Dissolving Microneedles: An Advanced Approach for Transdermal Drug Delivery

Dissolving microneedles (DMNs) are an advanced technology for transdermal drug delivery, offering minimally invasive and efficient administration of therapeutic agents. These polymer-based needles create microchannels in the skin to enhance drug absorption and can be made entirely from the active pharmaceutical ingredient. The "Microlancer" system allows for self-administration with a 97% delivery efficiency in under a second. DMNs have diverse applications, including cosmetics, vaccine delivery, and cancer therapy, but challenges such as variations in skin elasticity and hair density can affect drug delivery. The review discusses the latest developments, clinical trials, and barriers to large-scale adoption of DMNs.