Oxytocin delivery using a microarray patch for postpartum haemorrhage (360G-Wellcome-211685_Z_18_Z)

This project involves development of a novel microarray patch (MAP) device for the delivery of oxytocin to prevent and treat post-partum haemorrhage (PPH). Oxytocin is recommended by the World Health Organisation as the gold-standard treatment for PPH but is often not available in low income countries as it requires cold storage and a trained health professional to administer the injection. Polymeric MAPs are minimally invasive devices, consisting of an array of micro projections, up to 600 µm in length. On application they painlessly penetrate the outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum and imbibe interstitial skin fluid. This causes the matrix to swell and creates a continuous network through which oxytocin would reach the systemic circulation. Oxytocin would be formulated in to a drug reservoir that is separate from the MAP, such as a lyophilised tablet, which could increase its stability. Several key parameters need to be tested: 1. Ability to load adequate oxytocin levels in to a drug reservoir. 2. Ability of an adequate concentration of oxytocin to permeate the skin with a MAP and the time taken to reach therapeutic levels. 3. Stability of oxytocin in the drug reservoir at 40oC and 75% relative humidity.