Microneedle patches and systems, and methods for use of such patches and systems. In one aspect, a microneedle patch is provided including a tab portion for handling the microneedle patch. In another aspect, a system is provided including a microneedle patch and a tray for housing the microneedle patch. In still another aspect, various indicators providing for providing feedback prior to, during, and after administration of the microneedle patch are provided. Advantageously, the described microneedle patches and systems provide improved handling and ease of application of the microneedle patches to skin for the delivery of therapeutic agents.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a patch of dissolving microneedles loaded with active ingredients to be applied to skin for treating skin conditions is provided. As seen in FIG. 1, the dissolving microneedle patch (10) comprises a substrate (12) and a plurality of microneedles (14) which extends from the substrate. The dissolving microneedle patch (10) is made of a matrix material and at least one active ingredient such as a corticosteroid, namely triamcinolone (TAC). The matrix material is made of bio-compatible materials such as hyaluronic acid (HA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), or mixture of them, which dissolve rapidly when they are in contact with the inner skin. The active ingredient is loaded onto individual patches with the desirable dosage ranging from 0.01 mg-1.0 mg.

In the preferred embodiment, a method of making microneedles comprises i) providing a microneedle template (300) having a plurality of microneedles cavities (360) on one surface, ii) preparing a casting solution (320) comprising at least one matrix material and its solvent, iii) subjecting said microneedle template (300) to a vacuum pressure for a length of time to deprive it of air, iv) dispensing the casting solution (320) over the air-deprived microneedle template, v) allowing the casting solution (320) to be drawn into the air-deprived microneedle cavities (360) completely, and vi) allowing the dissolving microneedles to solidify or dry in a controlled environment.

The present invention provides a solution to increase the drug loading capacity and drug delivery precision of dissolving microneedles. These solutions include: (a) increasing the base of the microneedle cavities without substantially changing the microneedle's height and geometry, (b) use of drug suspension and (c) a specific centrifugation order for filling drug and matrix material. In the first preferred embodiment, a microneedle master mould comprising a plurality of microneedles, wherein each of the microneedles further comprising a chamfered base which extends to and adjoins with its neighboring chamfered bases is provided. In the second preferred embodiment, a method of making dissolving microneedles is provided, comprising (a) providing a microneedle template comprising a plurality of microneedle cavities, wherein each of the microneedle cavities further comprising a chamfered base which extends to and adjoins with its neighboring chamfered bases; (b) dispensing a drug suspension in the substrate cavity on the microneedle template; (c) centrifuging the microneedle template which is loaded with a drug suspension, (d) dispensing a matrix material solution in the substrate cavity on the microneedle template; (d) centrifuging the microneedle template loaded with the drug suspension and the matrix material solution; and (e) drying the centrifuged microneedle template in a controlled environment.

An apparatus and method for manufacturing a microneedle are disclosed, which aim to reduce the production costs of microneedle preparation and improve the efficiency and quality of microneedle preparation. The apparatus for manufacturing a microneedle includes a baseplate, an elastomeric female mold, a horizontal movement mechanism, a vertical movement mechanism, a dispenser and a roller mechanism. The elastomeric female mold is disposed on the baseplate and has a surface formed thereon with cavities complementary to needle bodies. The dispenser includes a reservoir for holding a solution for forming the microneedle. The roller mechanism is disposed on the dispenser and includes a roller. In practical use, the roller is driven by the vertical movement mechanism to apply a predetermined value of pressure onto the elastomeric female mold and is then driven by the horizontal movement mechanism to move horizontally on the elastomeric female mold, thereby evacuating air from the cavities and coating the solution dispensed from the reservoir on the elastomeric female mold. In this way, high filling efficiency and good filling quality are achievable.

The present invention provides a method for treating a dermatological condition in a subject, comprising administering to the subjects skin a bioactive composition using a microneedle delivery device, wherein the bioactive composition comprises an effective amount of an anesthetic; administering an effective amount of electromagnetic radiation to the subjects skin to induce damage to the epidermis and/or dermis; and optionally administering to the subjects skin an effective amount of a composition to promote wound healing.

The present invention provides a method for treating a skin neoplasm in a subject, comprising administering to the subject's skin a composition comprising an effective amount of one or more antineoplastic agents, wherein the composition is administered with a microneedle delivery device.

The present invention provides a method for treating a disease or condition in a subject, comprising administering to the subject's skin a composition comprising an effective amount of exosomes, wherein the composition is administered with a microneedle delivery device.

The present invention is directed to an applicator, configured to reversibly attach to a dispensing device, with at least one micropore and a kit for administration of a therapeutic agent. Methods of use of the applicator are also disclosed herein.

A skin treatment device includes a control unit and a hand tool. The hand tool includes a body, a wiper head, and a needle roller head. The wiper head includes a rotatable wiper structure including one or more wiper blades. The needle roller head includes needle roller structure. The skin treatment device provides a multi-step process including desincrustation, skin transdermal delivery of topical agents, serums, and the like, microdermabrasion, and fractional micro-channeling application.