We have developed an injectable in situ forming hydrogel implant for the delivery of HIV/AIDS antiretroviral drugs for at least 28 days using peptides that form hydrogels in response to phosphatase enzymes present in the subcutaneous/intramuscular space.
The formulation is composed of a self-assembling low molecular weight D or L- peptide hydrogelator to which drugs are conjugated covalently via an ester linkage. This formulated as a powder and administered as an aqueous injectable solution. Our formulation overcomes several difficulties with existing therapies, including the ability to formulate multiple drugs within one injectable product.
We are aiming to expand this technology, researching its use in combination with contraceptives. We are also studying its wider use in diseases where patients have difficulty adhering to their medicines, or barriers to drug delivery exist e.g. Alzheimer's, tuberculosis, depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse, malaria, cancer, ocular delivery, spinal/CNS delivery, vaccines and infection.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participant will be able to list the benefits of a peptide hydrogel approach to the formulation HIV/AIDS drugs compared to existing products.
Upon completion, participant will be able to describe how the peptide hydrogel technology is able to deliver HIV/AIDS drugs for at least 28 days.
Upon completion, participant will be able to define wider future applications of this technology in preventative medicine.
