Columbia Technology Ventures

Multi-lumen microneedle for intracochlear drug delivery and sampling

This technology is a dual-action, multi-lumen microneedle device designed for safe and precise intracochlear drug delivery and perilymph fluid sampling while maintaining a zero net volume change in the inner ear.

Unmet Need: Effective drug delivery and fluid sampling in the cochlea

Effective diagnosis and treatment of many auditory and vestibular diseases require access to the cochlea for drug delivery and diagnostic sampling. Current methods for intracochlear drug delivery and fluid sampling are imprecise, unpredictable, and potentially traumatic due to the cochlea's sensitive structure and limited volume. Systemic drug delivery often fails to reach the inner ear effectively due to the blood-labyrinth barrier, while direct cochlear administration risks damage and increased pressure. There is a need for a solution that provides both safe and controlled drug delivery and diagnostic sampling without disturbing the cochlear environment.

The Technology: Multi-lumen microneedle for simultaneous cochlear drug delivery and sampling

This technology consists of ultra-sharp, durable microneedles with multiple lumina, enabling the precise injection of therapeutics and aspiration of cochlear fluid simultaneously to maintain a zero net volume change. Manufactured using two-photon polymerization lithography (2PP) or two-photon templated electrodeposition, the microneedles can be integrated into a modular array. With at least two lumina, one for injection and the other for aspiration, the system avoids pressure build-up in the cochlea. This dual-lumen, simultaneous aspiration is especially useful in applications where delivery or aspiration of a large volume of fluids is required.

This technology has been validated both ex vivo and in vivo.

Applications:

  • Intracochlear drug delivery for auditory and vestibular diseases
  • Diagnostic sampling of perilymph fluid in the inner ear
  • Research tool for studying drug diffusion and sampling in fluid-filled organs
  • Potential use in intraocular or transdermal drug delivery systems

Advantages:

  • Simultaneous injection and aspiration to maintain zero net volume change
  • Able to deliver or aspirate large volumes of fluid
  • Reduces risk of cochlear damage during drug delivery
  • Enables precise, controlled intracochlear drug administration and sampling
  • Compatible with multiple diagnostic and therapeutic applications

Lead Inventor:

Jeffrey W. Kysar, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending(WO/2023/150564)

Related Publications:

Aksit A, Rastogi S, Nadal ML, Parker A, Lalwani A, West A, Kysar J. “Drug delivery device for the inner ear: ultra-sharp fully metallic microneedles.” Drug Deliv. and Transl. Res. 2020 June; 11: 214-226

Tech Ventures Reference:

  • IR CU21117, CU22207

  • Licensing Contact: Sara Gusik