Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, is currently a treatment option for both diabetes and obesity management. Woburn, Massachusetts-based develops a microarray patch (MAP) designed to deliver drugs. It features a soluble microarray with tips that gradually dissolve into the body after removal. These tips release their payload of therapeutics over time, mimicking how natural infections interact with the body.
Previous studies by the company centered around shelf-stable vaccine delivery with the patch. However, research shared at the American Diabetes Association’s 85th Scientific Sessions in Chicago highlighted the device’s potential in delivering semaglutide with bioavailability comparable to subcutaneous injection, the current standard for GLP-1 delivery.
“In a clinically relevant model, using a clinically relevant dose, bioavailability is comparable for delivery of semaglutide through Vaxess’s microarray patches and subcutaneous injection,” said Lynda Tussey, chief development officer at Vaxess. “Vaxess’s microarray patch is a promising alternative mode of delivery.
Vaxess evaluated semaglutide delivery in Gottingen minipigs. The company tested two patch designs, with each delivering a clinically-relevant 2 nmol/kg dose. Both designs demonstrated bioavailability comparable to subcutaneous injection. They also achieved a modestly higher Cmax (maximum concentration), with similar half-life profiles.
“In recent years GLP-1 therapies have shown they are extremely effective for metabolic disease, and the next step forward for the GLP-1 industry will be finding meaningful ways of improving the patient experience,” said Rachel Sha, CEO of Vaxess. “At Vaxess, we are developing a needle-free, shelf-stable, self-applied microarray patch as a new mode of administering GLP-1 therapies. Moving to patch-based GLP-1 delivery has the potential to both increase GLP-1 access and improve adherence to treatment plans.”
