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Rapidly separable microneedle patch for the sustained release of a contraceptive
Wei Li1, Richard N Terry1, Jie Tang2
1School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Nature Biomedical Engineering
|April 6, 2019
Summary
A novel microneedle patch delivers levonorgestrel for long-acting contraception. This biodegradable patch offers a promising, self-administered option for women
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Reproductive Health
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Limited access to effective contraception and high failure rates of existing methods contribute to unplanned pregnancies.
- Current sustained-release hormonal contraceptives often require administration by healthcare professionals.
- There is a need for user-friendly, long-acting, and self-administered contraceptive options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and evaluate a novel microneedle patch for continuous, self-administered delivery of levonorgestrel.
- To assess the skin penetration, rapid separation, and biocompatibility of the microneedle patch.
- To determine the in vivo efficacy of the microneedle patch in maintaining therapeutic hormone levels.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a microneedle patch using biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) and polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) with integrated bubble structures.
- Evaluation of microneedle skin penetration and rapid detachment properties under compression and shear forces.
- In vivo study in rats to assess skin tolerability and pharmacokinetics of levonorgestrel released from the patch over one month.
Main Results:
- The microneedle patch demonstrated efficient skin penetration and rapid, shear-induced separation within five seconds.
- The patch was well-tolerated in rats with minimal visible skin irritation.
- Sustained plasma levonorgestrel concentrations above human therapeutic levels were maintained for one month.
Conclusions:
- The developed rapidly separable microneedle patch is a promising technology for continuous, long-acting contraceptive hormone delivery.
- This self-administered system has the potential to improve women's access to and control over their fertility.
- Further development could lead to a new generation of user-friendly contraceptive devices.
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