Microneedle arrays for active agent delivery
AssigneeTransderm, Inc.
InventorsRoger L. Kaspar, Tycho Speaker
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention provides for microneedle arrays and related systems and methods. Particularly, microneedle arrays that are configured to deliver active agents, including nucleic acids and vaccines, are provided. Additional related methods of vaccinating and minimizing the amount of vaccine necessary for effective inoculation are also provided.
Claims26
A method of providing visual verification of microneedle placement in a skin surface, comprising,
- providing a microneedle array having a plurality of microneedles attached thereto, said microneedles including an indicator
- applying the microneedle array to a skin surface of a subject such that the microneedles are embedded into the skin surface,
- verifying successful application of the microneedles through observation of the indicator's presence in the skin.
A system for delivering siRNA to a subject, comprising:
- an amount of a self-delivering siRNA
- a microneedle array, said microneedle array comprising
- a base, and
- a plurality of microneedles attached to the base, said microneedles comprising a bioabsorbable/biodegradable material and being and configured to be detached from the base after being embedded in a skin surface.
A method of vaccinating a subject in need thereof, comprising:
- providing a microneedle array comprising a base and microneedles attached to the base, said microneedles being loaded with an amount of a vaccine sufficient to provide inoculation to the subject,
- applying the microneedle array to a skin surface of a subject such that the microneedles are embedded into the skin surface,
- separating the base of the microneedle array from the microneedles such that the microneedles remain embedded in the skin surface and the base is removed from the skin surface, and maintaining the microneedles in the skin surface until the microneedles are absorbed by the subject.
A method of vaccinating, comprising:
- provoking an immune response in a subject in need of a vaccination,
- delivering a vaccine to the subject concomitantly with the provocation of the immune response.
A method of minimizing an amount of vaccine required to effectively vaccinate a subject against a disease for which the vaccine is effective, comprising:
- stimulating an immune response in the subject at a vaccination site concomitantly with delivery of a vaccine.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.