Taking Daily Medication Isn’t Easy — MIT and Lyndra Therapeutics Develop “Once-a-Week Pill” to Support Chronic Patients
Taking medication daily isn't easy for everyone — especially for those living with chronic conditions. It's not just about discipline; it's often about emotional resilience. For many, each pill is a reminder of an illness that hasn’t gone away — a burden repeated every morning.
This was the inspiration behind a breakthrough effort by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and startup Lyndra Therapeutics, who have developed a “once-a-week pill” to transform medication from a daily obligation into a more manageable and less intrusive part of life.
Long-Term Relief for Chronic Patients
Dr. Giovanni Traverso, lead researcher from MIT, explained that this innovation addresses a persistent challenge in public health: many patients with chronic illnesses often forget or choose to stop taking their medication, leading to relapses and hospital readmissions.
The capsule is designed to release Risperidone, a standard medication used to treat schizophrenia. Once swallowed, the capsule unfolds inside the stomach into a six-armed star shape, preventing it from moving into the small intestine right away. While remaining in the stomach, it releases a steady dose of medication over seven days. After that, the star structure gradually disintegrates and exits the body safely, without causing harm.
Currently, risperidone must be taken daily or administered through injections every 2–8 weeks. However, injections aren’t convenient for everyone, and daily pills can be hard to manage, especially for patients with memory, attention, or emotional regulation challenges.
Promising Phase III Clinical Trials
The final-stage clinical trial (Phase III), involving 83 patients in the United States, showed promising results. Blood levels of the drug remained stable throughout a five-week monitoring period, and psychiatric symptoms were well-controlled.
Only minor side effects were reported — including mild acid reflux and constipation, which resolved without stopping treatment. Moreover, patient adherence improved significantly compared to those taking daily medication.
The research team is now preparing a submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), aiming for approval between 2027 and 2028, pending regulatory review.
Beyond Schizophrenia: A Platform for Broader Use
Lyndra Therapeutics also plans to adapt this weekly pill technology for other types of medication, including:
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Contraceptives
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Antiviral drugs
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Treatments for other chronic diseases
This approach could significantly expand access and adherence across a broad range of patient populations.
Mental Health Medication Market to Grow 57% in 8 Years
According to Straits Research, the global market for schizophrenia medication continues to grow steadily. In 2024, the market was valued at $7.88 billion, and is projected to reach $8.28 billion in 2025, marking a 5% year-over-year increase.
Looking ahead to 2033, the market is expected to reach $12.33 billion, representing nearly 57% growth over the next eight years. This translates to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.10%.
Such sustained growth reflects rising demand driven by:
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An increase in diagnosed cases
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Improved awareness and access to treatment
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Ongoing development of more effective medications
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