Exploration into the opinions of patients with HIV, healthcare professionals and the lay public of the use of microneedles in clinical practice: highlighting the translational potential for their role in HIV infection

Abstract

Poor adherence to oral antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains an important challenge in the treatment of HIV. Microneedles (MN) potentially could offer a non-invasive long-acting (LA) delivery approach, avoiding the need for daily dosing of ART. However, this claim has yet to be explored amongst its potential end-users. The aim of this mixed methods study was to investigate the perspectives from various end-users surrounding the translation of MN technology to general clinical practice, with a particular focus on delivery of ART. Quantitative postal questionnaires were distributed amongst healthcare professionals (HCPs) and the lay public (LP). A total of 208 responses were obtained (HCP, 69; LP, 139), with a completion rate of 34.7%. The consensus on MN technology was positive from both demographics (HCP, 97.1%; LP, 98.6%), with further strong support of postulated MN use within HIV (HCP, 97.1%; LP, 98.6%). Qualitative focus groups were employed to investigate in-depth, the perspectives of 12 patients with HIV. Again, consensus on MN technology was positive, highlighting benefits pertinent to HIV, including discreet self-application and potential sustained release thus avoiding daily oral ART and associated side effects. Patient concerns focused on the need for varied MN dosing schedules and a reluctance to change from established ART. The findings of this study provide an initial indication of MN acceptability, particularly for use within HIV, from various end-user demographics. Furthermore, concerns raised advocate the importance of continued translational research in this area and should act as motivators for those in MN development to ensure a patient-centred MN product is delivered.

Enhancement strategies for transdermal drug delivery systems: current trends and applications

“…In different study, McCrudden et al [322] have also found that intravaginal delivery of rilpivirine using dissolving MN was able to give in vivo plasma concentration at approximately 115 ng/ml at the day 56 endpoint. In terms of MN acceptability for treatment of HIV, Moffatt et al [323] has recently published the first paper which provided the insights of patients with HIV, healthcare professionals and members of lay public on the potential of MN for delivery of ARV drugs. Based on their research, it was known that both participants and respondents gave positive response on the MN application for treatment of HIV.…”

“…Each of the studies mentioned outlines in detail a series of positive aspects for patients of MN delivery of ARV drugs. To maximise the use of MN for HIV treatment, it is imperative to give prior knowledge and education to the patients and healthcare professionals about the safety and the clinical applications of MN [323].…”

Long-acting antiretrovirals: a new era for the management and prevention of HIV infection

“…In particular, in low-resource settings where the number of trained medical staff is limited, potential self-administration could be of great interest. 94 , 96 …”

Recent advances in combination of microneedles and nanomedicines for lymphatic targeted drug delivery

“…Partners in academia and industry have provided substantial evidence to show appropriate MN usability across various populations (Norman et al, 2014), highlighting significant benefits for patients, the public, and healthcare professionals (Moffatt, Quinn, McCague, & Donnelly, 2020). Moving forward toward clinical progression, regulatory bodies (e.g., the US FDA and the MHRA in the UK) will need to provide minimum standards with respect to MN manufacturing.…”