Transdermal Microneedle Patches: Bridging the Gap in Drug Administration

Microneedle-based transdermal drug delivery is a rapidly evolving area at the intersection of materials science, pharmacology, and medical technology. Unlike traditional oral or injectable drug administration, microneedle transdermal patches (MTPs) enable direct delivery of therapeutic agents across the skin with minimal pain and improved convenience. This innovation offers significant advantages, including bypassing gastrointestinal degradation, enhancing patient adherence, and allowing controlled dosing by patients themselves. Over recent years, research has expanded rapidly, focusing on the design, composition, and mechanism of microneedle systems to increase drug efficacy and expand their use for complex molecules and biologics. Promising results indicate that MTPs can improve treatment outcomes in challenging therapeutic areas such as neurodegenerative, cardiometabolic, and autoimmune diseases.Despite these advances, challenges remain in translating laboratory prototypes into clinically approved products. Critical gaps persist in understanding the long-term safety, standardized fabrication methods, and mechanisms governing drug stabilization, loading, and release from MTPs. Furthermore, issues related to the degradation of patch materials within skin layers and the scalability of production processes need greater attention. Addressing these gaps is essential for realizing the full promise of microneedle technology and harnessing its impact on global healthcare.This Research Topic aims to consolidate and advance research on the development of microneedle transdermal patches. The principal objectives are to investigate material innovations that enhance microneedle strength and durability, explore novel design and geometric optimizations, and deepen understanding of drug storage, degradation, and release mechanisms. Additionally, the topic seeks to expand knowledge of the clinical application spectrum for MTPs, assess barriers to market translation, and identify strategies for optimizing efficacy and safety. By fostering the exchange of new findings and perspectives, this initiative aspires to pave the way for the successful integration of MTPs into mainstream medical practice.This Research Topic will focus on advances, applications, and translational challenges associated with microneedle transdermal patches, without extending to unrelated transdermal or systemic delivery technologies. Contributions are invited addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:o Innovations in polymer modifications to enhance microneedle strength and control drug release durationo Influence of microneedle type and geometry on drug delivery outcomeso Mechanistic insights into patch degradation in the skin based on compositiono Advances in the understanding of drug loading and controlled release mechanismso Applications of MTPs for diseases such as neurodegenerative, cardiometabolic, autoimmune disorders, and vaccine deliveryo Strategies to overcome translational and commercialization barriers for clinical deployment Topic editors: Karla Mayolo-Deloisa, Omar Lozano, Jorge Alejandro Benavides Lozano, Javier O Morales, Imma Ratera Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76130/transdermal-microneedle-patches-bridging-the-gap-in-drug-administration