Scientists have developed an innovative injectable hydrogel that could significantly reduce the frequency of dosing for popular diabetes and weight-loss drugs like Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide). The new delivery system, tested in rats, promises to transform treatment regimens by replacing weekly injections with potentially quarterly ones.
The hydrogel, created by a team led by Stanford bioengineer Eric Appel, is composed of biodegradable polymers and nanoparticles that form a self-healing, water-based gel. When injected, the gel acts as a drug depot under the skin, slowly releasing medication over several weeks. In preclinical trials, a single dose maintained therapeutic drug levels for up to six weeks, delivering consistent glucose control and weight loss without adverse effects.
Appel likens the gel’s behavior to “molecular Velcro,” where polymers and nanoparticles bind and unbind under pressure, allowing the gel to flow through a syringe and re-form post-injection. This mechanism ensures a stable release of medication, potentially reducing side effects associated with peak dosing and improving patient adherence.
Endocrinologists and healthcare experts have welcomed the development, noting its potential to ease the burden of frequent injections—especially for patients with needle aversion. The hydrogel’s components include cellulose-based materials already used in pharmaceuticals and a biomaterial that breaks down into lactic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the human body.
While human trials are still pending, the research marks a promising step toward more accessible and patient-friendly diabetes and obesity treatments. Appel’s team plans to advance testing in larger animals before seeking FDA approval for clinical trials.
