Author Archives: oakwoodlabs

nanoparticle encapsulation in drug delivery

Nanoencapsulation is an expanding area of scientific research and development that impacts industries ranging from cosmetics to food production to pharmaceuticals. This area of nanoscience enables the controlled release of nutrients within the body for a specified location and duration, allowing nanoparticle drug delivery to supply a wealth of benefits.

The Oakwood Labs team is comprised of experts in developing long-acting injectables for diverse purposes, and that includes our work with nanoparticle encapsulation. Read on to learn about the benefits of nanoencapsulation in long-acting injectables and everything Oakwood Labs can provide.

About Nanoparticle Encapsulation

Encapsulation is the process of entrapping a material within another material, creating particles of variable sizes. These particles can be measured in millimeters, micrometers (denoted as microencapsulation), and nanometers (denoted as nanoencapsulation).

These particles are referred to as nanocarriers, or NCs, and they deliver an array of benefits for organizations, medical professionals, and patients alike.

Advantages of Encapsulation for Nanoparticles and Their Use in Long-Acting Injectables

Using nanoencapsulation in drug delivery can offer a range of benefits, including:

  • Targeted delivery and bioavailability for patients suffering from a range of conditions
  • Controlled release of medications that aid patients over longer periods
  • Reduced systemic toxicity that can be associated with certain drugs due to efficient loading of drug molecules within nanocarriers
  • Increased accumulation of a distributed drug at the distribution site of choice via targeted nanocarriers
  • Increased efficacy of therapeutic agents and their targeting
  • Prevention of premature degradation within the patient’s body and prolonged presence within blood and cells
  • Nanocarriers of variable sizes can be created using distinct matrices, which can impact their effectiveness against biological barriers and their in vivo performance
  • Reduced number of injections needed for a patient, which can make medication distribution easier and patients more compliant
  • Prevention of drug abuse as excessive amounts of a drug will not need to be distributed to patients

The Oakwood Labs Chroniject™ Approach for Nanoencapsulation

Our long-acting injectable development at Oakwood Labs uses our technology platform Chroniject™, a patented polymer-based injectable microsphere system for nanoparticle drug delivery. This system allows us to:

  • Provide drug release durations of 1 week to 1 year
  • Distribute medications via 18- to 23-gauge needles
  • Reconstitute products immediately via sterile water
  • Provide proven drug stability and content uniformity
  • Supply solutions free of foreign particulate matter
  • Fulfill formulations aseptically and terminally sterilized if feasible
  • Use microsphere-based, biodegradable polymers such as PLA, PLGA, and other polymers with demonstrated low toxicity, and sourced from multiple suppliers

Other Services from Oakwood Labs

At Oakwood Labs we’re industry leaders in sustained-release drug delivery, and that extends beyond our work in encapsulation for nanoparticles. We have over 25 years of experience in the field, and our team supplies full-service support, from initial feasibility studies to FDA-approved commercial supply.

We proudly offer a diverse array of services in the development and manufacturing of sustained-release products, including:

Contact Us for Nanoencapsulation in Long-Acting Injectables

If your operations require nanoparticle encapsulation, the Oakwood Labs team is ready to assist. Contact us today to discuss your project.

long-acting injectables for antipsychotics

Long-acting injectable antipsychotics play a crucial role in the treatment of schizophrenia, offering a sustained approach to medication delivery. Our team specializes in developing long-acting injectables for treating schizophrenia, working with a range of formulations to meet diverse client needs.

Read on to explore everything you need to know about using long-acting injectables to treat schizophrenia and the benefits of the process over oral antipsychotics.

What Are Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics?

Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) are medications that are used to treat a wide range of major depressive disorders. They are formulated to stay in the body for an extended period of time, allowing for sustained effects between doses.

The History of Long-Acting Injectables

Long-acting injectable antipsychotics have evolved significantly since the process’s introduction. The first LAIs introduced, including fluphenazine decanoate and haloperidol decanoate, did provide extended symptom control but were associated with a higher risk of motor side effects.

However, the LAI formulations used today have a lower risk of movement-related side effects and offer more choices for personalized treatment, allowing patients and providers to select the most suitable option based on individual needs.

