Methods and devices for delivering agents across biological barriers
First Claim
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1. A device for delivering an agent across a biological barrier comprising:
- a first microneedle;
a first reservoir integrated into the microneedle for holding the agent.
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Abstract
The invention provides for microneedle devices for delivering agents across biological barriers. The microneedles include agent reservoirs integrated into the bodies of the microneedles, themselves.
129 Citations
33 Claims
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1. A device for delivering an agent across a biological barrier comprising:
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a first microneedle;
a first reservoir integrated into the microneedle for holding the agent. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A method of manufacturing a device for delivering an agent across a biological barrier:
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providing a microneedle having an integrated agent reservoir; and
filling the integrated agent reservoir with the agent. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. A method of delivering an agent transdermally comprising:
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providing a microneedle having an integrated agent reservoir filled with the agent;
applying the microneedle against the skin of a patient, thereby piercing the skin and positioning the integrated reservoir beneath the surface of the skin.
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32. A device for transdermal agent delivery comprising:
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a substrate;
a plurality of microneedles extending from corresponding base elements coupled to the substrate, wherein the microneedles include openings, which take up between 20-50% of the volume of a corresponding microneedle, and which define integrated agent reservoirs; and
a depth guard extending from at least one of the base elements for limiting the depth to which the plurality of microneedles can be inserted into a surface.
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33. A method of delivering an agent transdermally comprising:
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providing a plurality of microneedles coupled to a substrate, wherein at least one of the plurality of microneedles includes an opening defining an integrated reservoir holding the agent;
applying the substrate to the skin of a patient, thereby puncturing the skin to a depth allowed by a depth guard coupled to at least one of the microneedles such that the integrated reservoir is below the surface of the skin.
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Specification