The Georgia Institute of Technology and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are developing an incredible new microneedle patch aimed to ease vaccination against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

The microneedle patch, which has a square centimeter measurement, is designed to be administered by minimally trained vaccinators. It can be administered with use of a simple press of the thumb. Also, the new device simplifies storage, disposal and distribution, when compared to conventional vaccines.  

The underside of the patch is lined with 100 solid, pointed microneedles made of sugar-based biopolymers and the vaccine that's a fraction of a millimeter long. When applied, the microneedles presses into the upper layers of the skin, dissolving within minutes and releasing the vaccine and the patch can be discarded.

"Each day, 400 children are killed by measles complications worldwide. With no needles, syringes, sterile water or sharps disposals needed, the microneedle patch offers great hope of a new tool to reach the world's children faster, even in the most remote areas," James Goodson, Ph.D., epidemiologist from the CDC's Global Immunization Division, said in a press release. "This advancement would be a major boost in our efforts to eliminate this disease, with more vaccines administered and more lives saved at less cost."

The microneedle patch is more stable at varying temperatures and it doesn't take up much space, therefore getting the vaccine to remote areas is expected to be an easier process than the delivery of standard vaccines. Also, because the microneedles dissolve into the skin, the disposal of needles is a non-issue. Furthermore, the cost of the measles patch is expected to be manufactured at a cost comparable to the standard needle and syringe vaccines.

Global coverage of the measles vaccine has been stalled around 85 percent for years, which is below the 95 percent coverage rate needed to influence the spread of the disease. The easy application could mean increased vaccination coverage, achieving the goal of measles elimination and guaranteeing history won't repeat itself. During the deadly measles resurgence of 1989-1991, the overall incidence rates were highest for Hispanics and blacks and lowest for non-Hispanic whites, according to the CDC.

"We think this collaboration with CDC is an excellent example of how advances in engineering can be used to address important public health problems," said Mark Prausnitz, a Regents Professor in the School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at Georgia Tech. Prausnitz served as one of the principal investigators on the study.

According to Georgia Tech and CDC's Global Immunization Division and Division of Viral Diseases, the microneedle patch produced a strong immune response in an animal model, and no adverse effects or health issues were noted.

Human clinical trials will begin as early as 2017, helping to strengthen routine immunization, eliminate measles and rubella, grow research and development for the next generation of vaccines and technologies, and protect against polio, influenza, rotavirus, rubella, tuberculosis and other diseases.