MICROSTRUCTURE ARRAY FOR DELIVERY OF ACTIVE AGENTS

摘要

Provided herein is a microstructure array comprising a plurality of dissolving microstructures such as microprojections attached to a base. The plurality of microstructures comprise an active agent in a biocompatible and water-soluble matrix, where the water-soluble matrix preferably comprises a polysaccharide polymer and a sugar alcohol, and the base typically comprises a non-water soluble matrix. The plurality of microstructures, upon penetration of the subject's skin, undergo dissolution to deliver the active agent. Also provided are related microstructure formulations, in dried and liquid form, methods for preparing the above-described microstructure arrays, and methods for administering an active agent by application of a microstructure array as provided herein to a subject's skin, among other features.

主权项

1. A method of making a microstructure array, comprising:
(i) providing a liquid formulation comprising a vaccine, an insoluble particulate adjuvant, and a hydrophilic polymer in an aqueous buffer; (ii) dispensing the liquid formulation from step (i) onto a mold having an array of microstructure cavities and filling the microstructure cavities to form a formulation-filled mold; (iii) removing excess liquid formulation from a top surface of the mold; (iv) drying the formulation-filled mold. (v) placing a backing layer on the dried mold from (v), whereby the backing layer forms a base having an attachment point to the formulation dried in each of the microstructure cavities to provide a molded microstructure array, and (vi) removing the microstructure array from (v) from the mold.