Dissolving microneedle patches contain micron-sized needles made of water-soluble biodegradable polymers that dissolve in the skin to deliver encapsulated vaccine. They offer the simplicity of patch application and the possibility to mitigate the logistical and safety challenges associated with using conventional hypodermic needles. To ensure reliability in the dose being delivered, it is important to understand the biomechanics of the skin and the parameters that affect insertion and dissolution of microneedles into skin. We are studying these parameters in a human study with placebo dissolving microneedle patches (i.e., containing no vaccine) to prepare for a planned phase 1 clinical trial of influenza vaccination using microneedle patches of similar design.
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