Development and characterization of injection molded multi drug delivery IUD for women's health therapy against bacterial and viral infections.

Abstract

Objective: To develop and evaluate a scalable, multidrug-releasing intrauterine device (IUD) capable of treating common gynecological infections caused by viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens.

Significance: Women's health encompasses both physical and emotional well-being and is impacted by inequitable access to advanced healthcare technologies. Conditions such as genital herpes, bacterial vaginosis (BV), and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) are prevalent and often managed with systemic oral drugs, which can reduce patient compliance and treatment efficacy due to side effects and dosing challenges. A localized, sustained-release IUD could improve adherence and therapeutic outcomes.

Methods: An IUD was manufactured using injection molding with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) due to its biocompatibility. Devices were loaded with acyclovir and silver sulfadiazine, with actual drug incorporation measured at ∼2%-3% w/w for single or combination formulations. Physical-chemical, mechanical, and in vitro drug release tests were conducted to evaluate feasibility and performance.

Results: The injection molded HDPE-based IUD demonstrated sustained drug release and structural integrity. Initial in vitro results confirmed the capability to release multiple agents over time, although drug loading efficiency remains an area for improvement.

Conclusions: This approach presents a promising, scalable strategy for localized treatment of gynecological infections. Further optimization and in vivo studies are warranted to validate the device's therapeutic effectiveness and regulatory readiness.