阅读说明：本技术 齿科用局部麻醉微针阵列 (Local anesthesia microneedle array for dentistry ) 是由 权英淑 神山文男 于 2018-11-01 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供一种容易在口腔内应用且能够发挥出与应用部位相符的麻醉效果的微针阵列。本发明涉及一种速效性齿科局部麻醉制剂,其包括含有局部麻醉剂的微针阵列,通过贴附于口腔粘膜或牙龈,针部发生粘膜内溶解；本发明涉及一种含有局部麻醉剂的微针阵列,微针的高度为50μm以上且300μm以下,微针的前端为直径1μm以上且50μm以下的圆形或者与该圆形具有相同面积的平面,微针阵列的基板厚度为5μm以上且100μm以下；以及一种微针贴片,其包括上述微针阵列和该微针阵列的背面所具备的支承体。(The invention provides a microneedle array which is easy to apply in oral cavity and can exert anesthetic effect corresponding to the application part. The invention relates to a quick-acting dental local anesthetic preparation, which comprises a microneedle array containing a local anesthetic, wherein the microneedle array is attached to oral mucosa or gum, so that the needle part is dissolved in the mucosa; the present invention relates to a microneedle array containing a local anesthetic, the height of the microneedles is 50 [ mu ] m or more and 300 [ mu ] m or less, the tips of the microneedles are circular or flat surfaces having the same area as the circular diameter of 1 [ mu ] m or more and 50 [ mu ] m or less, and the thickness of the base plate of the microneedle array is 5 [ mu ] m or more and 100 [ mu ] m or less; and a microneedle patch comprising the microneedle array and a support provided on the back surface of the microneedle array.)

1. A rapid-acting local anesthetic preparation for dental use comprises a microneedle array containing a local anesthetic, which is applied to the oral mucosa or gum to dissolve the needle in the oral mucosa.

2. The dental local anesthetic formulation according to claim 1, wherein a hydrophobic film or a non-dissolving film is lined on the back of the microneedle array.

3. The dental local anesthetic preparation according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the microneedle array has a water-soluble polymer as a base and a flexible substrate having a thickness of 100 μm or less.

4. The dental local anesthetic preparation according to claim 3, wherein the water-soluble polymer is 1 or 2 or more selected from hyaluronic acid and derivatives thereof, collagen, proteoglycan, hydroxypropyl cellulose, chondroitin sulfate, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol, and dextran.

5. The dental local anesthetic preparation according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the base of the microneedle array contains not less than 2 mass% of a water-soluble low molecular compound in addition to the water-soluble polymer.

6. A dental local anaesthetic formulation as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the local anaesthetic is selected from procaine, tetracaine, lidocaine, dibucaine, bupivacaine and salts thereof.

7. A dental local anaesthetic formulation as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the local anaesthetic is ethyl aminobenzoate.

8. A dental local anesthetic formulation according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the local anesthetic is a mixture of ethyl aminobenzoate and 1 or more selected from procaine, tetracaine, lidocaine, dibucaine, bupivacaine and salts thereof.

9. The dental local anesthetic preparation according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a concentration of the local anesthetic in the base is 1% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less.

10. The dental local anesthetic preparation according to any one of claims 1 to 6, 8, and 9, wherein the local anesthetic is lidocaine or a salt thereof.

11. A microneedle array comprising a water-soluble polymer as a base and a local anesthetic, wherein the height of microneedles is 50 to 300 [ mu ] m, the tips of the microneedles are circular or flat surfaces having the same area as the circular shape and a diameter of 1 to 50 [ mu ] m, and the thickness of the base plate of the microneedle array is 5 to 100 [ mu ] m.

12. The microneedle array according to claim 11, wherein the water-soluble polymer is 1 or 2 or more selected from hyaluronic acid and its derivatives, collagen, proteoglycan, hydroxypropyl cellulose, chondroitin sulfate, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol, and dextran.

13. The microneedle array according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the base contains 2 mass% or more of a water-soluble low molecular weight compound in addition to the water-soluble polymer.

14. The microneedle array of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the local anesthetic is selected from the group consisting of procaine, tetracaine, lidocaine, dibucaine, bupivacaine, and salts thereof.

15. The microneedle array of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the local anesthetic is ethyl aminobenzoate.

