Injection molded multidrug intravaginal rings with antimicrobial properties for prophylaxis and cancer treatment in women's health context.

Abstract

Objective: This study explores the development of intravaginal rings with controlled drug release, fabricated through injection molding, for the treatment of viral and bacterial gynecological diseases such as HIV/AIDS, cervical cancer caused by HPV, and other infections.

Significance: Recent advancements in women's health treatments have been driven by technological innovations and clinical improvements, where the development of new technologies for treating and preventing cancers and infections in women highlights a gap that still requires significant improvement.

Methods: The selected drugs were copper sulfate (CuSo₄), silver sulfadiazine (AgSD), and fluorouracil (FU), which offer a combination of antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Devices were manufactured from Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) polymer with 20% (w/w) of each drug isolated. Multi-drug devices were produced with combinations of 15% copper sulfate and 15% silver sulfadiazine, and 15% silver sulfadiazine and 15% fluorouracil. Characterization to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the devices was performed through SEM, FTIR, DSC, DMA, and in vitro drug release tests.

Results: Preliminary results suggest that drug release was sustained for more than 40 days, with high drug incorporation capacity, and high process reproducibility, with LDPE mechanical properties minimally affected.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates the feasibility of using injection molding to produce multidrug LDPE intravaginal rings with stable mechanical properties, drug-loading capacity, and sustained release, highlighting a promising and scalable platform for future therapeutic and prophylactic applications in women's health.