different formulation parameters affect the release of the drug both in laboratory settings and in the body. Patients may benefit from improved long-acting injectable treatments that are more effective and tailored to individual needs. The research will involve creating a new testing method to evaluate the release of buprenorphine from these implants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective long-acting injectable treatments for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using PBPK modeling for drug release predictions, indicating potential success for this approach.
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.