In a groundbreaking development, HP in the U.S. has introduced a painless injection patch inspired by inkjet technology, offering hope to millions who fear needles. For diabetics and others requiring regular injections, this innovation could transform their daily routine. The British *Daily Mail* reported that Hewlett-Packard is applying the principles of inkjet printers to medicine, creating a patch that delivers medication without the discomfort of traditional syringes.
The patch, measuring about 6.5 square centimeters, features 150 microneedles and 400 tiny reservoirs. Each reservoir is connected to a needle, and the entire system is controlled by a microchip, allowing for personalized and precise drug delivery. This technology not only eliminates the pain of injections but also ensures accurate dosing over time.
HP plans to license the technology to Crospon, an Irish medical device company, which will manufacture and distribute the patches in Europe and the U.S. by 2010. Crospon’s CEO, John O’Day, mentioned that they are also seeking partnerships with pharmaceutical companies to ensure the patch’s successful market launch.
One of the key benefits of the patch is its ability to deliver timed, measured doses of medication. According to Joe Byers, HP’s Vice President of Intellectual Property, the integration of microchips with microneedles opens up possibilities for AI-driven drug delivery systems. This makes the patch particularly beneficial for patients with diabetes, heart conditions, or hormonal imbalances, as well as those on multiple medications.
While skin patches have existed before—like nicotine patches for smoking cessation—this new technology overcomes previous limitations. Traditional patches can only release drugs through the skin, but the microneedles on HP’s patch penetrate directly into the subcutaneous tissue, mimicking the effectiveness of a conventional syringe.
From a cost perspective, the price of the patch depends largely on the medication it contains. However, since it uses a design similar to HP’s inkjet printer cartridges, the production costs remain relatively low. O’Day noted that the technology behind inkjet and spray systems is quite similar, making the transition feasible.
HP is not the first company to repurpose existing patents for profit, but its approach highlights a growing trend in leveraging mature technologies for new applications. By encouraging companies like Crospon to innovate using its intellectual property, HP aims to tap into the expanding healthcare and life sciences markets.
This advancement represents a significant step forward in medical technology, combining the precision of printing with the critical needs of modern healthcare. As the industry continues to evolve, innovations like these could redefine how patients receive treatment, making healthcare more accessible and less painful for all.
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