A study published in Nature Medicine shows promise for a new vaccine delivery system involving patches that contain dissolvable microneedles. The researchers who developed the patch tested its ability to immunize mice with an influenza vaccine and found that it might provide a better immune response over traditional needle injection. They hope one day to make the patch available so patients – especially those who are afraid of needles – can self-administer vaccines at home.
ACSH's Dr. Gilbert Ross is intrigued but reminds readers that more data is needed. “We still do not know if it works in other animal systems or with different vaccines. The Nature Medicine study tested small numbers of mice, so larger trials are needed to prove efficacy.”