New tool developed: vaccinations without a needle possible
Many years ago, it was reported that in the future vaccination without a needle could be possible. Researchers from Australia, it is now possible to develop an Instrument for the painless vaccination. A further advantage is that the costs can be reduced significantly.
Painless Vaccination
Vaccinations are a very effective agent against various infectious diseases. Previously it was associated with the Vaccination, it is always the needle. But years ago, scientists reported that it might be possible in the future, vaccines through the skin to administer. And now, researchers from Australia, in fact, to develop an Instrument for the painless vaccination. In addition, it has the advantage that the cost can be dramatically reduced, because there is no cold chain is needed for the vaccine.
No cooling needed
As the Australian new Zealand higher education / Institut Ranke-Heinemann in a message, reported, test, researchers at the University of Sydney is ready to market a device that could create great unrest in the 30-billion-Dollar-Impfgeschäft.
The information, according to the peculiarity of the product is that when you Vaccinate no needles are used, and thus the need for cool storage of vaccines not applicable.
In the case of the Instrument is a Chip, a “MAP” or “Micro-projection Array Patch”. This is only a square inch of biomedizinischem Polymer Material and is thus smaller than a postage stamp.
Therein 5,000 in vaccine-clad micro-projections, which transport the vaccines by the outermost layer of the skin passes directly to Thousands of skin cells are embedded.
The result is a more efficient vaccination, which requires no cooling of the vaccines, as is the method with needle and syringe.
Much cheaper
As it says in the message, it is marketed with the Patch of the Australian company Vaxxas.
The research will be carried out by the University of Sydney and the Innovative manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre.
“Vaccines using this technology is much cheaper and easier than liquid vaccines must be stored in the fridge,” says Cristyn Davies from the University of Sydney in a message.
“This would be a major advantage in remote areas, including developing countries, where the availability of refrigerators for the vaccines not always given.”
Cristyn Davies, Professor Rachel Skinner of the University of Sydney, Professor Robert Booy from Sydney Medical School and Professor Behnam Fahimnia of the Sydney Business School are entrusted with the development of the instrument.
The researchers are testing the acceptance of the use of this patch in patients and Physicians, and evaluate the cost-Benefit factor, compared with the conventional method with needle and syringe.
Vaccination rates could rise
The innovative Patch could also ensure that the vaccination coverage increases. Because at least ten percent of the respondents indicated to avoid a flu vaccination, because they are afraid of the needle.
In addition, the world health organization (WHO) estimates that each year, about 1.3 million deaths are attributed to injury by the needle and a resulting contamination.
The Patch is affixed by means of an applicator to the skin, which contains the product and a reliable delivery of the vaccines are guaranteed.
The information, according to the company Vaxxas has carried out in the year 2015, a WHO-supported study that has investigated the use and compatibility of the applicator for vaccination against polio in Benin, Nepal and Vietnam.
According to Davies, this study has provided valuable information and there is also a large potential of the product.
Tests for different age groups
The company plans to develop the Patch for Australia and to market. “Our research focuses on how he is perceived by patients and users,” explains Davies.
“What the manufacturers of vaccines by the use of the Patches and its acceptance by the patients and also the manufacturers hope, differs dramatically from the situation in developing countries,” says Professor Rachel Skinner.
“We will be testing the Patch in different situations and in different age groups, in the workplace and with family doctors,” said Professor Booy.
The results are compared with the results of previous studies of the WHO, to meet the requirements in different markets to estimate. (ad)