Revolutionary Octopus-Inspired Drug Patch: Needle-Free Drug Delivery Through Your Cheek
Researchers have developed sticky patches inspired by octopus suckers that can deliver difficult-to-absorb drugs through a person's inner cheek. The rubber suction cups, filled with medication, adhere to the cheek and stretch the inner mouth tissue, increasing the surface area for drug penetration. In tests with dogs, the patches showed significantly higher bioavailability compared to oral tablets. A human trial also demonstrated the patches' comfort and preference over needle injections. This technology could revolutionize drug delivery, particularly for large-molecule drugs like peptides, and benefit children who require regular injections.