Inactivated Influenza Vaccine Microneedle Patch

This is an inactivated influenza vaccine delivered via a dissolvable microneedle patch technology. Developed by researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, led by Mark Prausnitz, and commercialized by Micron Biomedical, the system uses a bandage-sized patch containing microscopic needles (approximately 600 micrometers tall) that encapsulate the vaccine. Upon application to the skin, the needles dissolve within minutes, releasing the vaccine (typically a trivalent or quadrivalent inactivated subunit formulation) into the skin's immunologically active layers. This delivery method aims to improve vaccination rates by allowing for self-administration, eliminating needle-stick injuries, and providing thermostability that removes the need for a cold chain. A Phase I clinical trial demonstrated safety and immunogenicity comparable to traditional intramuscular injection.

Other names

Inactivated influenza vaccine-Mark Prausnitz-influenzaMicron Influenza Microneedle PatchDissolvable microneedle patch influenza vaccine