In a paper published today in Nature Reviews, "Immunization Without Needles," Mitragotri reviews in detail the characteristics – and pros and cons – of the currently available methods of immunization, which include topical application to the skin, pills, nasal sprays, injections, and others. Considerable advances have been made in the past decade, especially in transdermal (through the skin) and nasal immunization.
"Unfortunately, because of the development costs of new immunization methods, use of needle-free immunization might initially push the direct cost of immunizations higher," says Mitragotri. "But the secondary costs of needle-based immunization – infection and disease – are high and could be prevented with needle-free methods." Mitragotri says that he anticipates that needle-free methods will reduce the economic burden associated with needle-caused infections, eventually proving to be economically feasible.
A wide range of interdisciplinary researchers and businesses are focusing on needle-free immunization delivery methods, says Mitragotri, helping ensure that needle-free immunizations will eventually be commonly used.
Media Contact: Barbara B. Gray 818.889.5415 bbgray@sbcglobal.net
Samir Mitragotri: samir@engineering.ucsb.edu
Nature Reviews Immunology