Mark Prausnitz, a professor at Georgia Tech, has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) for his groundbreaking contributions to microneedle technology, which enables painless drug and vaccine delivery through the skin. His innovations have led to the development of patches and STAR particles that facilitate the absorption of dermatological drugs and cosmetics.
Microneedle Technology and Clinical Applications
Prausnitz's primary focus has been on microneedles, which are used in patches to painlessly deliver drugs and vaccines. His team has also developed STAR particles, which incorporate microneedles and can be rubbed onto the skin to enhance the absorption of dermatological drugs and cosmetics. These innovations have been studied in over 20 human clinical trials.
"I became interested in this work because I can use my training in engineering to solve problems that improve the health of people in the United States and around the world," Prausnitz said. He also noted the interdisciplinary nature of pharmaceuticals, drawing from science, engineering, medicine, public health, and public policy.
Commercial Ventures and FDA Approval
Prausnitz has launched nine companies based on microneedle technology developed at Georgia Tech, raising more than $350 million in financing. Notably, a product using microneedles for targeted injection into the eye was the first U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved drug therapy developed at Georgia Tech, marking a significant milestone in the field.
Expanding Vaccine Delivery Methods
One of Prausnitz's projects includes a microneedle patch for delivering measles and rubella vaccines, which recently completed phase 1 and 2 clinical trials in Gambia. The trial was conducted by Prausnitz’s company, Micron Biomedical, using a patch developed at Georgia Tech. Additionally, he has created low-cost, painless, and bloodless tattoos that can be self-administered and used in place of medical alert bracelets for conditions like diabetes, epilepsy, or allergies.
Innovative Vaccine Delivery
Prausnitz also introduced a new method to simplify vaccine delivery through a handheld electroporator. This device uses short electric pulses to drive molecules into cells, requiring no batteries and capable of being mass-produced at low cost. This pen-size electroporator represents a significant advancement in vaccine administration.
Prausnitz is the fourth current Georgia Tech faculty member elected to NAM in the last four years, joining Wilbur Lam, Andrés García, and Susan Margulies.
