Microneedle patches that deliver estrogen for long-term treatment
Official title: Poly(pro-Estrogen) Microneedle Patches
Funded at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute · NIH-10833168 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new skin patch made from estrogen that gently delivers the hormone right where you need it, making it easier and more comfortable than injections or pills for people who need hormone therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Troy, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $78,014 |
| NIH project number | 5R03EB034482-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10833168 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals requiring estrogen therapy, such as those undergoing hormone replacement therapy or certain cancer treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require estrogen therapy or have contraindications to estrogen use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel microneedle patch made entirely of a polymerized form of the female hormone estrogen. The patch is designed to release low doses of estrogen directly at the site of application over an extended period, potentially lasting for years. By using this minimally invasive method, patients can avoid the discomfort of injections and the complications associated with oral administration, such as first-pass metabolism. The innovative design allows the microneedles to be hard for easy skin penetration and then soften at body temperature for effective drug delivery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective and comfortable way for patients to receive estrogen therapy.
How similar studies have gone: While microneedle technology has been explored in various contexts, this specific approach using polymerized estrogen is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior research.
Where this research is happening
-
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Palermo, Edmund Francis — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Study coordinator: Palermo, Edmund Francis
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.