MICRONEEDLE
PATCH
INNOVATORS
Queens College Belfast's Ryan Donnelly
developed a hydrogel microneedle patch that builds on early designs on the patch, creating new polymers to dissolve into the skin at an effective rate. This hydrogel method can suit the needs of patients with different skin textures, and could be beneficial in the treatment of premature babies, who have more fragile skin textures than adults.
Queens College, Belfast
University of Queensland
University of Queensland's Mark Kendall
engineered the NanoPatch, built to administer various vaccines into the human immune system. Though it differs very little from other microneedle
patches, Kendall has led humanitarian efforts vaccinating Papa New Guineans via the NanoPatch. His design has been taken on by VAXXAS for further commercialization.
University of Nottingham
University of Nottingham
funded research on the long-term antibody response to drugs delivered by the microneedle patch. In their studies, the Pharmaceutical Sciences Department found enhanced IgG responses that were induced by the patch, indicating test subjects were effectively immunized. Additionally, certain proteins were found to be better absorbed by the test subjects via the microneedle patch than the standard injection.
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The Procter and Gamble Company generally produces American household goods, but P&G also furthered the development of a "smart microneedle patch" that incorporates sensors and pumps into the hardware of the patch. P&G hopes to integrate passive and active mechanisms, which can either allow molecules to diffuse through or use additional energy to transport certain molecules into the skin.
Procter and Gamble Company
Corium International Inc.
The MicroCor Patch was developed by Corium to deliver large molecules and biologics that currently can only be administered via a standard needle. This system can deliver small molecules and can go up to large particle sizes, including monoclonal antibodies. Corum's ultimate goal is to be able to deliver proteins, peptides and vaccines in a setting that does not require a health professional.
University of Oxford
University of Oxford
has funded and researched the drug delivery capabilities of the microneedle patch. Their finding that the smaller-than-average pores of Oxford's ImmuPatches allow for a greater delivery of T-Cells into the body, which can active the secondary immune response*. Additionally, they looked into the application for fighting malaria in Sub-Sarahan Africa**.
Foundation of Korean Cosmetic Industry Institute
The Foundation of Korea Cosmetic Industry Institute
funded researchers to test the cosmetic impact of the microneedle patch. Developers analyzed the delivery of different anti-wrinkle agents (hydrophilicites, ascorbic acid, andretinyl retionate) through the patch's test trials. Through this, the researchers found the patch could effectively deliver creams and acids that were used as topical skin care.
Georgia Institute of Technology
The Georgia Institute of Technology developed and researched the microneedle patch, and they emulated the workings of a rocket when creating the patch's cone-shaped needles. Their work allowed vaccines to be delivered quicker, and the needles quickly delivered the vaccines into the antigen-rich comunity of the dermis. This thereby enabled the vaccine of the patch to quickly combat any pathogens in the skin.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
have donated and funded both the early and recent stages of research of the microneedle patch. Endeavoring to find a suitable vaccine for HIV and other infectious diseases, the Gates Foundation has funded research opportunities to find a cost-efficient and effective way to vaccinate impoverished communities in developing nations.
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
I.C-11
While many universities conduct research to improve the microneedle patch, companies seek to produce and distribute them. Two primary factors drive innovation: consumer demand (as the general public will only use patches that best deliver their cosmetics, vaccinations, or treatment) and pressure from philanthropy groups (who advocate for application in underprivileged areas). Therefore, all research conduct aims to further improve the microneedle patch. There is a large market for the microneedle patch, as consumers want to both use it for cosmetic reasons and for medical options.
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