| DESCRIPTION |
To disrupt the barrier properties of the stratum corneum, Co. uses arrays of plastic microneedles. The needles are 40 µm across at the base and 100 to 400 µm long. When the array is used as a pretreatment method, the needles are applied and then removed. Then a patch is applied to the treated area. When hollow microneedles are used, the needles are left in place and the channels that they create remain open. Hollow needles can be used to deliver liquids. Co. is investigating the microneedles as a delivery method for vaccines. The needles can be coated with a protein or vaccine adjuvant, left on the skin for about an hour, and then removed. The vaccine is then deposited on the skin. Company researchers have done in vivo tests in animals of the immunization efficiency, and rabbit studies show minimal skin irritation. In initial human tests, people perceive little pain with the microneedles. The company expects to move into clinical trials later this year |
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