3M Develops Transdermal System for Peptide Delivery

Hollow microstructured transdermal system
Hollow microstructured transdermal system

3M Drug Delivery Systems presented research showing that its hollow microstructured transdermal system (hMTS) integrated device delivers large molecules not typically compatible with transdermal delivery. The research, presented at the annual meeting of the Controlled Release Society in Copenhagen, demonstrates the potential for the hMTS device to deliver peptides and proteins, including antibodies.

Kris Hansen, MTS new technology and product development manager, led the presentation and explained to attendees the system’s potential to efficiently and comfortably deliver molecules via this self-applied, easy-to-use, low pain transdermal device. To determine the effectiveness of the technology, researchers conducted comparative studies, evaluating the pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles and bioavailability of model drug compounds delivered via the hMTS device vs. a traditional syringe injection. The delivery of antibodies and proteins was found to be as efficient as a syringe, a critical element of any delivery platform targeted at high-cost biopharmaceutical drugs.

According to the company, the system offers an alternative delivery option for drugs that previously have been administered by injection. The delivery system reportedly can provide efficient and fast intradermal infusion of large molecules, providing access to transdermal delivery for much of the biopharmaceutical market.

Although the drug delivery system was created to deliver peptides and proteins in drug applications, the technology could provide insight into future skin care applications.

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