Affiliations 

  • 1 College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA, sumeet-singla@uiowa.edu
  • 2 Pharmacology Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, AIMST University, Semeling, 08100 Bedong, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia
  • 3 College of Professional Studies, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
  • 4 Clinical Pharmacology, Boston, MA, 01821, USA
  • 5 Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University, Semeling, 08100 Bedong, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia
Front Biosci (Elite Ed), 2021 01 01;13:158-184.
PMID: 33048780

Abstract

Transdermal drug-delivery systems (TDDS) offer an attractive alternative to the oral route for delivery of biotherapeutics. Technological advancements in the past few decades have revolutionized the fabrication of micro-structured devices including creation of microneedles (MC). These devices are used for delivering peptides, macromolecules such as proteins and DNA, and other therapeutics through the skin. Here, we review the current use of MCs as a cost effective method for the self-administration of therapeutics. We will then review the current and common use of MCs as an effective treatment strategy for a broad range of diseases and their utility in the generation of effective vaccination delivery platforms. Finally, we will summarize the currently FDA approved MCs and their applications, along with the ongoing clinical trials that use such devices.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.