Efficient Transdermal Drug Delivery Using Microneedle Arrays

Abstract

Microneedle arrays are micron-scale needles assembled on a transdermal patch. They are a novel and minimally invasive approach for transdermal drug delivery, and are capable of creating su perficial pathways across the skin for small drugs and macromolecular drugs, including peptide and protein drugs, to achieve enhanced drug delivery. Since Henry et al. have reported the microneedle arrays in the field of transdermal absorption in the 1990’s, microneedle arrays have been fabricated from numerous materials and in a variety of shapes and sizes, for the transdermal drug delivery. In this review, we summarized the studies of microneedle arrays as new type of transdermal formulation in terms of development history, pharmaceutical characteristics and recent challenges. Future pros pects of microneedle arrays are also discussed from viewpoint of clinical application.