In the United States, HP has taken a groundbreaking step by applying inkjet technology to create painless injection patches. For many people, especially diabetics, regular insulin injections are not only inconvenient but also painful. However, an article published in the British *Daily Mail* on April 18th brought hope: Hewlett-Packard is developing a painless injection patch using principles from inkjet printers.
The new patch uses a system similar to inkjet printer cartridges. It features 150 microneedles spread over an area of about 6.5 square centimeters, along with around 400 tiny reservoirs. Each reservoir is connected to a needle, and all components are controlled by a microchip that ensures precise, personalized drug delivery. This innovation could significantly improve the experience for patients who rely on frequent injections.
HP is currently negotiating a patent transfer agreement with Crospon, an Irish medical device company, which will pay royalties and handle mass production. The patch is expected to hit the European and U.S. markets by 2010. Crospon’s CEO, John O’Day, also plans to partner with a pharmaceutical company to ensure the successful launch of the product.
One key feature of the patch is its ability to deliver medication at specific times and in exact doses. Joe Byers, HP's vice president of intellectual property, highlighted that the combination of microneedles and a microchip opens the door for AI-controlled drug delivery. This allows for timed, accurate dosing, which is particularly beneficial for patients with diabetes, heart conditions, or hormonal imbalances.
Unlike traditional skin patches, which can only release drugs slowly through the skin, this new technology uses microneedles to penetrate directly into subcutaneous tissue. This method achieves the same effectiveness as a conventional syringe, making it ideal for medications that cannot be absorbed through the skin.
Market analysts believe the price of the patch will depend largely on the cost of the medication it delivers. However, since the technology is based on HP’s existing inkjet printer design, the overall cost is expected to remain reasonable. O’Day noted that "inkjet and spray technologies are not that different in nature."
HP is not the first company to explore reusing patents for new applications. In recent years, other tech firms have also looked into leveraging existing technology to boost revenue. HP encourages companies like Crospon to innovate with its intellectual property, believing that such collaborations can bring more people benefits from major technological advancements.
As the healthcare and life sciences industries continue to grow, HP sees great potential in applying its core printing technology to medical devices. This move reflects a broader trend of cross-industry innovation and the growing importance of smart, patient-friendly solutions in modern medicine.
Source: Pharmaceutical Economics
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