Advances in the processing of materials on a micro-scale have led to the development and introduction of devices that employ very small needles – microneedles – that  have significant potential in devices for diagnostics, healthcare monitoring and drug delivery by mechanically perforating the outer skin layer and allowing for transdermal drug absorption or fluid sampling. These processing techniques incorporate one or more technologies that enable the precise machining, extrusion, casting, and/or forming of from one to an array or grid of microneedles. Several factors - include an aging patient population, biological drug therapies for chronic conditions, and an emphasis on patient self-monitoring and self-care – are driving an evolution in the way that healthcare is delivered. Evolving microneedle systems will be well-positioned to address a significant segment of the large –molecule biological drugs expected to emerge from the convergence of automated discovery and genome mapping. Before microneedles find widespread use, researchers must perfect the techniques for optimally inserting them into the skin, and complete the integration of microneedles into a full diagnostic, monitoring or drug delivery system.

Publication Date: December 2007