The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 271 No 7279 p807
13 December 2003

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Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (www.pnas.org)

Painfree microneedles

Researchers have developed microneedles, measuring from 1 to 1,000 microns, small enough to avoid significantly stimulating nerve endings when penetrating the skin. Arrays of the microneedles might be used in delivering drugs, proteins (including insulin) and macromolecules. An applicator device is being developed by the researchers to minimise variability in needle insertion (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences online No.1316).