16. The microneedle array of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the local anesthetic is a mixture of ethyl aminobenzoate and 1 or more selected from procaine, tetracaine, lidocaine, dibucaine, bupivacaine, and salts thereof.

17. The microneedle array according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein a concentration of the local anesthetic in the base is 1 mass% or more and 80 mass% or less.

18. The microneedle array of any one of claims 11-14, 16, 17, wherein the local anesthetic is lidocaine or a salt thereof.

19. A microneedle patch comprising the microneedle array according to any one of claims 11 to 18 and a support provided on the back surface of the microneedle array.

20. The microneedle patch according to claim 19, wherein the support has intraoral adhesiveness.

21. The microneedle patch according to claim 20, wherein an adhesive substance is coated on the support.

22. The microneedle patch of claim 20, wherein the support is water soluble.

23. The microneedle patch according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the support has a film shape, and a part of the support has a defect portion free from the film.

24. The microneedle patch according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the support is sterilized paper and forms an outer frame containing the microneedle array.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the technical field of microneedles for use in dental (intra-oral) local anesthesia.

Background

In dental treatment, local anesthesia is performed in the oral cavity to reduce pain, and an anesthetic is applied to the oral (gingival) mucosa or injected into the gingiva.

Various dental local anesthetics are used. These are mainly liquid preparations containing a local anesthetic, gels, pastes, and the like, and the liquid preparations are applied to the oral cavity by immersing in absorbent cotton or the like. The gel and paste can be directly applied in oral cavity. Since the absorption of narcotics from the mucous membrane is slow, the time until onset is long, the time for the patient to lie down is long, and the mucous membrane absorption is uneven, so that QOL is often impaired. In addition, the local run-off of the anesthetic from the application resulting in most of the anesthesia in the oral cavity is also a disadvantage of these topical surface anesthetics. Injection of anesthetic is one of the reasons why people avoid dental treatment because they feel pain at the time of injection of anesthetic and thus increase the fear before treatment.

Microneedle preparations have high percutaneous absorbability, and development of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and the like has been attempted. Generally, the site of application of the microneedle preparation is the epidermis of the skin, but a microneedle patch in the form of a vaccine is known to be inoculated by, for example, buccal administration (patent document 1). The microneedle patch is designed to penetrate the outer layer of the inner buccal mucosa. In addition, microneedles for conducting dental substances such as dental local anesthetics have been developed (patent documents 2 and 3). Patent document 2 includes a microneedle array and a hollow spherical container containing a local anesthetic for dental use, and the anesthetic is delivered to the local part by penetrating an opening of a microneedle. Patent document 3 discloses a microneedle which includes a base portion curved along the shape of the skin inside the oral cavity, a microneedle main body portion, and an active ingredient application portion applied to the surface of the microneedle main body portion.

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

An attempt has been made to apply the microneedle technology to dental local anesthesia, but the device as the microneedle device is complicated, and a microneedle preparation which can more easily obtain an anesthetic effect has been demanded. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a microneedle array that is easy to apply in the oral cavity and can exert an anesthetic effect corresponding to the application site.

Means for solving the problems

Before injection of anesthetic, if rapid surface anesthesia can be performed to a depth of 1-2 mm of the skin first, QOL of the patient can be significantly improved. The present inventors have conducted extensive studies in view of the specificity of the intraoral tissue and the dental field, and as a result, have specified the shape and material of a microneedle array, thereby developing a microneedle array suitable for local anesthesia for dental use.

The present invention is as follows.

A rapid-acting local anesthetic preparation for dentistry, which comprises a microneedle array containing a local anesthetic, wherein the microneedle array is attached to the oral mucosa or the gum, and the needle is dissolved in the mucosa.

[ 2 ] the dental local anesthetic preparation according to [ 1], wherein a hydrophobic film or a non-dissolving film is attached to the back surface of the microneedle array.

[ 3 ] the local anesthetic preparation for dental use according to [ 1] or [ 2 ], wherein the microneedle array comprises a water-soluble polymer as a base and a flexible substrate having a thickness of 100 μm or less.

The dental local anesthetic preparation according to [ 3 ], wherein the water-soluble polymer is 1 or 2 or more selected from the group consisting of hyaluronic acid and derivatives thereof, collagen, proteoglycan, hydroxypropyl cellulose, chondroitin sulfate, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol and dextran.

