Microarray patches for vaccine delivery: clinical progress and translational challenges

Microarray patches (MAPs) are a promising vaccine delivery technology that can address key barriers to immunization, including cold-chain requirements, reliance on trained healthcare workers, and needle-associated waste. By incorporating thermostabilized vaccines into or onto microneedle arrays, MAPs offer simplified distribution, safer administration, and improved vaccine accessibility. Clinical studies of coated and dissolving MAPs have demonstrated favorable safety, tolerability, acceptability, and immunogenicity for a range of vaccines. Self-administration and limited dose-sparing potential have also been demonstrated. Key milestones that remain include successful commercial-scale manufacturing, regulatory approval, and market adoption. Continued focus, investment, collaboration, and innovation to overcome hurdles are driving this technology toward the end goal of improving vaccine coverage, strengthening immunization programs, and enhancing global health equity, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.