Microneedle Array Doxorubicin

Microneedle Array Doxorubicin (MNA-D) is an investigational drug-delivery system developed by Dr. Louis Falo at the University of Pittsburgh for the localized treatment of skin cancers, specifically cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). The system consists of a small, adhesive-like patch containing dozens of microscopic needles loaded with a low dose (50 micrograms) of the anthracycline chemotherapy agent doxorubicin. Upon application, the microneedles penetrate the stratum corneum to deliver the drug directly into the tumor microenvironment. This approach aims to maximize therapeutic efficacy at the site of the lesion while minimizing the systemic toxicity typically associated with intravenous doxorubicin administration. Doxorubicin works by intercalating into DNA and inhibiting topoisomerase II, which leads to DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in malignant cells.

Other names

Doxorubicin-loaded microneedle arrayMNA-DoxMicroneedle array containing doxorubicin