Octopus-inspired patch for drug delivery: suction cup instead of syringe

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In initial tests on humans, the patch proved safe and tolerable, researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) in Zurich wrote in the study published Wednesday in the journal “Science Translational Medicine.”

To test their patch, the researchers loaded it with desmopressin, a diabetes drug approved in dogs, and attached it to the lining of dogs’ mouths. The study showed that the patch remained in the animals’ mouths for three hours without falling off or causing irritation. The effect of the drug was comparable to the effect achieved when given in tablet form.

The researchers then had 40 volunteers place the tape on the inside of their cheeks, talk, walk, and rinse their mouths without medication for half an hour. Most of the plaster was stuck. Test subjects also reported that they would prefer the patch to injections for daily, weekly or monthly treatment.

According to research, the patch may be suitable for insulin. Until now, diabetics had to inject insulin, sometimes several times a day. Other peptides and proteins can currently only be administered via syringe. Previous attempts at delivery via nasal sprays or microneedles have shown only low effectiveness, according to the study.

However, according to the researchers, more studies are needed to determine the safety of repeated treatment with suction cups before using them.

(SDA)

Source : Blick