EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

A transdermal system is a medicated patch that is placed on the skin to deliver a specific dose of medicine through the skin and into the bloodstream. 3M Drug Delivery Systems currently offers three transdermal system designs: Single-layer Drug-in-Adhesive, Multi-layer Drug-in-Adhesive and a Solid Microstructured Transdermal System (sMTS.)

Drug-in-Adhesive Technology

Both Single-layer Drug-in-Adhesive and Multi-layer Drug-in-Adhesive transdermal system designs are passive delivery technology. In passive transdermal systems, the drug diffuses through the skin where it can act locally or penetrate the capillaries for systemic effect. Passive systems, because of the barrier properties of the skin, are most useful in delivering small molecule drugs.

Single-layer Drug-in-Adhesive
In this transdermal system design, the adhesive not only serves to affix the system to the skin, but also serves as the formulation foundation, containing the drug and all the excipients under a single backing film. See how it works.

Multi-layer Drug-in-Adhesive
This transdermal system design is similar to the Single-layer Drug-in-Adhesive in that the drug is incorporated directly into the adhesive. However, the addition of a membrane between two distinct drug-in-adhesive layers or the addition of multiple drug-in-adhesive layers under a single backing film allows for modulation of the release rate or for multiple drugs to be delivered in a single system. See how it works.

Solid Microstructured Transdermal System (sMTS)

The solid Microstructured Transdermal System (sMTS) is an active transdermal delivery system. Mechanical energy is applied during the sMTS patch application process to force the microstructures and drug formulation through the skin in a process that is painless to patients. By creating microperforations in the skin barrier, sMTS is capable of delivering vaccines to the antigen presenting cells in the skin, as well as proteins and other large molecule formulations through the skin and into the bloodstream.

The 3M Microstructured Transdermal System (MTS) uses a microneedle system for transcutaneous or intradermal drug delivery. sMTS microneedles bypass the barrier properties of the stratum corneum, thereby enabling delivery of vaccines, proteins, or other biomolecules that are beyond the capability of passive transdermal delivery. TRANSCUTANEOUS VACCINATION ANIMATION

Glossary

View or download our Transdermal Glossary