초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for mechanically disrupting a layer of skin having a known thickness without substantially disrupting underlying dermis layers below the layer of skin in question so as to facilitate the delivery of compounds across the disrupted layer. The apparatus includes a cutter having a

A method and apparatus for mechanically disrupting a layer of skin having a known thickness without substantially disrupting underlying dermis layers below the layer of skin in question so as to facilitate the delivery of compounds across the disrupted layer. The apparatus includes a cutter having a plurality of microprotrusions having a height chosen with respect to the layer of skin that is to be disrupted and a stop for preventing the apparatus from penetrating the skin beyond a predetermined distance. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the microprotrusions include blades that generate cuts in the layer of skin. The cuts are generated by moving the apparatus parallel to the surface of the skin either at the time of application, during the normal movements of the individual wearing the apparatus, or both. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the appropriate length of blade is determined for each individual and delivery site on that individual.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for transdermal delivery of a compound to an animal at a site on that animal's skin, said skin comprising a stratum corneum layer, an epidermis under said stratum corneum, and a dermis layer under said epidermis, said method comprising the steps of:determining a

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for transdermal delivery of a compound to an animal at a site on that animal's skin, said skin comprising a stratum corneum layer, an epidermis under said stratum corneum, and a dermis layer under said epidermis, said method comprising the steps of:determining a depth of a cut that will extend through the stratum corneum of that animal at said delivery site but not penetrate the dermis of that animal at said delivery site; andapplying an apparatus at said delivery site to generate a cut extending through said stratum corneum layer, said cut extending into said epidermis but not into said dermis layer, said apparatus comprising:a plurality of microprotrusions for disrupting the skin at said delivery site, said mircoprotrusions having a length determined by said determined depth;stop means for preventing said apparatus from penetrating said layer of skin beyond a predetermined distance; andapplying said compound to said delivery site.