Electrifying Skin Delivery

By: Katie Schaefer, Cosmetics & Toiletries

Posted: November 1, 2010, from the November 2010 issue of Cosmetics & Toiletries.

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Schultz added the technology may be beneficial for the delivery of MMP inhibitors to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Further, he notes the use of iontophoresis by physical therapists to deliver lidocaine into skin, by dermatologists treating hyperhydrosis, and by dentists delivering painkillers into the gums; however, these uses all involve small molecules and sometimes result in chemical burns.

According to Gibson, in general, iontophoresis utilizes a patch or a device, which is application-dependent. For instance, in ophthalmology, a cup including the deliverable solution and an electrode sits on the eye while another electrode rests on the forehead. Gibson notes that with design improvements, the team’s iontophoresis method could be developed for at-home use.

Regarding ASOs, Schultz says research supports their healing effects on scars via injection, and he believes iontophoresis may provide a non- invasive method to deliver them to scarred areas. In the future, the team plans to expand its work to test the delivery of other biotechnology-derived and small molecules via iontophoresis.