Create
Design Project Gallery
NaxPatch
- Program: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
- Course: EN.540.314 ChemBE Product Design
- Year: 2025
Project Description:
Opioid addiction is a huge problem in the United States that is destroying lives. Millions of Americans suffer from opioid misuse, and millions are seeking treatment through addiction-curbing medication such as naltrexone. Currently, naltrexone is delivered through an oral pill or an injected device. Patients on oral naltrexone tend to have less retention to the drug because of withdrawal symptoms, but it must be taken daily since naltrexone absorbs quickly in the body. The injected form remedies this problem through continuous release, but it is expensive, invasive, and requires periodic check-ins.
We propose NaxPatch, a microneedle patch that can continuously administer naltrexone intradermally. It can be placed on the upper arm and worn discreetly. It would also be replaced once a week, which fits many schedules and is hard to forget. We believe NaxPatch will be a cheaper alternative form of naltrexone that is safe, effective, and convenient.
Project Photo:
Mechanically driven microneedle patch engineered for week-long naltrexone delivery. A wind-up mainspring exerts force on a gear train, applying pressure to a naltrexone solution reservoir. Pressure is maintained at a steady value long-term using an escapement mechanism. The solution flows through hollow microneedles inserted into a patient’s skin.