Medical devices that incorporate siRNA are provided. In addition to one or more siRNA constructs, devices include nanostructures fabricated on a surface to form a nanotopography. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes. Microneedles may be incorporated on devices. The pattern including nanostructures may be formed on the surface of the microneedles.

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.

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.

The configuration of an elongate aperture in a membrane draped over a microneedle assembly may be controlled by controlling the manner in which the aperture is formed and/or by controlling the manner in which the membrane is draped. At least a portion of the membrane may be spaced apart from a microneedle so that a gap is defined between the membrane and the microneedle. The gap may be configured for at least partially controlling the formation of the elongate aperture. The shape of the gap may optionally be at least partially defined by a pleat in the membrane. Any pleats may be aligned in a predetermined manner. The elongate aperture may be formed by a piercing member that is passed through a hole in the microneedle assembly prior to piercing the membrane. The piercing member may be a laser beam.

A drug delivery device is disclosed that may include a skin penetrating assembly having a support defining an upper surface and a lower surface. The skin penetrating assembly may also include a plurality of skin penetrating members extending outwardly from the lower surface. Each skin penetrating member may define a channel for receiving a drug formulation. In addition, the device may include a reservoir positioned adjacent to the upper surface of the support for initially retaining the drug formulation. The reservoir may include a top surface and a bottom surface and may define a plurality of passages extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The passages may be configured such that the drug formulation is retained within the passages against gravity.

The present invention provides microneedles for administration of biocompatible materials effective in augmentation of skin or other skin treatments, and applicators comprising such microneedles. In particular, the microneedles and applicators of the present invention are aimed at filling the undesired lines, wrinkles, depressed scars and folds of a subject's facial and neck skin and restoring youthful fullness to the skin.

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.

Discloses is a method of manufacturing a micro-needle. The method includes a step of preparing a medicinal solution, a step of forming a plurality of tips with the medicinal solution, and a step of forming a cavity in each of the tips. In accordance with such a configuration, a micro-needle in which cavities are formed is provided, whereby it is possible to administer a fixed amount of medicine in a short time.

Provided are a micro-needle patch and a manufacturing method thereof. The micro-needle patch includes: a support on one surface of which grooves are formed; a gel membrane for delivery of a transmitter to be transferred in which the grooves are filled with a mixture of the transmitter with a biodradable resin, the mixture being in a gel phase; a plurality of micro-needles projected on the other surface of the support and for penetrating the skin; a first protective film that covers the gel membrane and is adhered on the support; and a second protective film that covers the plurality of micro-needles and is adhered on the other surface, wherein passages are formed by being penetrated from the support to each of the plurality of micro-needles or formed by penetrating the support between the plurality of micro-needles, so that the transmitter of the gel membrane is transferred to the skin.

Disclosed are medical devices that incorporate siRNA. In addition to one or more siRNA constructs, devices include nanostructures fabricated on a surface to form a nanotopography. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes. Microneedles may be incorporated on devices. The pattern including nanostructures may be formed on the surface of the microneedles.