interesting new research on injections

[suphillips]

this just out on my Science Cite Track:

Editors' Choice: Highlights of the recent literature
March 28 2008, 319 (5871)

BIOMATERIALS: A Fade-Away Injection
Marc S. Lavine
Although a number of drugs can be delivered via a transdermal patch, this pain-free method generally does not match the efficacy of a needle injection. In a hybrid approach, Lee et al. fabricated microneedle arrays out of two biocompatible polysaccharides, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and amylopectin. A key to making robust needles was pre-concentration of the aqueous polysaccharide solutions before casting the needles in a polymer mold. The strength of the microneedles depended on shape, because cylindrical CMC needles were not strong enough to penetrate skin, although pyramidal ones were. Drugs could be loaded into the needles themselves, into a backing layer, or both, depending on whether dosing required a bolus shot or a more prolonged delivery. On contact with skin, the microneedles dissolved, releasing the drug and creating pathways for transport from the backing layer. Using lysozyme as a model protein, the authors showed that it was possible to store the arrays for up to 2 months with almost no loss of enzymatic activity. -- MSL
Biomaterials 29, 2113 (2008).

[WestinsMom]

So what does that mean? :) Sorry, I don't have my thinking hat on yet today!

[Jacob'sDad]

I think it means the needle dissolves when it touches the skin. The needle itself IS the medication.

[frizzyrazzy]

The needle would still have to penetrate the skin, right? Or would it penetrate in such a way that you wouldn't feel it? I'm trying to understand what the benefit is really if it still has to penetrate the skin. (other than not having a lot of sharps lying around)

[suphillips]

I'm guessing that the key comes in the idea that it's a microneedle developed in effort to make injections less painful. So it still goes under the skin, but is much much smaller.

BUT, I'm always concerned about introducing new and exotic chemicals into our bodies. I'd want to see some solid research on the effects of the stuff the microneedle is made of, before I bought into it. That said, I'm glad progress is being made toward improved delivery systems.....