Stratum corneum bypassed

Substances also may be absorbed into the body through the appendages of the skin. Such absorption is much faster because it bypasses the stratum corneum. However, the appendages, have considerably less surface area and thus, generally do not represent significant sites of absorption on a mass basis (ECETOC, 1993 Flynn, 1990 Klaassen and Rozman, 1991 USEPA 1992 Wester and Maibach, 1997). 

Given the limitations imposed on transdermal systemic drug delivery by the barrier properties of the stratum corneum, new technologies have attempted to completely bypass this obstacle by either the creation of a physical conduit (microneedles) or direct powder delivery via compressed gas. The Alza Corporation technology (Macroflux ) comprises a patch system that contains a microprojection array designed to create superficial microchannels across the stratum corneum.When used in conjunction with their electrotransport system, the Macroflux system provides controlled in vivo delivery of therapeutic doses of... 

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