How Long-Acting Injectables Work for Treating Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is associated with an overactive dopamine system, which leads to symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. Long-acting injectable psychotics help manage schizophrenia by:

  • Regulating dopamine levels – This, in turn, reduces symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions
  • Creating a sustained-release effect – The approach forms a depot at the injection site, allowing the medication to be gradually absorbed over time

Benefits of Long-Acting Injectables for Schizophrenia Over Oral Antipsychotics

Long-acting injectable antipsychotic drugs have helped many individuals living with mental illness by providing:

  • Improved adherence – Lowering the risk of missed medication and helping patients stay on track with treatment
  • Lower risk of relapse – Ensuring continuous symptom control, reducing the likelihood of relapse due to skipped doses
  • More consistent medication levels – Providing a steady dose over time, reducing the peaks and valleys associated with daily oral medication
  • Less frequent dosing – Requiring administration only every few weeks or months, compared to oral antipsychotics that must be taken daily

Choosing the Right Long-Acting Injectable for Schizophrenia: A Guide to Available Formulations

There are many types of long-acting injectable antipsychotics to choose from that are designed to meet different patient needs. Some of the most commonly prescribed LAIs for schizophrenia include:

  • Fluphenazine decanoate – One of the first generation LAIs, known for its extended symptom control
  • Haloperidol decanoate – A long-standing option that is known to provide sustained symptom relief
  • Risperidone microspheres – A second-generation LAI designed to maintain stable plasma concentrations

About the Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics from Oakwood Labs

Here at Oakwood Labs, we are a global leader in sustained-release drug delivery, specializing in diverse areas, including the development and manufacturing of long-acting injectable antipsychotics to treat schizophrenia. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, we provide full-service support, from initial feasibility studies to FDA-approved commercial supply.

Using our patented Chroniject™ technology, we design LAIs with controlled release durations, minimizing fluctuations in medical levels for consistent symptom management. This technology allows for scalable production, ensuring reliable formulations from lab-scale development to commercial manufacturing.

By combining innovative drug encapsulation technology with a commitment to quality, we play a key role in advancing long-acting injectables for schizophrenia by:

  • Customizing formulations to provide steady medication release
  • Supporting all phases of drug development
  • Offering aseptic manufacturing to ensure product quality and safety

FAQs on Long-Acting Injectables for Schizophrenia

Are there any recommendations for managing treatment with long-acting injectables for schizophrenia?

Yes! Some recommendations for managing treatment include:

  • Keeping up with scheduled injection appointments to maintain symptom control
  • Following a consistent daily routine, including sleep and meals
  • Participating in therapy or support programs for additional treatment benefits
  • Watching for side effects and reporting any concerns to your healthcare provider
  • Avoiding alcohol and drug use to prevent interactions with your medicine

What are some considerations when choosing a long-acting injectable antipsychotic for schizophrenia?

While LAIs offer significant advantages, there are some factors to keep in mind to ensure you select the right formation, including:

  • Dose adjustment timeline – Unlike oral medications, LAI dose changes may require weeks to take full effect
  • Injection site reactions – Some patients may experience discomfort or irritation at the injection site
  • Travel needs for administration – Regular clinic visits may be necessary for injections, depending on the specific formulation

What other services does Oakwood Labs offer?

We are proud to offer a wide range of services in the development and manufacturing of sustained release parenteral products. Our services include:

Contact Oakwood Labs Today

Have questions regarding long-acting injectable antipsychotics? Our team is here to assist you. Please reach out to a team member today for more information.

DCAT Week 2025

Oakwood Labs is excited to participate in DCAT Week 2025, the premier global event held annually in New York City for companies engaged in the bio/pharmaceutical industry. This year’s DCAT Week is being held March 17–20, 2025.

Our team will be available on-site for business meetings. Please reach out today to book a meeting slot.

Oakwood Labs, Your Leading Sustained-Release Drug Manufacturer

Oakwood Labs is an experienced global CDMO partner that specializes in the development and manufacture of sustained-release injectable products. We use Chroniject™, which is a polymer microsphere-based drug delivery platform that offers various solutions such as:

  • Compatibility with various molecule types
  • Flexible release durations
  • Applications in various therapeutic indications

With over 25 years of experience supplying sustained-release injectables, we’re dedicated to providing the best global pharmaceutical products.

Discover More About DCAT Week 2025

If you have any questions regarding DCAT Week 2025 or our capabilities at Oakwood Labs, feel free to contact us today.