the MicroDose Needlefree
system

Needlefree injection – a good idea,
but not yet realized

Injection with a needle is still the most common means of achieving predictable drug concentrations, and is the only established route of administration for large molecules. But injections are disliked by most patients and are a safety hazard for healthcare professionals. Current “needlefree” injection systems utilize the paradigm of forcing the whole bolus dose through the skin in a single instant. This design philosophy requires a brute force approach that has resulted in expensive, loud, and cumbersome devices that can cause injury to the patient. These systems often require special training and have not enjoyed widespread use with self-administered drugs.

MicroDose is changing the paradigm for needlefree drug delivery

In order to overcome the many drawbacks of these systems, MicroDose changed the paradigm of delivery and conceived of delivering the dose in micro-liter quantities in rapid pulses. This novel approach enabled the use of ‘off-the-shelf’ electronic piezo transducers in a revolutionary, programmable way that controls the delivery accurately and reproducibly. And unlike systems using iontophoresis or electroporation, the MicroDose system will be able to deliver large molecule therapeutics.

The system can be designed as a standard pen injector for use by patients who are skilled at self-injection, but can also be designed to be worn as a patch, and programmed for intermittent or continuous delivery, allowing medication to be given at a predetermined time. The patch design would be most helpful for children and patients who are unable or unwilling to dose themselves, and for those patient groups that are poorly compliant.

What will make the MicroDose needlefree system unique?

• Compact discreet size
• Low-cost
• Quiet and programmable
• Delivery of small or large molecules
• Patient-self-administered
• Pain-free delivery
• Use of prepackaged drugs
• Eliminates risk of needle stick injury

MicroDose’s Needlefree technologies, while patented, are now only in the conceptual stage. Development plans through rapid proof-of-concept have been developed and can be initiated upon demonstration of interest by potential partners.