Dissolving Microneedle Patch for Peripheral Delivery of Pregabalin in Neuropathic Pain Management

This study presents a novel hyaluronic acid-based dissolving microneedle patch integrated with poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres, designed to deliver pregabalin directly to the peripheral site of neuropathic pain. Through localized transdermal delivery, the patch significantly reduces systemic side effects like dizziness and drowsiness, providing sustained pain relief for over 48 h. This targeted and minimally invasive approach improves patient compliance and offers a more effective strategy for the long-term treatment of chronic neuropathic pain.

Abstract

Neuropathic pain is a complex and debilitating condition that presents substantial challenges for effective treatment, as it often persists despite conventional therapies and can significantly impair the quality of life of affected individuals. Currently, pregabalin is the first-line treatment for neuropathic pain. However, its oral dosage form is often associated with adverse reactions such as dizziness and drowsiness, and its administration duration is limited, requiring frequent dosing. To address these issues, this study developed a hyaluronic acid (HA)-based dissolving microneedle (MN) patch incorporating poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres (MS) loaded with pregabalin (PG) for peripheral administration. The MN array consists of 10 × 10 needles, covering an area of ≈0.5 cm², with each needle having a height of 850 µm. The MN patch demonstrated significant analgesic effects and sustained drug release at the application site for up to 48 h, effectively alleviating pain while minimizing dizziness and drowsiness, which are the most common side effects after systemic administration. This innovative MN platform presents a promising strategy for neuropathic pain management and provides a novel therapeutic paradigm for the peripheral application of centrally acting analgesics.