Microneedle patches aim to provide months-long drug release with a single dose

Researchers are engineering drug-delivery systems that remain active inside the body for months or even years using microscopic needles no longer than a millimetre. After being applied, the needles embed in the skin for roughly an hour and then dissolve, providing a steady release of medication over a prolonged timeframe. Such long-acting formulations could revolutionize treatment and prevention of many conditions by reducing the need for repeated doses.

The technology holds particular promise for low- and middle-income nations, where fewer medical visits and lower drug costs could improve health outcomes. By offering a “single-dose, lifelong” therapeutic option, these microneedle patches may significantly enhance patient adherence and reduce logistical burdens on health systems.