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Published on: April 6, 2017
Transdermal and transmucosal powdered drug delivery
T L Burkoth1, B J Bellhouse, G Hewson
1PowderJect Technologies Inc., Fremont, CA 94555, USA.
Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems
|October 26, 1999
Summary
High-velocity powder injection offers needle-free drug and vaccine delivery using a helium gas jet to propel particles. This technology shows potential as a versatile drug-delivery platform.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pharmaceutics
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Traditional drug delivery methods often involve needles, causing pain and patient discomfort.
- Biotechnology advancements require novel delivery systems for sensitive biologics like proteins and peptides.
- Vaccine delivery, especially genetic vaccines, can benefit from non-invasive methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the principles and applications of high-velocity powder injection for drug and vaccine delivery.
- To characterize the technology, including device operation, particle properties, and tissue interaction.
- To present preclinical and clinical data supporting its potential as a drug-delivery platform.
Main Methods:
- Review of device configurations and operating principles for particle acceleration.
- Analysis of required particle properties (20-100 microns diameter).
- Examination of target tissue characteristics and developmental testing methods.
Main Results:
- High-velocity powder injection enables needle- and pain-free delivery of diverse therapeutics.
- The technology utilizes a transient helium gas jet for particle acceleration.
- Preclinical and clinical results demonstrate the technology's efficacy and potential.
Conclusions:
- High-velocity powder injection is a promising platform for delivering traditional drugs, biologics, and vaccines.
- The technique offers a needle- and pain-free alternative to conventional administration.
- Further development and application as a versatile drug-delivery platform are supported by current data.
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