A microneedle array with a performance adequate to be used instead of a syringe has at a tip side of each microneedle 10 two puncture portions 14 and 15 disposed facing each other. The puncture portions 14 and 15 each have a part of a side surface of the microneedle 10 as outer surfaces 12 and 13, respectively, and one of the puncture portions 14 and 15 is shorter than the other. Surrounded by inner surfaces 16 and 17 of the puncture portions 14 and 15 facing each other, a housing section 19 capable of holding a drug is formed. The housing section 19 opens toward the tip side and both lateral directions along an axis core of the microneedle 10, and has a central bottom surface 18 at a bottom end.

The present invention is drawn to a low-cost meso device that is able to effectively deliver functional self-delivery siRNA to subject and inhibit expression of a gene in the subject as well as related methods. In particular, a method of transdermally delivering nucleic acid material to a subject is provided. The method includes adapting a motorized meso machine for delivery of nucleic acid material; introducing nucleic acid material into a chamber of the motorized meso machine; and contacting the motorized meso machine to a skin surface of a subject for a period of time sufficient to deliver the nucleic acid material into the skin surface of the subject.

The present invention concerns delivery of agents through the skin. Methods for delivering agents such as bioactive agents are contemplated by the present invention. Specifically, methods for the targeted delivery of agents to one or more areas of the epidermis and thereby, to one or more cancer tumors are described.

Disclosed are composite microneedles arrays including microneedles and a film overlaying the microneedles. The film includes a plurality of nano-sized structures fabricated thereon. Devices may be utilized for interacting with a component of the dermal connective tissue. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes. Devices may be beneficially utilized for delivery of an agent to a cell or tissue. Devices may be utilized to directly or indirectly alter cell behavior through the interaction of a fabricated nanotopography with the plasma membrane of a cell and/or with an extracellular matrix component.

The invention relates to analyte monitoring/drug (pharmaceutical agent) delivery device. The invention is suited for monitoring various blood constituents such as glucose. The device has a housing that at least partially encloses a plurality of microneedles disposed on a carrier and an electronics portion. Each microneedle is in fluid communication with a corresponding microchannel. Each microneedle is individually addressable. That is, each microneedle can be extended and retracted individually via an actuator. The electronics portion includes a processor and associated circuitry (e.g., memory, supporting electronics and the like), a motor or the like, a sensor, a power supply (e.g., battery) and optionally an interface. In general, the processor controls the operation of the device and is data communication with the actuator, motor, sensor and interface. The invention provides for autonomous operation, that is, without intervention of the user. The invention can optionally provide for calibration without intervention of the user. The invention can also provide for semi-continuous monitoring for day and night time. The invention can provide for up to four, or more, weeks of operation. The invention can provide for a device that is relative small in size, and therefore unobtrusive. The invention can also provide for device with remote control and interactive electronics. The invention may be also used for the delivery of various pharmaceutical agents including high potency drugs to minimize patient intervention and minimize discomfort.

A method for manufacturing a hollow protruding implement (1) including a fine hollow protrusion (3) having an opening (3h) of the present invention includes a protrusion forming step of inserting a projecting mold part (11) into a base material sheet (2A) from one face (2D) side thereof, the base material sheet containing a thermoplastic resin, thereby forming a non-penetrated hollow protrusion (3) projecting from another face (2U) side of the base material sheet (2A). Subsequently, an opening forming step is performed in which an opening (3h) that penetrates the hollow protrusion (3) is formed by using a contactless opening forming means disposed on the other face (2U) side of the base material sheet (2A).

A dual chambered syringe includes: an inner barrel defining a first inner chamber, the inner barrel having an apertured stopper at its distal end, the inner barrel being open at its proximal end; a shaft adapted to fit within the inner barrel, the shaft having a distal end which is engageable with the aperture of the stopper; a device for controlling engaging and disengaging of the distal end of the shaft with the aperture of the stopper; an outer barrel concentric with the inner barrel defining a second inner chamber, the outer barrel having a distal end for receiving and dispensing fluids and a proximal end into which the distal end of the inner barrel is insertable into the second inner chamber; the apertured stopper engages the second inner chamber of the outer barrel and selectively prevents or permits the passage of fluids between the outer barrel second chamber and the inner barrel first chamber; the inner barrel having an engageable surface on its outside surface; and, the outer barrel having operatively associated therewith an engaging device for selective engagement and disengagement with the engageable surface on the inner barrel.

A microneedle structure, a manufacturing method therefor, and a manufacturing apparatus therefor are presented. The microneedle structure manufacturing method according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: a) injecting, into a lower mold comprising a microneedle intaglio, a polymer solution containing a biocompatible polymer; and b) coupling a shape control mold, which comprises a protrusion, to the lower mold such that one end of the protrusion of the shape control mold is impregnated with the biocompatible polymer solution injected into the microneedle intaglio.

The present invention concerns delivery of agents to the skin. Methods for delivering agents such as bioactive agents are contemplated by the present invention. Specifically. methods for delivering an agent to one or more areas of the epidermis and, thereby, to the lymphatic system are described.

Disclosed is a micro-needle including a tip formed using medicine that penetrates into the skin and melts therein; and at least one guide groove each in a stepped shape inward from the outer surface of the tip, and provided to the tip. The micro-needle configured as above may be used to administer a fixed quantity of medicine within a relatively short period of time. Also, since a guide space stepped based on the tip is provided to a base that supports the tip, a large amount of medicine may easily penetrate into the skin.