Microneedle drug delivery device
First Claim
1. A device for transport of a material across or into a biological barrier comprising a) a plurality of hollow microneedles each having a base end and a tip, with at least one hollow pathway disposed at or between the base end and the tip, b) a substrate to which the base ends of the microneedles are attached or integrated, and c) at least one reservoir which is in connection with the base ends of at least one of the microneedles, either integrally or separably until the moment of use, wherein the volume or amount of material to be transported can selectively be altered.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Simple microneedle devices for delivery of drugs across or into biological tissue are provided, which permit drug delivery at clinically relevant rates across or into skin or other tissue barriers, with minimal or no damage, pain, or irritation to the tissue. The devices include a substrate to which a plurality of hollow microneedles are attached or integrated, and at least one reservoir, containing the drug, selectably in communication with the microneedles, wherein the volume or amount of drug to be delivered can be selectively altered. The reservoir can be formed of a deformable, preferably elastic, material. The device typically includes a means, such as a plunger, for compressing the reservoir to drive the drug from the reservoir through the microneedles. In one embodiment, the reservoir is a syringe or pump connected to the substrate.
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Citations
40 Claims
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1. A device for transport of a material across or into a biological barrier comprising
a) a plurality of hollow microneedles each having a base end and a tip, with at least one hollow pathway disposed at or between the base end and the tip, b) a substrate to which the base ends of the microneedles are attached or integrated, and c) at least one reservoir which is in connection with the base ends of at least one of the microneedles, either integrally or separably until the moment of use, wherein the volume or amount of material to be transported can selectively be altered.
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37. A method for delivering a therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agent across or into tissue comprising
inserting into the tissue one or more microneedles that are in fluid connection with at least one reservoir containing the agent to be delivered, and reducing the volume or amount of the agent in the reservoir by driving the agent through at least one of the microneedles.
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40. A kit of parts for delivering a therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agent across or into tissue comprising
(a) one or more microneedle devices which comprise a plurality of hollow microneedles, a substrate to the microneedles are attached or integrated, and at least one reservoir which is selectably in communication with the microneedles, wherein at least one of the reservoirs contains the therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agent to be delivered; - and
(b) a triggering device which is adapted to activate delivery of the agent from reservoir through the microneedles of one of the devices at a time.
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Specification