The invention provides methods, compositions, and kits using a galectin-3 inhibitor to prevent and treat retinal nerve damage in a subject suffering from glaucoma.

The present invention provides a method for generating an immune response in a subject, comprising administering to the subject's skin an immunizing composition from a SARS-CoV-2 pathogen, wherein the composition is administered with a microneedle delivery device.

A silicified cell includes a nanoparticle that carries a bioactive agent. The silicified call can be a tumor cell, a bacterial cell, a virus, or a silicifiable compartment or fragment thereof. The silicified cell can optionally include an immunomodulatory moiety that may be carried within pores of the nanoparticle and/or bound to the surface of the nanoparticle. The silicified cell can be used as a prophylactic or therapeutic treatment for treating tumors or bacterial infections.

The present invention provides methods for determining whether a subject is allergic to an allergen, comprising administering to the subject's skin at an injection site a composition comprising the allergen, wherein the composition is administered with a microneedle delivery device; and monitoring the injection site of the subject's skin for the appearance of a hypersensitivity reaction, wherein the appearance of the hypersensitivity reaction indicates that the subject is allergic to the allergen.

A patch incorporates biodegradable microneedles (MNs) that are fabricated from naturally derived polymer conjugates of gelatin methacryloyl and β-cyclodextrin (GelMA-)β-CD). When curcumin, an unstable and water-insoluble anticancer therapeutic agent, is loaded as an example, its stability and solubility are improved due to the formation of inclusion complex. The polymer-drug complex GelMA-β-CD/CUR can be formulated into MN arrays with sufficient mechanical strength for skin penetration and tunable drug release profile. Anticancer efficacy of released curcumin is observed in three-dimensional (3D) B16F10 melanoma models. The GelMA-β-CD/CUR MN exhibits relatively higher therapeutic efficacy through more localized and deeper penetrated manner compared with a control non-transdermal patch. In vivo studies verify biocompatibility and degradability of the GelMA-β-CD MN-based patch. Other water-insoluble therapeutic agents may be loaded into the patch.

The present invention provides a method for generating an immune response in a subject, comprising administering to the subject’s skin an immunizing composition comprising one or more cancer antigens, wherein the composition is administered with a microneedle delivery device.

Provided is a microneedle patch comprising a substrate part and multiple needle parts protruding from the substrate part. The substrate part consists of a diffusion-proof layer and a base, and each needle part consists of a needle tip, a diffusion-proof layer and a base. The diffusion-proof layer of each needle part is formed between the needle tip and the base of the corresponding needle part. The diffusion-proof layer of the substrate part and the diffusion-proof layer of needle part are one-piece structures, and so are the base of the substrate part and the base of the needle part. The diffusion-proof layer of the microneedle patch can prevent the active ingredients from diffusing to the base, limit the active ingredients to the needle tip and control the carrying quantity thereof.

Disclosed herein are improved methods of treating hyperglycemia with a combination of an ultrarapid acting insulin and insulin glargine comprising prandial administration of the ultrarapid insulin, and administration of a first dose of insulin glargine within 6 hours of waking for a day.

Microstructure arrays and methods for using and manufacturing the arrays 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.