Transdermal insulin application system with dissolving microneedles

Abstract

Background: The aim of this report was to develop a dissolving microneedle (DM) application system, where 225-300 insulin-loaded DMs were formed on a chip. After the heat-sealed sheet is removed, the system covered with the press-through package layer is put on the skin. By pressing with the hand, insulin DMs were inserted into the skin.

Materials and methods: Factors affecting the penetration depth of DM were studied using applicator in vitro and in vivo experiments. The penetration depth was determined for rat and human skin. Two-layered DM array chips were prepared to obtain complete absorption of insulin and administered to the rat abdominal skin. Plasma glucose levels were measured for 6 h. By comparing the hypoglycemic effect with that obtained after subcutaneous injection, relative pharmacological availability (RPA) was determined.

Results: The penetration depth increased from 21 ± 3 μm to 63 ± 2 μm in proportion to application speed to isolated rat skin, at 0.8-2.2 m/s. Human skin showed similar results in the penetration depth. The in vivo penetration depth was dependent on the force (0.5-2.5 N) and duration (1-10 min), as the secondary application force. The penetration depth was 211 ± 3 μm with a duration of 3 min in the in vivo rat experiment. DM array chips having an insulin-loaded space of 181.2 ± 4.2 and 209 ± 3.9 μm were evaluated in the rat. RPA values of insulin from DMs were 98.1 ± 0.8% and 98.1 ± 3.1%, respectively.

Conclusions: These results suggest the usefulness of the two-layered DM application system for the transdermal delivery of insulin.