Micro-needle array and method of use thereof
AssigneeCook Incorporated
InventorJeffry S. Melsheimer
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A micro-needle array is provided that may be used to deliver a bioactive agent to a therapeutic target. The micro-needle array preferably includes a substrate, a plurality of micro-needles integral with the substrate, and a bioactive agent. At least one micro-needle preferably includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a side surface, and a cavity defined by an inner surface. The bioactive agent may be disposed on the substrate and the plurality of micro-needles. The at least one micro-needle may further include a slit connecting the cavity to an aperture, the slit extending from the top surface to the bottom surface.
Claims20
A micro-needle array, comprising:
- a substrate;
- a plurality of micro-needles integral with the substrate, wherein at least one micro-needle comprises a body comprising:
- a top surface,
- a bottom surface,
- a side surface extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, and
- a cavity within the body and defined by an inner surface, the cavity extending from the top surface to the bottom surface;
- and
- a bioactive agent disposed on the substrate and the plurality of micro-needles.
A micro-needle array comprising a plurality of micro-needles with at least one micro-needle comprising a cavity defined by an inner surface, the cavity extending from a first surface to a second surface.
A method of delivering a bioactive agent to a therapeutic target, the method comprising:
- a. positioning an expandable balloon at a therapeutic target, wherein a micro-needle array overlays an outer surface of the balloon, the micro-needle array comprising:
- i. a substrate;
- ii. a plurality of micro-needles integral with the substrate, wherein at least one micro-needle comprises a body comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a side surface extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, and a cavity within the body and defined by an inner surface, the cavity extending from the top surface to the bottom surface;
- and
- iii. a bioactive agent disposed on the substrate and the plurality of micro-needles;
- b. expanding the balloon to cause the micro-needles to contact the therapeutic target;
- and
- c. maintaining contact with the therapeutic target for a time sufficient to deliver a therapeutically effective amount of bioactive agent to the therapeutic target.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.