Microneedles at the frontier of biologics and vaccine delivery: Bridging innovation and clinical translation
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Microneedle (MN) technology has emerged as a promising platform for the transdermal delivery of biologics and vaccines. Conventional delivery methods for proteins, peptides, insulin, and vaccines are often associated with pain, poor patient compliance, and the need for trained healthcare professionals. Microneedles overcome these limitations by creating microscopic channels across the stratum corneum, enabling efficient drug transport into the viable layers of the skin while minimizing discomfort. Various types of microneedles, including solid, coated, dissolving, hollow, and hydrogel-forming systems, have been developed using different materials and fabrication techniques. These systems have demonstrated significant potential in the delivery of insulin, proteins, peptides, monoclonal antibodies, nucleic acids, and vaccines. Microneedle-based vaccination offers additional advantages such as improved immunogenicity, ease of administration, and reduced dependence on cold-chain storage. Despite their promising applications, challenges related to mechanical strength, drug loading capacity, manufacturing scale-up, sterility, and long-term safety remain barriers to widespread commercialization. Recent advances in smart microneedles, biosensing technologies, and personalized medicine have further expanded the scope of this technology. This review highlights the principles, types, fabrication methods, applications, safety considerations, challenges, and future prospects of microneedle-based delivery systems, emphasizing their potential to transform the administration of biologics and vaccines through a safe, effective, and patient-friendly approach.
Source: The Pharma Innovation
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmaceutical Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7204133307