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2019/01/10

Pitch 3-7 :High Performance and High Functionality Hollow Microneedles by Innovative Optical Vortex Laser Fabrication Technology - Magic Hollow Microneedles for Diabetes.

【300ピクセル】S-7 ThinkLands.png

【300ピクセル】thinkland.jpgYoichi Oikawa

CTO & Director, R&D Executive Officer,

Think-Lands Co., Ltd.

[Summary]

Diabetes is one of the most stressful and serious chronic diseases a person can face, and its prevalence only continues to grow at a staggering rate of 420 million cases already registered. One of the basic treatment modalities includes insulin administration, which is done with the process of injecting. The world consumption of needles stands at 220 billion per year, which is nearly 10% of the market share.

However, diabetic patients have to endure physical pain by injections on a daily basis. Also, discarding these needles is a big concern as this may spread infectious diseases. This led to the fabrication of a new needle based on the concept of laser optics and electrical engineering. This microneedle is prepared using the optical vortex, which functions like a tornado. With the simultaneous motion of the vortex, the laser accumulates the materials to the center of the vortex, which again remains hollow.

This experimental work was carried forward by a start-up named as Think-Lands. They developed the concept of Magic Hollow Microneedles for diabetes. Think-Lands' hollow microneedle contains a long metal needle, which is compatible with commercially available injector with a diameter smaller than the mosquito. The hollow microneedle is made from acid component that disappears in water. It is also easy to dispose of. Even if the hollow microneedle snaps off, it is absorbed into the skin. This shows the superiority of the current product over others.

The company welcomes support from around the globe aiming at developing mass production line and obtaining certification in the next three years.

[Mentors' comments]

 "This is very interesting. Just one question. If I invest in your company,US $ 3 million how much ... when do I get the return investment?"Mr. Shogo Nakamori, PAREXEL International

 "How can you make sure the insulin can get to the subcutaneous location? Do you have any PK, PD data to show?"Dr. Dan Wang, Johnson & Johnson Innovation


[Profile]

Mr. Oikawa worked for a major optical communication Laboratories, where he engaged in research & development of optical communication systems. He joined Think-Lands and took office as director and CTO in 2015, where he is currently engaged in research & development on bio and medical application systems with cutting edge optical technologies.