Fabrication of advanced microneedle-based targeted intravaginal drug delivery devices: therapeutic opportunities and translational challenges.

Millions of women worldwide suffer from a variety of health conditions, including vaginal bacterial and yeast infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory disorders, and hormonal abnormalities. Despite major advances in biomedical research, traditional intravaginal drug administration systems such as gels, creams, and suppositories frequently encounter issues such as fast drug clearance, leakage, and uneven mucosal retention, reducing therapeutic effectiveness. Microneedles, a painless and less invasive drug delivery technology, represent a viable alternative to standard formulations because they allow for accurate, controlled, and localized drug administration. Therefore, the present review focuses on possibility of microneedle-based techniques for intravaginal medication administration. In brief, it covers the need for breakthroughs in vaginal drug administration. It provides an overview of several types of microneedles, including solid, hollow, dissolving, coated, and hydrogel-forming, and their manufacturing procedures. Then, it delves into their use in intravaginal drug administration, highlighting their capacity to improve drug penetration and retention. Finally, it discusses future problems, prospective advancements, and the larger implications of microneedle technology in vaginal therapy. Microneedle-based intravaginal medication delivery is a huge step forward in targeted vaginal infection treatment. Notably, microneedles easily cross the cervicovaginal mucus barrier, increasing drug absorption at the target region while being minimally invasive. Future studies should focus on improving microneedle formulations, assessing long-term safety, and investigating their potential for wider clinical applications.