Vaccinets

Vaccinets are a type of vaccine delivery system that utilizes a dissolvable microneedle array. These arrays, composed of numerous tiny needles, are coated with vaccine antigens. When applied to the skin, the microneedles penetrate the outermost layer of the epidermis, delivering the vaccine directly into the skin without causing significant pain.

The microneedles are designed to dissolve in the skin, releasing the vaccine payload. This approach aims to simplify vaccination procedures by eliminating the need for refrigeration for some vaccines and potentially allowing for self-administration. The dissolution of the needles also means they are disposed of once applied, reducing sharps waste.

Research into vaccinets is ongoing, with a focus on improving manufacturing processes, stability of vaccine formulations on the microneedles, and efficacy across different vaccine types. Potential advantages include improved vaccine accessibility, particularly in remote or resource-limited settings, and a potentially reduced immune response compared to intramuscular injections, which may offer a different safety profile. Clinical trials are being conducted to evaluate their safety and effectiveness in humans for various diseases.