The Next Generation of Drug-Delivery Microdevices

Advances in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and miniaturization technologies have enabled the creation of biomedical microdevices intended for use in the treatment of various chronic and acute illnesses. The ability to create very precisely defined micrometer and nanometer features allows for the production of a new generation of biomedical devices that can be implanted using minimally invasive procedures to provide controlled therapeutic drug delivery. We believe that there is a wide variety of pharmacological therapies in which these novel drug-delivery systems could be implemented, including treatments for cancer and trauma. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2009); 85, 5, 544–547 doi:10.1038/clpt.2009.4