| abstract |
The present invention relates to an efficient device for administering a drug through human skin and to provide a device for vaccinating through the skin. A drug delivery device having a portion that penetrates the skin is provided, comprising a drug-containing solid reservoir medium, wherein a skin piercing member is coated with the reservoir medium. Alternatively, the skin piercing member may consist of a solid drug reservoir medium. The drug delivery device is tailored to deliver the drug into a specific layer of skin, and a preferred delivery device comprises a skin piercing member that delivers the drug to the epithelium or dermis. Preferred reservoir media contain saccharides, especially stabilizing saccharides such as lactose, raffinose, trehalose or sucrose that form glass (amorphous solid material). [Selection] Figure 3 |