Abstract: Improved microprotrusion abrasion devices having fluid retaining or directing patterns, and specific design parameters and method for delivery of substances into the skin. Various configurations of such devices are disclosed, including domed, channeled, patterned and stepped.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for delivery of substances into the skin. It has been discovered that delivery of substances such as nucleic acids, amino acids, amino acid derivatives, peptides and polypeptides simultaneously with abrasion of the skin enhances delivery and the biological response as compared to application of the substance to previously abraded skin.

Abstract: A method of preparing a pharmaceutical composition is described, comprising 1) atomizing a liquid formulation of a therapeutic agent to produce an atomized formulation; 2) freezing said atomized formulation to form solid particles; and 3) drying said solid particles at about atmospheric pressure to produce a powder, wherein said drying is performed in the presence of vibration, internals, mechanical stirring, or a combination thereof. Another method is described, comprising 1) atomizing a liquid formulation of a therapeutic agent to produce an atomized formulation; 2) freezing said atomized formulation to form solid particles; and 3) drying said solid particles to produce a powder; wherein the atomized formulation comprises droplets having an average mean diameter of between about 35&mgr; and about 300&mgr;, and/or the powder comprises dried particles having an average mean diameter of between about 35&mgr; and about 300&mgr;.

Abstract: A method of preparing a pharmaceutical composition is described, comprising 1) atomizing a liquid formulation of a therapeutic agent to produce an atomized formulation; 2) freezing said atomized formulation to form solid particles; and 3) drying said solid particles at about atmospheric pressure to produce a powder, wherein said drying is performed in the presence of vibration, internals, mechanical stirring, or a combination thereof. Another method is described, comprising 1) atomizing a liquid formulation of a therapeutic agent to produce an atomized formulation; 2) freezing said atomized formulation to form solid particles; and 3) drying said solid particles to produce a powder; wherein the atomized formulation comprises droplets having an average mean diameter of between about 35&mgr; and about 300&mgr;, and/or the powder comprises dried particles having an average mean diameter of between about 35&mgr; and about 300&mgr;.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immunogenic composition and methods of making and using the composition. The immunogenic composition contains a directing molecule, a stimulant and an immunogen. The stimulant and directing molecule are chemically distinct. The stimulant and immunogen are present in relative amounts to result in an improved immune response relative to that resulting from the immunogen and just one of the directing molecule or stimulant.

Abstract: A method for delivering a substance to the epidermal tissue of skin. The method involves simultaneously disrupting only the stratum corneum of the skin and delivering the substance to the epidermal tissue of the skin.

Abstract: An abrasion device and method for delivery of substances into the skin comprises a microabrader for delivering a substance into the skin having a base with an abrading facet, to which an abrading surface having an arrangement of microprotrusions that have at least one scraping edge is attached, mounted, or integral with and a handle attachment facet, to which a handle or other grasping device is attached or mounted.

Abstract: Methods and devices for administration of vaccines and gene therapeutic agents into the intradermal layer of skin.