Abstract: Spray-coated pharmaceutical powder compositions for transdermal administration using a needleless syringe comprise seed particles coated with a pharmaceutical composition, the said coated seed particles having an average size of about 10 to 100 &mgr;m and having an envelope density ranging from about 0.1 to about 25 g/cm3.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing an analyte is described, wherein the apparatus includes an interface contact element that is used to establish an interface with a quantity of body fluid. The interface contact element is adapted to facilitate diffusion of a target analyte across the interface essentially free of net mass fluid transport. The quantity of body fluid is exposed to the interface contact element through micro-pathways. The apparatus can also include a sensing material adapted to sense the target analyte with at least one analytical method. Methods for using the apparatus in a non- or minimally invasive monitoring technique are also described.

Abstract: A needleless syringe capable of accelerating particles into a target surface is provided. The syringe comprises a body having a lumen with a diaphragm located adjacent to a terminus thereof. Particles are delivered from an external surface of the diaphragm by means of the motive force provided by the impact of a shockwave imparted to the internal surface of the diaphragm. A method for delivering particles from the needleless syringe is also provided.

Abstract: Methods for assessing immunocompetence, cellular or humoral immunity, antigen exposure, or allergic conditions in an individual by accelerating diagnostic particles into a target skin site in the individual are provided.

Abstract: Methods for sampling an analyte present in a biological system are provided. The methods entail use of particle delivery methods to obtain a sample of an analyte of interest from the system.

Abstract: A needleless drug particle delivery device, of the kind in which firing of the drug particles is caused by a sudden gas flow, characterised in that the device comprises a container (14) of compressed gas and a mechanism for releasing the gas from the container to create the gas flow, the mechanism comprising a rupture (20) element for breaching the container and a manually manipulable actuator (27) for moving the element and the container relatively to one another to provide an initial breach whereby gas is released to act on a piston portion (21) to provide a servo action which causes the rupture element and container to move further suddenly relatively to one another to complete the breaching of the container and establish a maximum gas flow from the container.

Abstract: Replaceable components for use with a needleless syringe delivery device are provided. One replaceable component is a cartridge having a source of particles and a source of compressed gas. Another replaceable component is a nozzle assembly having a particle acceleration nozzle and a coaxial filter element. Reusable needleless syringe devices which include these replaceable components are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for sampling an analyte present in a biological system are provided. The methods entail use of particle delivery methods to obtain a sample of an analyte of interest from the system.

Abstract: A needleless syringe having a membrane (28) which is ruptured by gas pressure to generate a supersonic gas flow in which particles containing a therapeutic agent are injected.

Abstract: A needleless syringe particle delivery system is provided. The needleless syringe comprises an elongate nozzle which is connected at its upstream end to an open ended capsule chamber. The capsule chamber is configured to house and intimately enclose a nonrigid capsule containing particles of a therapeutic agent. An opening means is provided at the upstream end of the capsule chamber, and is used to pierce the upstream end of a capsule in the chamber. After the capsule is opened, an energizing means connected to the upstream end of the capsule chamber applies a gaseous pressure sufficient to force the particles out of the capsule and the open downstream end of the capsule chamber and thus to create through the nozzle a supersonic gas flow in which the particles are entrained.

Abstract: A needleless syringe capable of accelerating particles comprising a therapeutic agent across skin or mucosal tissue of a vertebrate subject is provided. The syringe comprises an elongate tubular nozzle having a bend along its length and is connected to or capable of connection to a suitable energizing means for producing in the nozzle a supersonic condition sufficient to cause delivery of the particles to a target surface. A method for delivering particles comprising a therapeutic agent from the needleless syringe is also provided.

Abstract: A needleless syringe, in which particles of a therapeutic agent are entrained in a high pressure gas flow, has a nozzle surrounded by a shroud silencer through which gas reflected from the target surface may be vented to atmosphere while retaining any particles reflected in the gas.

Abstract: A needleless syringe having a membrane which is ruptured by gas pressure to generate a supersonic gas flow in which particles containing a therapeutic agent are injected.