Abstract: The device including a plurality of stratum corneum-piercing microprojections, and a solid coating disposed upon the microprojections, wherein the solid coating includes at least one beneficial agent and a biocompatible carrier is provided. The device is applied to the skin of a living animal (e.g., a human), causing the microprojections to pierce the stratum corneum and deliver an effective dose of the agent to the animal.

Abstract: Methods are provided for preparation of a coating on one or more microprojections of a microprojection array using wetting agents either as a pretreatment of the microprojection surfaces or incorporated in the coating formulation along with the active agent.

Abstract: Skin patches (20) having a microprojection array (10), a reservoir (18) containing an antigenic agent and an immune response augmenting adjuvant, and methods of using same to vaccinate animals (e.g., humans) is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the microprojection arrays (10) are composed of a photoetched and micro-punched titanium foil (14). The microprojections (12) are coated with a liquid formulation containing a vaccine antigen and an adjuvant such as glucosaminyl muramyl dipeptide, dried, and applied to skin of the animal to be vaccinated using an impact applicator. The microprojections (12) create superficial pathways through the stratum corneum to facilitate permeation of antigenic agent and adjuvant. Antigen dose and depth of penetration can be controlled. This technology has broad applicability for a wide variety of therapeutic vaccines to improve efficacy, and convenience of use.

Abstract: Methods are provided for preparation of a coating on one or more microprojections of a microprojection array using wetting agents either as a pretreatment of the microprojection surfaces or incorporated in the coating formulation along with the active agent.

Abstract: Skin patches (20) having a microprojection array (10), a reservoir (18) containing an antigenic agent and an immune response augmenting adjuvant, and methods of using same to vaccinate animals (e.g., humans) is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the microprojection arrays (10) are composed of a photoetched and micro-punched titanium foil (14). The microprojections (12) are coated with a liquid formulation containing a vaccine antigen and an adjuvant such as glucosaminyl muramyl dipeptide, dried, and applied to skin of the animal to be vaccinated using an impact applicator. The microprojections (12) create superficial pathways through the stratum corneum to facilitate permeation of antigenic agent and adjuvant. Antigen dose and depth of penetration can be controlled. This technology has broad applicability for a wide variety of therapeutic vaccines to improve efficacy, and convenience of use.

Abstract: The device including a plurality of stratum corneum-piercing microprojections, and a solid coating disposed upon the microprojections, wherein the solid coating includes at least one beneficial agent and a biocompatible carrier is provided. The device is applied to the skin of a living animal (e.g., a human), causing the microprojections to pierce the stratum corneum and deliver an effective dose of the agent to the animal.

Abstract: Transdermal compositions, devices, and methods for the administration of a drug at reduced skin irritation levels are disclosed. More particularly, this invention relates to novel methods, compositions, and devices for the reduction or elimination of irritation or sensitization caused by an irritating or sensitizing drug when it is delivered transdermally. According to a preferred embodiment, transdermal administration of a drug salt of a non-zwitterionic drug is disclosed wherein the drug salt comprises a combination of surface activity and a low octanol-water partition coefficient. Such drug salts have been found to reduce irritation or sensitization to the drug being delivered while achieving therapeutically effective transdermal fluxes.