Can Patches Improve Vaccination Rates?

Microneedle array patches (MAP), which have previously been used for cosmetics applications, are being considered for delivering a variety of vaccines. Earlier this year Harro Höfliger and PATH hosted a conference exploring such opportunities that drew representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Vaccine Alliance Gavi, and other researchers. The group is working to improve vaccination levels in low- and middle-income countries, particularly those for measles and rubella but also for other diseases, Stefan Bernsau, director, needle technology for Harro Höfliger, told MD+DI. The MAP technology offers such a potential because microneedles can pierce the dermis at a depth of about 250 – 300 micrometers, explained Bernsau. “The microneedles will release the drug inside the dermis, which is rich in immune cells,” he said. Bernsau said there are several big advantages in MAP technology. “Due to the fact that the vaccine or the drugs are in a dry solid state, MAPs do not require a cold chain for the vaccine. This is a huge benefit, especially in the LMIC (low- and middle-income countries). But it is also an advantage in the high-developed countries. No cold chain means significant savings in the delivery of vaccines and drugs,” he said. “Another advantage is the fact that the MAP technolog...
Source: MDDI - Category: Medical Devices Authors: Tags: R & D Source Type: news