Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for reducing the coating variability of a transdermal microprojection delivery device. The device has one or more stratum corneum-piercing microprojections, wherein each microprojection has a maximum width located in the range of approximately 25% to 75% of the length of the microprojection and wherein the microprojection has a minimum width proximal to the maximum width. Preferably, the microprojection has a coating of a biologically active agent that at a minimum extends to at least approximately 75% of the distance from the distal tip to a location corresponding to the maximum width and at most extends up to approximately 90% of the length of the microprojection.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transdermally delivering a biologically active agent comprising a delivery system having a microprojection member (or assembly) that includes a plurality of microprojections (or array thereof) that are adapted to pierce through the stratum corneum into the underlying epidermis layer, or epidermis and dermis layers. In one embodiment, the VEGF-based agent is contained in a biocompatible coating that is applied to the microprojection member.

Abstract: A method for formulating an immunologically active agent and an apparatus for delivery same, the method comprising the steps of providing a bulk immunologically active agent, subjecting the bulk immunologically active agent to tangential-flow filtration to provide an immunologically active agent solution, adding at least one excipient to the agent solution and spray-drying the agent solution to form an immunologically active agent product; the apparatus comprising a microprojection member that includes a plurality of microprojections having a biocompatible coating disposed thereon that includes a spray-dried immunologically active agent. In a preferred embodiment, the immunologically active agent comprises an influenza vaccine, more preferably, a split-varion influenza vaccine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transdermally delivering a biologically active agent comprising a delivery system having a microprojection member (or system) that includes a plurality of microprojections (or array thereof) that are adapted to pierce through the stratum corneum into the underlying epidermis layer, or epidermis and dermis layers. In one embodiment, the PTH-based agent is contained in a biocompatible coating that is applied to the microprojection member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transdermally delivering a biologically active agent comprising a delivery system having a microprojection member (or system) that includes a plurality of microprojections (or array thereof) that are adapted to pierce through the stratum corneum into the underlying epidermis layer, or epidermis and dermis layers. In one embodiment, the fentanyl-based agent is contained in a biocompatible coating that is applied to the microprojection member. In a further embodiment, the delivery system includes a gel pack having a fentanyl-based agent-containing hydrogel formulation that is disposed on the microprojection member after application to the skin of a patient. In an alternative embodiment, the fentanyl-based agent is contained in both the coating and the hydrogel formulation.

Abstract: The invention provides for a formulation for coating one or more microprojections using a non-volatile counterion to improve solubility of a biologically active agent. The invention also includes formulations having a volatile counterion to reduce the solubility of a portion of the biologically active agent.

Abstract: A formulation for coating a transdermal delivery device having a plurality of stratum corneum-piercing microprojections, the formulation including a biologically active agent and at least one viscosity-enhancing counterion. Preferably, the formulation has a viscosity in the range of about 20-200 cp.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for stabilizing dried nucleic acids with carbohydrates such as non-reducing sugars, polysaccharides, and reducing sugars. Preferably, the stabilized nucleic acids are coated on a microprojection member for transdermal delivery. The invention further provides compositions and methods that involve the use of DNase inhibitors to stabilize dried nucleic acids delivered directly into bodily tissues.

Abstract: The invention provides for a formulation for coating one or more microprojections which reduces or minimizes the loss of counterions from the coating in order to achieve a pH-stabilized formulation.

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.