Patient safety and beyond: what should we expect from microneedle arrays in the transdermal delivery arena?

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24 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Research based upon microneedle (MN) arrays has intensified recently. While the initial focus was on biomolecules, the field has expanded to include delivery of conventional small-molecule drugs whose water solubility currently precludes transdermal administration. Much success has been achieved, with peptides, proteins, vaccines, antibodies and even particulates delivered by MN in therapeutic/prophylactic doses. Recent innovations have focused on enhanced formulation design, scalable manufacture and extension of exploitation to minimally invasive patient monitoring, ocular delivery and enhanced administration of cosmeceuticals. Only two MN-based drug/vaccine delivery products are currently marketed, partially due to limitations with older MN designs based upon silicon and metal. Even the more promising polymeric MN have raised a number of regulatory and manufacturability queries that the field must address. MN arrays have tremendous potential to yield real benefits for patients and industry and, through diligence, innovation and collaboration, this will begin to be realised over the next 3-5 years.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)653-62
Number of pages10
JournalTherapeutic Delivery
Volume5
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2014

Keywords

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Humans
  • Microinjections
  • Needles
  • Patient Safety

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