Microneedles: minimal penetration, optimal delivery

Microneedles offer a better method of ocular drug delivery than traditional methods, according to research presented during the Ophthalmic Drug Delivery symposium, held on June 30 at a meeting of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.

Samirkumar Patel and colleagues at the Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, US assessed microneedles, which penetrate the eye to a depth of no more than 0.5 mm and consequently require only local anaesthetic. The microneedles combine the non-invasive benefits of topical drops with the greater delivery capacity, including to the back of the eye, of traditional needles.

Microneedles, as well as being minimally invasive, are also able to deliver drugs to specifically targeted sections of the eye. During testing, the researchers noted no adverse events or inflammation.