Dissolvable patch developed for flu vaccine

A dissolvable adhesive patch has been developed to offer a ‘painless’ alternative to the flu vaccine, which is traditionally delivered by injection.

Researchers from Emory University and the Georgia Institute of Technology developed the patch, which consists of 100 microscopic needles that delivers the vaccine into the skin.

The patch is made from sucrose and polyvinyl alcohol and contains 100 microscopic needles that dissolve into the skin.

The first human trial of the patch found was conducted and involved 100 adults aged between 18 and 49 who had previously chosen not to get the flu jab. Participants were divided into four groups, one of which received an injection whilst the others wore the microneedle patch for twenty minutes. Of these three groups, one received a placebo and two were given the flu vaccine. 

Due to the simplicity of the patch, one flu vaccine group was able to apply the patch themselves whereas the second group had it applied by a healthcare worker.

Results of the trial showed that 96% of participants vaccinated with the patch found the process to be pain-free. Other results show that the patch provided strong immunity and that 70% of those receiving the patch preferred the method to traditional injections.

The researchers hope that because of the patch’s ‘painless’ delivery, more people will be encouraged to get the flu vaccine.

More so because of the ease-of-use that the patch provides, experts believe it could change the way vaccines are administered. As the patch doesn’t need to kept at an optimum temperature, like traditional vaccines, it could be stocked on pharmacy shelves for people to purchase.

John McCauley, director of the Worldwide Influenza Centre at the Francis Crick Institute in London, said: “I think it is really quite a promising way forward,” he said, adding that further studies are needed to show that the approach offers benefits in the event of an influenza epidemic. If you can make vaccination easier, more people will take it. With more people taking it there is better ability to control infection at the population level.”

A comment on the uptake of flu vaccines in the UK was published alongside the study. Writing in the piece Katja Höschler and Maria C Zambon state that the uptake of the flu vaccine in the UK is lagging behind the goal of the national vaccine programme.

Associate Professor Nadine Rouphael at Emory University School of Medicine and co-author of the study, said: "Despite the recommendation of universal flu vaccination, influenza continues to be a major cause of illness leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Having the option of a flu vaccine that can be easily and painlessly self-administered could increase coverage and protection by this important vaccine."