Biomedical scientists reveal results of vaccine patch tests
Tuesday 20th July 2010
A team of US biomedical scientists have revealed their results into vaccine patches to provide immunisation against the influenza flu virus.
The laboratory tests were carried out on mice by researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology and the Emory University School of Medicine.
Initial findings show that the vaccine patches, which are comprised of approximately 100 ultrafine dissolving microneedles, are more effective than traditional intramuscular injections when it comes to boosting the immune system to fight the flu virus.
Each of the microneedles, which are just 0.65mm long, are coated in the vaccine to allow it to be administered through the skin.
In an NHS report on the study, the organisation stressed that human trials will be needed to "assess the full potential of this new technology".
However, it noted that the vaccine patches could be beneficial as they are easier to administer than a traditional injection.
The original research was published in Nature Medicine, with the authors of the study claiming that the development of this technology could "facilitate increased vaccination coverage".
Written by Megan Smith
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