uPATCH

uPATCH specializes in the development of biodegradable microneedle patches designed for the painless delivery of drugs and vaccines through the skin. This technology serves as an alternative to traditional hypodermic needles, aiming to improve patient compliance and simplify the administration process. The company's core product is a dissolving microneedle patch that ensures the complete and efficient delivery of the intended dose directly into the skin.

The technology originated from research conducted at the University of Twente. uPATCH was co-founded by Koen van der Maaden, who has a background in drug delivery and holds a PhD in the field of microneedle development, and Bart van Osch. Their research focuses on creating a stable, easy-to-use product that can be self-administered by patients. This approach could potentially reduce the need for healthcare professionals for certain administrations and lower associated costs.

The business model targets pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, offering them a novel platform for delivering their biologics, such as vaccines and other large-molecule drugs. By making these therapeutics stable at room temperature within the patch, uPATCH also addresses the logistical challenges and costs associated with the cold chain, which is often required for liquid formulations. The company operates in the drug delivery systems market, a segment of the broader pharmaceutical industry. uPATCH secured €1.4 million in a seed funding round to advance its technology toward clinical application and to expand its team.

Keywords: microneedle patch, drug delivery, biodegradable, vaccine administration, transdermal, biologics, pharmaceutical, MedTech, skin delivery, drug formulation