Dissolving Microneedles: Applications and Growing Therapeutic Potential

The review discusses the potential of dissolving microneedles for transdermal delivery of therapeutic compounds. These microneedles have superior drug loading capabilities and can be made entirely from the therapeutic agent. They have applications in various areas including cosmetics, vaccine delivery, diagnosis, cancer, pain and inflammation, diabetes, hair and scalp disorders, and inflammatory skin diseases. In hair and scalp disorders, microneedles containing valproic acid and finasteride have shown promising results in promoting hair growth in mouse models. Despite their potential, challenges such as rapid skin healing, complex manufacturing processes, potential infection risks, limited dosing capacity, and regulatory and commercial barriers need to be addressed. The market for microneedles is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.1% through to 2027.