Apparatus and method for piercing skin with microprotrusions

A method of transferring an agent through the stratum corneum of a subject, comprising the steps of:

• providing a microprotrusion member having one or more stratum corneum-piercing microprotrusions;
• striking said microprotrusion member with an impact force, whereby said microprotrusion member imparts an energy on impact with the stratum corneum in the range of approximately 0.1-0.3 joules per cm2 of said microprotrusion member over a penetration period in the range of 1-10 milliseconds, and whereby at least one of said stratum corneum-piercing microprotrusions forms a microslit through the stratum corneum of the subject;
• and
• transferring the agent through said microslit.

A method of transferring an agent through the stratum corneum of a subject, comprising the steps of:

• providing a microprotrusion member having one or more stratum corneum-piercing microprotrusions;
• providing an impact applicator adapted to provide a first impact force;
• placing said microprotrusion member proximate a skin site on the subject;
• placing said impact applicator proximate said skin site in operational relationship with said microprotrusion member;
• actuating said impact applicator to impart said first impact force to said microprotrusion member, whereby said microprotrusion member imparts an energy on
• impact with the stratum corneum in the range of 0.1-0.3 joules per cm2 of said microprotrusion member over a penetration period in the range of 1-10 milliseconds, and whereby at least one of said stratum corneum-piercing microprotrusions forms a microslit through the stratum corneum of the subject;
• and
• transferring the agent through said microslit.