Microelectromechanical systems technology to deliver insulin.

A new microfabrication technology, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), is envisioned for improved insulin delivery in the context of a device currently being developed for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The drug delivery system utilizes MEMS technology to move and control fluids at the microscale, making possible the reconstitution and delivery of extremely small amounts of drug with extreme precision. In this article, the required microscale components that are currently being developed for the system are described. MEMS are made using fabrication methods similar to that utilized in microelectronics. Consequently, MEMS technology can be used to fabricate devices that are extremely small. The fundamental difference is that MEMS devices can either move themselves or control the movement of other materials, such as fluids. Furthermore, this manufacturing method is intrinsically low-cost and therefore is ideal for drug delivery systems. The current development of a new drug delivery system for controlled drug reconstitution and delivery system for DARPA is described as are the MEMS-based components for the required fluidic control. The adaptation of the system for insulin delivery is addressed and is envisioned to be a fully self-contained parenteral drug delivery system about the size of a 4-mm thick credit card.