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Publication Number
US-11998712-B2
Publication Date
2024-06-04
Expiration Date
Abstract
Provided is a microneedle patch which is easily to be applied on a skin surface. One or more holes are provided inside a protective sheet of the microneedle patch, and one or more cutting lines running from an outer edge of the protective sheet toward the holes are also provided. The cutting lines may be symmetrically arranged on both sides of the hole. Providing an incision on the outer edge of the cutting lines of the protective release sheet facilitates cutting along the cutting lines. In the use of the microneedle patch, both sides of the cutting line of the protective release sheet are held and torn so as to bring out a microneedle array adhesive sheet and apply it on a skin. Then the microneedle array surface is slightly compressed, thereby the microneedle is inserted into the stratum corneum.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a microneedle patch system that includes a protective release sheet and one or more microneedle arrays. The protective release sheet includes one or more holes, and the microneedle arrays are held in the holes. An incision is provided at the cutting line position so that the protective release sheet can be removed by tearing/cutting without contacting the microneedles.
The protective release sheet is configured so that removal exposes adhesive tape and enables application with slight compression to insert microneedles into the stratum corneum. The protective release sheet further includes preferred hole/patch sizing relationships and a protective spacing concept to prevent damage to the microneedle array during removal. The sheet can be configured in a single-hole/single-array manner or in multi-array arrangements.
The invention also provides a dedicated protective case that holds the protective release sheet so that the protective release sheet is sandwiched from above and below. In particular, a lidded protective case structure fixes each microneedle array in a position that is spaced apart from a bottom of the protective case by holding the protective release sheet.
Claims Coverage
The document includes two independent claims that cover a microneedle patch system with structural retention of one or more microneedle arrays in holes of a protective release sheet, and protective-case sandwiching with fixed spacing from a case bottom. Across the independent claims, the inventive features center on a protective release sheet with holes holding the arrays, a protective case that sandwiches the sheet, and single-hole/multiple-array configurations.
Protective release sheet with holes holding microneedle arrays
A microneedle patch system comprising one or more microneedle arrays on a flexible substrate with microneedles on the first surface, an adhesive tape adhered to the second surface, and a protective release sheet including one or more holes, wherein the one or more microneedle arrays is held in the one or more holes.
Protective case holding and sandwiching the protective release sheet
A microneedle patch system further comprising a protective case holding the protective release sheet so that the protective release sheet is sandwiched from above and below.
Lidded protective case fixing spacing from the case bottom
A microneedle patch system wherein said protective case is a lidded protective case having a structure that each of the one or more microneedle arrays is fixed in a position that is spaced apart from a bottom of the protective case by holding the protective release sheet so that the protective release sheet is sandwiched by the protective case.
Single hole holding plurality of microneedle arrays
A microneedle patch system wherein the one or more microneedle arrays comprise a plurality of microneedle arrays, and wherein the one or more holes consist of one hole and the plurality of microneedle arrays is held in the one hole of the protective release sheet.
Overall claim coverage protects a microneedle patch system in which microneedle arrays are retained in holes of a protective release sheet, and the protective release sheet is sandwiched by a protective case. The claims further specify that the case may be a lidded protective case that fixes array positions spaced from the bottom, and that multiple microneedle arrays may be held within a single hole.
Stated Advantages
Enables removal of the protective release sheet by tearing/cutting without contacting the microneedles.
Exposes the adhesive tape for application.
Provides a protective spacing relationship to prevent damage to the microneedle array during removal.
Fixes the microneedle array position spaced apart from the bottom of the protective case.
Documented Applications
Application of the microneedle patch with slight compression to insert microneedles into the stratum corneum.
Storage of the microneedle patch system using a dedicated lidded protective case that sandwiches the protective release sheet without contacting needle parts.
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