Dr Chris Steele discusses a skin patch which could remove the need to use needles to deliver drugs.

Could a patch end the need for needles?

Scientists have come up with a skin patch which can inject drugs into the body without pain. Instead of a single jab, the patch will contain dozens of tiny syringes which inject above the skin's pain receptors, cutting out discomfort.

Experts believe the device could be used to administer the daily insulin dose to those with diabetes or replace asthma inhalers

The 1in sq patch is bonded to the skin by an adhesive, containing 150 micro needles. There are also 400 cylindrical reservoirs filled with the drugs required by the patient.

The patches could last for days or weeks and could be available by 2010. The device is currently in development stage.

Curiously, this device is based on technology from the humble laser printer. It has been licensed by Hewlett Packard, the laser printer maker, to Irish firm Cropson Medical Devices.

More information is available here: www.crospon.com - Press release here Crospon Licenses HP Technology to Create Industry-first Skin Patch for "Smart" Drug Delivery
This content was created on Wed 26 September 2007

More like this
Illnesses
Treatments
News and Comment
Use this page



Privacy Terms | Advertisers | Legal Disclaimer | Contact
© 2007 TheFamilyGP.com