The long-term objective of the proposed research project entitled """"""""Clinical evaluation of novel methods for extending microneedle pore lifetime"""""""" is to improve current methods of transdermal drug delivery by increasing the lifetime of pores created from inserting microneedles into the skin. Improvement of transdermal drug delivery techniques (via the use of microneedles) would have important clinical implications by providing a less invasive means to deliver drugs systemically, which would lead to greater patient safety and compliance. This could also have strong implications in developing better treatments for alcoholism and opiate addiction, as this proposal examines the delivery of naltrexone (an opiate antagonist used for the treatment of opioid and alcohol abuse) following microneedle insertion. Effective transdermal delivery would be an excellent alternative to the current oral and parenteral formulations of naltrexone.
The specific aims of the proposal include 1) inhibition of the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway as a means to inhibit pore closure, 2) pharmacokinetic analysis of naltrexone to characterize pore lifetime following COX inhibition, and 3) employing small-interfering RNA (siRNA) methods to inhibit pore closure. The research methods will involve the use of in vitro and in vivo models (cell culture, qRT-PCR, ELISAs), animal models (hairless guinea pigs and Yucatan miniature pigs), and human studies. Many of the methods described in the proposal involve novel applications of commercially available products, or development of innovative means to improve transdermal drug delivery with the use of microneedles. Studying these compounds and delivery methods makes it feasible to do translational bioengineering and biopharmaceutical training research in human proof-of-concept studies.

Public Health Relevance

This research will lead to a better understanding of new methods for delivering drugs through the skin. This will help to improve public health by leading to less painful and potentially safer ways of treating many different medical conditions, including heroin abuse and alcoholism.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31DA029374-02
Application #
8146894
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F10A-S (20))
Program Officer
Lao, Guifang
Project Start
2010-07-01
Project End
2012-06-30
Budget Start
2011-07-01
Budget End
2012-06-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$33,243
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Kentucky
Department
Pharmacology
Type
Schools of Pharmacy
DUNS #
939017877
City
Lexington
State
KY
Country
United States
Zip Code
40506
Brogden, Nicole K; Banks, Stan L; Crofford, Leslie J et al. (2013) Diclofenac enables unprecedented week-long microneedle-enhanced delivery of a skin impermeable medication in humans. Pharm Res 30:1947-55
Brogden, Nicole K; Ghosh, Priyanka; Hardi, Lucia et al. (2013) Development of in vivo impedance spectroscopy techniques for measurement of micropore formation following microneedle insertion. J Pharm Sci 102:1948-1956
Brogden, Nicole K; Milewski, Mikolaj; Ghosh, Priyanka et al. (2012) Diclofenac delays micropore closure following microneedle treatment in human subjects. J Control Release 163:220-9
Paudel, Kalpana S; Milewski, Mikolaj; Swadley, Courtney L et al. (2010) Challenges and opportunities in dermal/transdermal delivery. Ther Deliv 1:109-31