Full Name: Hollow Microstructured Transdermal System

Team: 3M, St. Paul, MN  

Status: Ready for preclinical studies

Debut: May, 2014

Field Position: Patient studies, delivery system trials

Skill Set: Patient-friendly intradermal delivery solution ideal for difficult-to-deliver biologics and other therapies.

Performance Stats:
• Designed with patient’s dexterity issues in mind
• Capable of delivering liquid formulations from 0.5 mL to2 mL 
• Ready to deliver therapies over a range of viscosities

Regulatory Profile: In development

Coach’s Notes: “The progression of this technology has been so exciting, and now companies can take the next step – preclinical trials,” said Ingrid Blair, vice president, Transdermal Business, 3M Drug Delivery Systems. “Whether partners work with 3M to conduct these trials using our resources, or they simply need a supply of single-use hMTS delivery systems for their own preclinical studies, they now have options.”

Scout’s Notes: Human factors refinements to the 3M hMTS include a textured grip and the capability for non-specific actuation. A cap protects the microneedle array. Patients simply take the cap off, adhere the single-use delivery system to the skin of the thigh or abdomen, and press down to begin dosing. An audible click provides assurance that the system has been activated. Once applied to the skin and activated, the delivery system does not need to be held in place, leaving patients’ hands-free. The status of the dose being delivered is visible as a blue indicator that moves across the progress window. Wear time ranges from 15 seconds to 5 minutes depending on the volume and viscosity.

Team Resources: 3M Drug Delivery Systems partners with pharmaceutical and biotech companies to develop and manufacture pharmaceutical products using 3M's inhalation, transdermal or microneedle drug delivery technology. 3M offers a full range of feasibility, development and manufacturing capabilities to help bring products to market. Regulatory expertise, quality assurance, operations, marketed product support and other in-house resources are available for each step of the development and commercialization process.