MIT develops new contraceptive implant, SLIM, delivered via tiny needles for easier use and less pain.

MIT researchers have developed a new contraceptive implant called SLIM (Self-assembling Long-acting Injectable Microcrystals) that can be delivered through tiny needles, making it less painful and more user-friendly than traditional methods. SLIM uses solvent exchange to form a solid implant under the skin that slowly releases the contraceptive drug over time. The technology could potentially be applied to other drugs and aims to provide more accessible family planning options, particularly in low-resource settings. Researchers are currently optimizing dosing and duration.