WHAT IS A DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM?...
A device consisting of an analysis mechanism (such
as a biochip), a reservoir chamber for drug storage, and compound delivery
mechanism (such as a microneedle array) used for diagnostic and therapeutic
applications. Drug delivery systems can be either in vivo or in vitro
such as a transdermal patch or inhalation device. For the purposes of
this report, only drug delivery systems that involve a bioMEMS mechanism
are considered. Thus, many oral delivery methods (i.e., pills and inhalation
devices) are not considered.
Microneedle devices are used for the delivery of
molecules of either a treatment drug or diagnostic compound into the body.
Microneedles can be made of a biodegradable polymer and formed from a
micromold. Also, the microneedle usually has an associated device that
controls the flow of fluid through the microneedle such as a permeable
membrane, valve or pump. Currently, a common size for microneedle arrays
is 5x5mm with 100 needles in the array.
DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM
MARKET FACTORS
The main factors driving the drug delivery market
include:
• the discovery of new methods of construction
and the furtherance of scientific goals to make systems biocompatible
and capable of being mass fabricated. Materials currently being promoted
and tested by universities and corporate R&D include carbon-based
materials and silicon-based materials. The main objective in microneedle
manufacturing is to create a system in which the components do not bend
or break. Currently, etching machines are being used to fabricate arrays
and insertion guides for the arrays.
DRUG
DELIVERY MARKET BY REGION
2004 was the first year which we could positively
recognize a market for these products. Customers were typically corporate
entities or other researchers, but products were sold for commercial purpose
and eventual commercial manufacturing.
In 2004, the North American market made up nearly
50% of demand for bioMEMS-based drug delivery systems.
The market is being driven by research institutes
and corporate investment in drug development and delivery.
Drug delivery companies are no longer focusing on
developing products that simply enable existing drugs but are also getting
further involved in the drug discovery process. This allows for the coordinated
development of both drug compound and delivery system. For example, as
drug discovery moves further down the nanoscale, delivery systems will
be able to be developed that operate on that scale, delivering only the
exact number of molecules necessary for proper therapeutic treatment,
or delivery systems will also enable manipulation of drug compounds in
order to control interaction with the body. Pharmaceutical companies want
tangible proof that a technology will work before investing in it, and
they want to know that products will come from research. Thus, drug delivery
companies are being further pushed to bring products to market or at least
out of the development stage more quickly.
From 2005-2010, the North America market, again
largely the United States will show the strongest growth rate at 46.9% annually.
Thus, by 2010 the North America market will comprise 56.1% of total demand.
This information is based
on the research report entitled BioChips & BioMEMS—Global Markets,
Applications & Competitors: 2005-2010 Analysis & Forecasts published
in April 2005.
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