APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TRANSDERMAL DELIVERY OF ERYTHROPOETIN-BASED AGENTS

摘要

An apparatus and method for transdermally delivering a biologically active agent comprising a delivery system having a microprojection member (or system) that includes a plurality of microprojections (or array thereof) that are adapted to pierce through the stratum corneum into the underlying epidermis layer, or epidermis and dermis layers. In one embodiment, an Epoetin-based agent is contained in a biocompatible coating that is applied to the microprojection member. In a further embodiment, the delivery system includes a gel pack having an Epoetin-based agent-containing hydrogel formulation that is disposed on the microprojection member after application to the skin of a patient. In an alternative embodiment, the Epoetin-based agent is contained in both the coating and the hydrogel formulation.