Long-acting implantable drug delivery systems have long been associated with contraceptive methods, but recent developments are expanding their applications into areas such as HIV prevention, oncology, opioid use disorder, and the management of chronic diseases. This talk will focus on the innovations driving the next generation of implantable systems, focusing on biomaterials, device engineering, and pharmacokinetics that enable long-term drug delivery. With significant advances in subdermal and intradermal implants, these technologies ensure patient adherence and access to groundbreaking medications in both high- and low-resource settings. The session will also address challenges such as biocompatibility, removability, and regulatory hurdles that must be overcome to achieve widespread clinical translation.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the latest innovations in biomaterials and engineering that enable long-acting implantable drug delivery across diverse therapeutic areas
Explore pharmacokinetic principles and design strategies for achieving sustained, controlled drug release through subdermal and intradermal implants
Identify key translational and regulatory considerations for bringing next-generation implantable systems from bench to bedside
