International health and industry experts met at Harro Höfliger

(Photo: Helmar Lünig, shutterstock.com/Haywiremedia, Harro Höfliger, Andreas Dalferth, Jan Seidl)

(Photo: Helmar Lünig, shutterstock.com/Haywiremedia, Harro Höfliger, Andreas Dalferth, Jan Seidl)

(Photo: Helmar Lünig, shutterstock.com/Haywiremedia, Harro Höfliger, Andreas Dalferth, Jan Seidl)

Experts from around the world discussed the production and various applications of so-called microneedle systems (MAP) in a workshop. These have enormous potential for the administration of vaccines of all kinds.

It's just a small prick – yet willingness to get vaccinated is decreasing in Germany. The situation is different in developing countries. There, immunization against preventable infectious diseases such as measles and tetanus is in demand, but the necessary vaccinations do not reach everyone. Lack of infrastructure or an uninterrupted cold chain for the vaccine complicates access. An alternative to conventional injections is microneedle systems (Microneedle Array Patches, MAP). They contain microscopic, vaccine-coated needle structures and could potentially be administered by non-medical personnel.

In the multi-day "MAP Manufacturing Workshop" in Allmersbach im Tal, health experts, scientists, developers, and pharmacists exchanged ideas about the general possibilities of MAPs and their technical production. Hosts were Harro Höfliger and the non-profit health organization PATH. Participants included representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the international Gavi vaccine alliance, as well as researchers from numerous universities worldwide.

"We have been working for years with various microneedle systems, collaborating closely with scientists, universities, and different organizations, and have accompanied developments in this field together with our clients," said Stefan Bernsau, who is responsible for the Microneedles division at Harro Höfliger. In addition to his expertise, Harro Höfliger offers technology for fully automated manufacturing, coating, drying, and packaging of the needle systems.

This is because, for clinical trials and entire vaccination campaigns, microneedle systems must be available in very large quantities and at affordable costs.
The event was opened by Thomas Weller, CEO of Harro Höfliger, who was pleased about the hosting role: "We are proud to be able to advance the future topic of MAP. This shows that we are much more than just a machine manufacturer: a partner contributing with our know-how to the implementation of various new global technologies."