Innovative Weekly Pill for Schizophrenia Shows Promise in Trials

In a groundbreaking development for the treatment of schizophrenia, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have introduced a novel pill that patients can take just once a week. This innovative medication, designed to release the antipsychotic drug risperidone gradually from within the stomach, was evaluated in a phase 3 clinical trial where it demonstrated efficacy comparable to daily doses. The findings, published in the prestigious journal *Lancet Psychiatry* on June 10, 2025, signal a significant advancement in drug delivery methods that could transform patient adherence to treatment regimens.

The once-a-week capsule, which is roughly the size of a multivitamin, expands into a star shape upon reaching the stomach. This design allows it to remain in the stomach for an extended period, releasing medication gradually to maintain consistent drug levels in the bloodstream. Giovanni Traverso, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at MIT and gastroenterologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, emphasized the importance of this technology, stating, “We’ve converted something that has to be taken once a day to once a week, orally, using a technology that can be adapted for a variety of medications.”

This research represents a decade-long effort by Traverso's lab aimed at improving medication adherence, particularly for individuals with chronic illnesses such as schizophrenia, where daily medication regimens can be challenging due to memory impairments associated with the condition. According to Dr. Leslie Citrome, a clinical professor of psychiatry at New York Medical College and lead author of the study, “One of the biggest obstacles in the care of people with chronic illnesses is that medications are not taken consistently, leading to worsening symptoms and potential relapse.”

The phase 3 trial involved 83 patients across five sites in the United States, with 45 completing the study, during which they were administered one risperidone-loaded capsule weekly. Researchers measured drug levels in the patients’ blood, observing a sharp increase on the day the capsule was ingested, followed by a gradual decline over the week. Importantly, the study found that the medication maintained stable levels within the optimal therapeutic range, with fewer fluctuations than traditional daily dosing.

Side effects reported were minimal, primarily consisting of mild acid reflux and constipation, which were transient. The successful outcomes of this trial not only validate the capsule’s effectiveness but also pave the way for future applications of this drug delivery system. As noted by Richard Scranton, Chief Medical Officer of Lyndra Therapeutics, the company collaborating with MIT on this project, the findings could lead to significant changes in how medications are administered, enhancing the quality of life for many patients.

The researchers are now preparing for larger phase 3 studies aimed at obtaining FDA approval for this innovative delivery method. Additionally, they plan to explore the use of similar capsules to deliver other medications, including contraceptives.

Robert Langer, the David H. Koch Institute Professor at MIT and a co-founder of Lyndra Therapeutics, expressed pride in the research's progression, stating, “We are delighted that this technology, which started at MIT, has reached the point of phase 3 clinical trials.” This innovative approach to drug delivery exemplifies the potential for future advancements in medication adherence and chronic disease management, offering hope for both patients and healthcare providers alike.