Improving how medicines get through skin using tiny needles
A translational approach to predicting small molecule drug permeation through microneedle-treated skin
This research explores how tiny needles can help a wider range of medicines pass through the skin more effectively for patient treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11146568 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many medicines struggle to get through the skin's protective outer layer, limiting their use in easy-to-apply patches. This project looks at how very small needles, called microneedles, can create temporary pathways in the skin to help these medicines absorb better. We want to understand exactly how different medicines and skin types affect this process, both in laboratory tests and in animal models. The goal is to develop new ways to deliver a variety of medications through the skin, making treatments more convenient and consistent for you.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit future patients who could use microneedle-enhanced drug delivery for various medical conditions.
Not a fit: Patients who do not require or cannot use transdermal drug delivery methods may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new and improved skin patch treatments for many health conditions, offering an easier and more consistent way to receive medication.
How similar studies have performed: While drug delivery through intact skin is well understood, systematically understanding how microneedles enhance delivery for a wide range of medicines is a newer area of focus.
Where this research is happening
Iowa City, United States
- University of Iowa — Iowa City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brogden, Nicole K — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Brogden, Nicole K
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.