Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2025
09:28
Enrich and Expand Rare Antigen-specific T Cells with Magnetic Nanoparticles
Published on: November 17, 2018
11.7K
Enhancing the Transdermal Delivery of 'Next Generation' Variable New Antigen Receptors Using Microarray Patch
Aaron R J Hutton1, Obinna Ubah2, Caroline Barelle2
1School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, United Kingdom.
Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
|August 29, 2022
Summary
Variable new antigen receptors (VNARs) offer a promising alternative to monoclonal antibodies for drug delivery. This study demonstrates enhanced transdermal delivery of VNARs using microarray patches (MAPs), showcasing potential for next-generation biotherapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Pharmacology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Variable new antigen receptors (VNARs) are emerging as a therapeutic alternative to monoclonal antibodies due to their small size and stability.
- Their properties make them suitable for novel delivery methods like microarray patches (MAPs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transdermal delivery of a specific anti-hTNF-α VNAR (ELN22-104) using both dissolving and hydrogel-forming MAPs.
- To evaluate the efficacy of different MAP formulations in enhancing VNAR transdermal permeation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized dissolving and hydrogel-forming MAPs for the transdermal delivery of ELN22-104.
- Performed in vitro permeation studies to quantify drug delivery over time.
- Compared the performance of polyvinylpyrrolidone/polyvinyl alcohol (PVP/PVA) hydrogel-forming MAPs against 'super swelling' hydrogel-forming MAPs.
Main Results:
- Dissolving MAPs showed a cumulative in vitro permeation plateau of 12.24 ± 0.17 µg after 2 hours, indicating potential for bolus dosing.
- PVP/PVA hydrogel-forming MAPs delivered significantly higher doses (43.13 ± 10.36 µg) compared to 'super swelling' MAPs (23.13 ± 5.66 µg) (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Modifying MAP systems can significantly enhance the transdermal delivery of VNARs.
- Transdermal delivery of next-generation biotherapeutics is feasible using MAP technology, offering a promising alternative to traditional delivery methods.
