Abstract: A microneedle array is provided which has (1) the strength to withstand insertion into the skin surface layer and/or stratum corneum, (2) the fineness and flexibility to cause no pain or bleeding in the skin surface layer and/or stratum corneum at the insertion site of the microneedles, and (3) solubility or biodegradability of the microneedle portions under the skin. The microneedle array is produced by forming microneedles using proteoglycan as a base material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microneedle patch container for effectively and hygienically securing a microneedle patch from manufacture to use. The container has a bottom surface recessed from the peripheral portion towards the center, a side surface connected to the bottom surface and the peripheral portion, and a bottom-surface protruding portion protruding from the bottom surface. The flexible release-type sheet portion of the microneedle patch is secured to the protruding portion on the bottom surface. A lid can also be used which has a recessed portion pressing against the microneedle patch secured to the bottom-surface protruding portion of the container in the position corresponding to the bottom-surface protruding portion. This is preferably housed inside a pouch molded from sterilized paper or sterilized film in order to keep the microneedle patch in an aseptic state.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a microneedle material capable of dissolving in a short-time and being absorbed quickly in order to shorten the application time of the microneedle is provided. A mixture of a water-soluble polymer and one or more saccharides selected from monosaccharides and disaccharides is used as the microneedle material. A systhetic polymer, protein, polysaccharide or a mixture thereof can be preferably used as the water-soluble polymer. Glucose, fructose, sucrose, lactose, trehalose, or a mixture thereof can be preferably used as the saccharides.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a diffusion testing device to facilitate determination of diffusivity of prolonged release of drugs from transdermal therapeutic preparation. The diffusion testing device is characterized by a receptor liquid reservoir; a diffusion testing cell having a receptor chamber functioning to be full of receptor liquid and within which a stirrer be placed, a receptor liquid supply unit, a thermostat bath to hold the diffusion testing cell, a stirring apparatus located beneath the thermostat bath to cause the rotation action of the stirrer set in the receptor chamber, a sampling unit permitting sampling and storage of receptor liquid dissolving permeated drugs. Said receptor liquid reservoir, said receptor chamber, said receptor liquid supply unit and said sampling unit are connected with each other via infusion tube.

Abstract: Microneedle device is provided, which include microneedles that can be easily inserted into skin and dissolve or swell in skin. The microneedle devices comprise a substrate and cone-shaped or pyramid-shaped microneedles for skin insertion set on the substrate. The microneedles for skin insertion contain over 50 weight percent of one or multiple biomaterials chosen from chitosan, collagen, gelatin, hyaluronic acid, and they are fabricated from the materials that can dissolve or swell in the body.

Abstract: The invention provides a pressure-sensitive adhesive for the skin excellent in pressure-sensitive adhesiveness to the human skin and repeelability therefrom, which does not cause the horny layer to be torn away in peeling and is lowly irritant to the skin; and tapes or sheets made by using the same. The pressure-sensitive adhesive is characterized by comprising (a) 100 parts by weight of a copolymer which is prepared from an olefinic macromonomer and a vinyl monomer and whose molecular weight (in terms of polystyrene and as determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC)) has a two-peak distribution (with the proviso that when the copolymer is to be post-cured, the distribution is one as determined before the post cure) and (b) 20 to 250 parts by weight of a softener which is compatible with the copolymer and liquid or pasty at room temperature and has a boiling point of 250 or above (with the proviso that when the content of the softener (b) exceeds 80 parts by weight, the copolymer must be post-cured).

Abstract: To offer adhesives for percutaneous absorption, adhesive compositions for percutaneous absorption and preparations for percutaneous absorption which show high ability to dissolve drugs and to dissolve absorption promoting agents and enable high percutaneous absorption and have suitable cohesion and adhesion and do not damage the skin when detached. Adhesives for percutaneous absorption which comprise a copolymer in which the constituents are methoxyethyl acrylate 40-60 wt %, lauryl(meth)acrylate 30-40 wt % and a polar monomer 10-25 wt % only.