Assessing The Future Impact Of Microneedles In Medicine Greystone Associates Analyzes Technical And Commercialization Factors

Main Category: Pharma Industry / Biotech Industry
Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 20 Nov 2007 - 3:00 PDT

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Advances in materials processing - technologies that include micromachining, nanoprocessing and structured film forming - are creating new devices and new opportunities for minimally invasive medicine. These advances have led to the development and introduction of devices that employ very small needles - microneedles - that can deliver drugs or sample analyte by mechanically perforating the outer skin layer. The processing techniques incorporate one or more technologies that enable the precise machining, extrusion, casting, and/or forming of from one to an array or grid of microneedles.

Evolving microneedle systems will be well-positioned to address a significant segment of the large - molecule biological drugs expected to emerge from the convergence of automated discovery and genome mapping. Microneedles will also be a factor in continuous and remote patient monitors and point-of-care diagnostics. But before microneedles find widespread use, researchers must perfect the techniques for optimally inserting them into the skin, and complete the integration of microneedles into full diagnostic, monitoring or drug delivery systems.

These findings are contained in a new and comprehensive report: Microneedles in Medicine: Technology, Markets, and Prospects. The report, researched and written by Greystone, examines the technology and commercial factors that are shaping the future of microneedles in medicine.

About Greystone

Greystone Associates is a medical and healthcare technology consulting firm providing services in strategic planning, venture development, product commercialization, and technology and market assessment.

Greystone Associates

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