Needle-less immunisation is coming

Those of us who are squeamish about having an injection can take a sigh of relief: needle-less immunisation is coming our way according to new research revealed today at the British Pharmaceutical Conference in Manchester.

Researchers at the School of Pharmacy, University of London, have announced that they have found a way of applying low-frequency ultrasound to the skin, coupled with a product (1) that makes the skin more permeable. Vaccines are then applied to the skin in liquid form using a dropper and are easily absorbed.

The researchers tested the tetanus vaccine on mice and rats and it will next be tested on human skin. Pharmacist Afendi Dahlan, who led the research, explains how it will work, "It is estimated that the medium and the ultrasound will be applied to the forearm for up to two minutes. The area will then be cleaned and the vaccine applied."

He added that the method would remove the problems associated with needle delivery. "Needle usage can spread blood-borne diseases if someone is accidentally pricked with a needle, or if a needle is re-used. And, of course, there is the pain. Also you need a trained nurse or doctor to administer a vaccine using a needle," he said.

Low-frequency ultrasound is commonly used in laboratories as a cleaning tool. Afendi Dahlan said that he hoped a hand-held, low-frequency ultrasound device could be developed for use in hospitals and clinics.