cUSP Ultrasonic Wearable Patch Deliver Drugs Skin
MIT researchers have developed cUSP, an ultrasonic wearable patch that delivers drugs through the skin. Put simply, the patch applies painless ultrasonic waves to the skin, which makes tiny channels that drugs can pass through, whether it be hormones, muscle relaxants, and other drugs, the researchers say.



There are existing techniques that deliver drugs via ultrasound, but the equipment required is very bulky. This lightweight, wearable patch consists of several disc-shaped piezoelectric transducers, which are used to convert electric currents into mechanical energy. Each one is embedded in a polymeric cavity containing drug molecules dissolved in a liquid solution. Whenever an electric current is applied to the elements, pressure waves are generated in the fluid, thus creating bubbles that burst against the skin. These then produce microjets of fluid capable of penetrating the skin’s outer layer.

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The main benefit with skin is that you bypass the whole gastrointestinal tract. With oral delivery, you have to deliver a much larger dose in order to account for the loss that you would have in the gastric system. This is a much more targeted, focused modality of drug delivery,” said Aastha Shah, Lead Author and MIT Research Assistant.

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