Nanopatch™ is a next-generation drug delivery platform that consists of an array of thousands of coated microprojections able to perforate the dermal layer to deliver vaccine into the outer layers of the skin. Vaccine delivery using Nanopatch™ has the potential to offer significant advantages over traditional injections, including needle-free drug delivery, reduced pain, no need for refrigerated supply chain, improved vaccine effectiveness and low cost of manufacture.
A key consideration in development of the Nanopatch™ was the ability to apply vaccine to the microprojections effectively. In this collaboration, our design and engineering teams worked together with Vaxxas to develop a unique drying protocol able to provide essential levels of precision and control in manufacturing and product replication. This, in turn, supports the potential use of Nanopatch in a range of vaccine clinical research programs.
The collaboration between ourselves and Vaxxas resulted in development of an instrument that enables controlled coating of the micro-projections with drug compounds followed by specific drying protocols based on use of a unique gas jet technology. Usability was a key consideration throughout the development process, targeting a platform that is easy to use, maintain and clean. With these advantages, manufacturers are better able to achieve target goals in terms of precision and product replication necessary to advance vaccines to clinical stage research.