Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh announced today they’re seeking approval by the FDA for a vaccine delivery system that could be used in the battle against COVID-19.
The system is a unique ‘Micro Needle Array’ designed to look like a band-aid laced with around 400 small needles inside. Each needle is made of a sugar substance that would dissolve into the blood stream, allowing for the vaccine to be delivered.
Today, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine @PittHealthSci scientists announced a potential vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, the new coronavirus causing the #COVID19 pandemic. https://t.co/ILW4IQfou7 pic.twitter.com/Y7l0SifBtn
— UPMC (@UPMCnews) April 2, 2020
So the needles themselves actually are made of the vaccine.
Each needle is said to be about the size of a human hair, but not long enough to reach the nerves, allowing for a painless experience. These micro vaccines could be used in a variety of future vaccine delivery systems as well, replacing needles entirely.
That’s now up to the FDA to decide.
Look at these fingertip-sized patches of 400 tiny needles. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine scientists developed a potential #COVID19 vaccine that delivers the spike protein pieces into the skin, where the immune reaction is strongest. https://t.co/rxYKTQ8NhO pic.twitter.com/38xNJ8bh98
— UPMC (@UPMCnews) April 2, 2020
