Suppository Drug Delivery Is Making a Comeback

Two men, Nick A. (left) and Nigel (right), sit at a white table, engaging in a lively and friendly conversation. Both wear checkered shirts and lavalier microphones, suggesting a filmed discussion or interview. Nick holds tissue samples in one hand and gestures animatedly, while Nigel smiles in response. Each has a white mug labeled with their name and a purple star logo. The background is a bright white, creating a clean and professional studio setting.
Resources

Suppository Drug Delivery Is Making a Comeback

Topic: Bio Break

In this episode of Bio Break, Nick and Nigel explore one of the oldest and most underappreciated drug delivery methods in modern medicine: the suppository. While often the subject of light humor, suppository drug delivery is gaining serious attention in the MedTech world for its effectiveness, ease of use, and broad applicability.

What Makes Suppositories Effective?

Suppositories are an example of non-oral drug delivery that bypasses the gastrointestinal system’s complex environment. Unlike oral tablets, which are subject to breakdown in the stomach and first-pass metabolism in the liver, suppositories can deliver medication directly into the bloodstream. This can lead to faster onset of action and greater bioavailability for certain drugs.

They’re particularly useful in scenarios where oral administration isn’t practical—such as when a patient is unconscious, vomiting, or otherwise unable to swallow medication. For these cases, suppository drug delivery provides a reliable and safe alternative.

Versatility in Drug Delivery

Suppositories are well-known for treating localized issues like hemorrhoids and constipation, but their role in systemic delivery is expanding. The slow-melting base at body temperature enables steady absorption, which can be ideal for sustained-release applications.

Nick and Nigel highlight the growing interest in advanced formulations like liposomes, nanoparticles, and mucoadhesives. These allow for more targeted delivery, longer duration of action, and better retention in mucosal tissues. Some formulations use thermosensitive materials that stay solid at room temperature but activate upon insertion—further enhancing delivery control.

A Resurgent Interest

According to Nick, the market for suppository-based drug delivery is growing, supported by promising research and real clinical needs. With an estimated 10% annual growth rate, this method is proving its value in both emerging therapies and everyday healthcare.

While suppositories may seem elementary, they continue to evolve—offering a reliable, low-cost solution in the right therapeutic context.

Learn more about StarFish Medical.

Detailed 3D rendering of human facial muscles. A visual guide to the complex anatomy of the face and neck.

Tissue Simulation: Advances for Next-Gen Medical Devices

Today, 85% of the top 50 healthcare companies use Computational Modeling and Simulation (CM&S) to develop their products and processes. Whether it’s refining overall device parameters or optimizing critical requirements, engineering simulations help reduce development timelines and enhance design exploration.

A man in a checkered shirt stands and points to a 3D CAD model displayed on a large monitor. The model shows the internal layout of a device with visible components and structural details in purple and white. To the left of the man, bold black text reads “Why Front-End Research matters,” with a large red arrow curving up toward the screen. The background is a clean white, emphasizing the visual focus on the monitor and text.

Contextual Inquiry in MedTech: Observe Before You Build

Paul Charlebois and Eric Olson explore how contextual inquiry in MedTech drives smarter product design. By observing how users interact with devices in real settings, product teams can gather early insights that shape usability, adoption, and safety—long before development begins.

A glowing 3D holographic display of a joint replacement procedure, showing the integration of an orthopedic implant with surrounding bone structures, surrounded by recovery data and mobility improvement charts.

Regulatory Clearance through Computational Simulation: Industry Opinion, FDA Strategy, & Successful Case Studies

Computational Modeling and Simulation (CM&S) for medical devices has become a pivotal tool across the medical device industry, complementing and often enhancing traditional bench testing and clinical studies.

Illustration of suppository drug delivery method. Rectangular blister pack of suppositories, which are making a comeback in drug delivery, on a blue background with one suppository placed outside the packaging. Large bold text reads 'What a comeback!' with a red arrow pointing toward the suppositories, suggesting renewed interest or relevance.

Suppository Drug Delivery Is Making a Comeback

Nick and Nigel discuss an often-overlooked but increasingly relevant form of drug delivery: suppositories. While typically considered old-fashioned, suppositories are experiencing a resurgence in modern MedTech thanks to their versatility, systemic absorption benefits, and emerging formulation technologies.