Building on the previous research to develop slow-absorption pills that stays in the stomach for days or weeks, researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and MIT is designing a method to improve adherence and reduce the risk of pregnancy by offering oral contraceptive that could be taken once a month.

The team began its work on extended drug release by working with treatments for TB, malaria and HIV. They then extended their effort to cover family planning. It’s their effort to empower women with respect to fertility control.

The team is in the process of designing a drug-delivery vehicle that consists of six arms joined by an elastic coated core. The arms would be loaded with the oral contraceptive drug, and folded up into a capsule that can be swallowed. Once in the stomach the arms unfold and have a span larger than the opening of the human pylorus. It helps the system stay in the stomach where it can release the drug over time.