ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION The barrier properties of the stratum corneum (SC) restrict conventional transdermal delivery to candidates of low molecular weight (<500 Da), but several transcutaneous delivery strategies have been developed to circumvent this restriction (see Chapters 1, 30 and later chapters). This chapter discusses the development as well as advantages and disadvantages of one of these strategies, the microfabricated microneedle arrayan innovation with potential to greatly enhance cutaneous delivery of therapeutic agents. Its advantages include adaptability in design, simplicity in use, inexpensive production costs, ease of distribution, and good patient acceptability. It is also anticipated that microneedles would encounter fewer regulatory approval hurdles because of their close analogy with well-characterized hypodermic delivery systems.
