Painless vaccination without needle

New instrument developed: vaccinations without needle possible

Years ago it had been reported that in the future vaccinations without a needle could be possible. Researchers from Australia have actually succeeded in developing an instrument that can be vaccinated painlessly. Another advantage: The costs are also significantly reduced.

Painless vaccination

Vaccinations are a very effective remedy for various infectious diseases. So far, a needle has always been connected to the vaccination. But years ago, scientists reported that it might be possible to administer vaccines through the skin in the future. And now researchers from Australia have actually succeeded in developing an instrument that can be vaccinated painlessly. It also has the advantage of dramatically reducing costs because no cold chain is needed for the vaccine.

Still, vaccinations are done with a needle. But thanks to a new instrument, that could change in the future. (Image: Richard Villalon / fotolia.com)

No cooling required

As the Australian-New Zealand University Network / Institute Ranke-Heinemann reported in a release, researchers from the University of Sydney test the market maturity of a device that could cause great unrest in the $ 30 billion vaccine business.

According to the information, the special feature of the product is that no needles are used during vaccination and thus eliminates the need for cool storage of the vaccines.

The instrument is a chip, a "MAP" or "micro-projection array patch". This is only one square centimeter of biomedical polymer material and is thus smaller than a stamp.

It incorporates 5,000 vaccine-wrapped micro-projections that transport the vaccines directly through the outermost layer of skin to thousands of skin cells.

The result is a more efficient vaccine, which does not require cooling of the vaccines, as is the case with the needle and syringe method.

Much cheaper

As stated in the message, the patch is marketed by the Australian company Vaxxas.

The research will be carried out by the University of Sydney and the Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Center.

"Delivering vaccines using this technology is much cheaper and easier than liquid vaccines that need to be stored refrigerated," explains Cristyn Davies of the University of Sydney in a statement.

"This would be a key advantage in remote areas, including developing countries, where the availability of refrigerators for vaccines is not always there."

Cristyn Davies, Professor Rachel Skinner of the University of Sydney, Professor Robert Booy of the Sydney Medical School and Professor Behnam Fahimnia of the Sydney Business School are responsible for developing the instrument.

The researchers are testing the acceptance of this patch by patients and physicians and are evaluating the cost-benefit factor compared to the conventional needle and syringe method.

Catch rate could rise

The innovative patch could also ensure that the vaccination rate increases. Because at least ten percent of respondents have indicated to avoid a flu vaccine because they are afraid of the needle.

In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 1.3 million deaths each year are due to needle-related injuries and consequent contamination.

The patch is applied to the skin using an applicator that contains the product and guarantees reliable delivery of the vaccines.

According to information provided by Vaxxas in 2015, a WHO-sponsored study has investigated the use and tolerability of the poliomyelitis vaccine applicator in Benin, Nepal and Vietnam.

According to Davies, this study provided valuable information and also indicated a great potential of the product.

Tests at different age groups

The company plans to develop and market the patch for Australia. "Our research focuses on how it is perceived by patients and users," explains Davies.

"What manufacturers of vaccines are hoping for from the use of the patch and its adoption by patients and manufacturers, is dramatically different from the situation in developing countries," said Professor Rachel Skinner.

"We will test the patch in different situations and ages, at work and with GPs," explains Professor Booy.

The results are compared with the results of previous WHO studies to assess the requirements in different markets. (Ad)