Micron Biomedical’s Successful Clinical Trial of Microarray Injection-free Vaccine on Children
Micron Biomedical, an Atlanta-based biotech company, made a remarkable announcement last week regarding the successful completion of the first-ever clinical trial testing of a microarray injection-free vaccine on children. The clinical trial included children as young as 9 months old and was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Microarray injections are administered through a microneedle patch that looks like a plaster. These patches have tiny needles that can deliver vaccines and medication through the skin without the use of injections. Microneedle patches are a more painless and less invasive way of administering vaccines than traditional injections.
The clinical trial was carried out with 60 healthy children age 9 months to 6 years. The vaccine used was a hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine. The results were highly promising. The study found that the microarray patch was safe, effective, and able to produce an immune response that meets the criteria set by the World Health Organization (WHO). It was found that all participants, either vaccinated through the traditional method or the microarray patch method, developed a sufficient immune response toward the HepB vaccine.
This study is crucial as it proves that the microarray patch can safely administer vaccinations to children. The patches also have a self-applied feature, making vaccination available to people who live far from a health facility.
Dr. Mark Prausnitz, a Georgia Tech professor and Micron Biomedical scientist, mentioned that “Traditional needles and syringes are still a barrier to scalable immunization programs in low- and middle-income countries. We believe that micron patches can solve this problem, and this clinical study represents a critical step in demonstrating that it is possible.”
Micron Biomedical’s research and clinical trial is a significant move in the world of vaccination. It is an essential step in facilitating the usage of new technologies to enhance vaccinations. It eliminates the prevalent needle or syringe injection constraints and increases accessibility to lifesaving vaccines globally.
The technology’s possible impact could also be significant in a post-COVID-19 world when many people might be hesitant to take a vaccine that needs injecting due to perceptions of pain and stress. Microneedle patches could be a promising solution for administering vaccines against COVID-19 and other diseases in the future.
In conclusion,
Micron Biomedical has successfully completed the first-ever clinical trial of a microarray injection-free vaccine’s effectiveness on children, making a significant development in the world of vaccination. This study proves the safety and viability of the method, which can be a game-changer in making vaccinations more accessible in low- and middle-income countries.
Microneedle patches could be a step on the way to revolutionizing the way we administer healthcare. They could also provide a solution for administering vaccines in a post-COVID-19 world. With time, new advancements will increase the efficiency of this method and bring us closer to a better future.
