A Yonsei research team, led by Professor Ryu Won-hyung from the School of Mechanical Engineering and Professor Yoon Young-nam of the College of Medicine, has developed a new, highly-efficient drug delivery system using a microneedle cuff made from a biodegradable polymer. Their microneedle cuff, which allows for reliable insertion and optimal drug distribution in the tunica media (the middle layer of an artery or vein), is a significant advance over less-efficient delivery devices—such as a drug eluting stent or balloon—which are used to treat vascular diseases like restenosis (the narrowing of a blood vessel). And because the microneedle cuff is made from biodegradable material, no surgery is required to remove it, as it naturally breaks down within a few months.

The results of the research were published July 12 in the online version of the Journal of Controlled Release under the title “Perivascular biodegradable microneedle cuff for reduction of neointima formation after vascular injury” (the article will be published in print form on October 28).  According to Professor Ryu: “our new microneedle drug delivery provides a platform for using drugs more effectively and efficiently.”  He added: “the device will be applied in order to treat stenosis and other blood vessel obstructions.”  The project was supported and funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning and the Ministry of Health and Welfare.