Abstract: The efficacy of tissue piercing elements in the area of transdermal drug delivery is well-documented. Multiple studies have shown that enhancement of skin permeation via creation of microscopic pores in the stratum corneum can greatly improve the delivery rates of drugs. However, skin perforation with tissue piercing elements is not the only factor affecting the rate of drug transport. Other factors including such as the formulation of the drug and rate of closure of the micropores closure also need to be considered. Similarly micro tissue piercing elements have been used with less success by several workers for continuous glucose monitoring.

Abstract: A surface penetration device, methods of use and methods of manufacture thereof are provided. The device includes a substrate supporting a tapered elongate structure extending from and supported by the substrate upper surface. The elongate structure includes a distal portion, a proximal portion supported at the substrate upper surface, a lumen, and a plurality of lumen openings. A cross section of the lumen is asymmetrical and includes a fist defining dimension that is larger than a second defining dimension. The lumen extends from the lumen openings and through the elongate structures. The lumen openings are positioned proximal to the elongate structure's distal portion. In one embodiment an array of a plurality of the elongate structures are provided. In another embodiment, the elongate structures are microneedles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods to increase the number of analyte-related signals used to provide analyte measurement values, e.g., when two or more analyte-related signals are used to obtain a single analyte measurement value a “rolling” value based on the two or more signals can be employed. In another aspect, interpolation and/or extrapolation methods are used to estimate unusable, missing or error-associated analyte-related signals. Further, interpolation and extrapolation of values are employed in another aspect of the invention that reduces the incident of failed calibrations. Further, the invention relates to methods, which employ gradients and/or predictive algorithms, to provide an alert related to analyte values exceeding predetermined thresholds.