[ 5 ] the local anesthetic preparation for dental use according to [ 3 ] or [ 4 ], wherein the base for the microneedle array contains not less than 2 mass% of a water-soluble low molecular weight compound in addition to the water-soluble polymer.

The dental local anesthetic preparation according to any one of [ 1] to [ 5 ], wherein the local anesthetic is selected from the group consisting of procaine, tetracaine, lidocaine, dibucaine, bupivacaine, and salts thereof.

[ 7 ] the dental local anesthetic preparation according to any one of [ 1] to [ 5 ], wherein the local anesthetic is ethyl aminobenzoate.

[ 8 ] the dental local anesthetic preparation according to any one of [ 1] to [ 5 ], wherein the local anesthetic is a mixture of ethyl aminobenzoate and 1 or more selected from procaine, tetracaine, lidocaine, dibucaine, bupivacaine, and salts thereof.

[ 9 ] the dental local anesthetic preparation according to any one of [ 1] to [ 8 ], wherein a concentration of the local anesthetic in the base is 1% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less.

[ 10 ] the dental local anesthetic preparation according to any one of [ 1] to [ 6 ], [ 8 ], and [ 9 ], wherein the local anesthetic is lidocaine or a salt thereof.

[ 11 ] A microneedle array comprising a local anesthetic and a water-soluble polymer as a base, wherein the height of the microneedles is 50 to 300 [ mu ] m, the tips of the microneedles are circular or flat surfaces having the same area as the circular shape and a diameter of 1 to 50 [ mu ] m, and the thickness of the base of the microneedle array is 5 to 100 [ mu ] m.

The microneedle array according to [ 11 ], wherein the water-soluble polymer is 1 or 2 or more selected from hyaluronic acid and derivatives thereof, collagen, proteoglycan, hydroxypropyl cellulose, chondroitin sulfate, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol and dextran.

[ 13 ] the microneedle array according to [ 11 ] or [ 12 ], wherein the base contains 2 mass% or more of a water-soluble low molecular weight compound in addition to the water-soluble polymer.

The microneedle array according to any one of [ 11 ] to [ 13 ], wherein the local anesthetic is selected from procaine, tetracaine, lidocaine, dibucaine, bupivacaine, and salts thereof.

[ 15 ] the microneedle array according to any one of [ 11 ] to [ 13 ], wherein the local anesthetic is ethyl aminobenzoate.

[ 16 ] the microneedle array according to any one of [ 11 ] to [ 13 ], wherein the local anesthetic is a mixture of ethyl aminobenzoate and 1 or more selected from procaine, tetracaine, lidocaine, dibucaine, bupivacaine, and salts thereof.

[ 17 ] the microneedle array according to any one of [ 11 ] to [ 16 ], wherein a concentration of the local anesthetic in the base is 1% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less.

[ 18 ] the microneedle array according to any one of [ 11 ] to [ 14 ], [ 16 ], and [ 17 ], wherein the local anesthetic is lidocaine or a salt thereof.

A microneedle patch comprising the microneedle array according to any one of [ 11 ] to [ 18 ] and a support provided on the back surface of the microneedle array.

[ 20 ] the microneedle patch according to [ 19 ], wherein the support has intraoral adhesiveness.

[ 21 ] the microneedle patch according to [ 20 ], wherein the support is coated with an adhesive substance.

The microneedle patch according to [ 20 ], wherein the support is water-soluble.

The microneedle patch according to any one of [ 19 ] to [ 22 ], wherein the support has a film shape, and a part of the support has a defect portion not including the film.

The microneedle patch according to any one of [ 19 ] to [ 22 ], wherein the support is a sterilized paper forming an outer frame containing the microneedle array.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

The microneedle array of the present invention is easy to manufacture because it uses a water-soluble polymer as a base and the substrate is integrally formed with the microneedles, and can achieve an anesthetic effect in a short time according to the purpose by adjusting the amount of local anesthetic contained and the size of the microneedle array.

The microneedle array and the microneedle patch of the present invention use a water-soluble polymer as a base, and therefore easily follow and closely adhere to the curvature of the oral mucosa or gum in a high humidity environment, and are suitable for local administration in the oral cavity.

The microneedle array and the microneedle patch of the present invention can be used as a local anesthetic preparation for dental use, and further, can be used as a pre-anesthetic for alleviating pain at the administration site prior to administration of a local anesthetic injection for dental use.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a microneedle patch of the present invention. In fig. 1A, a polyethylene adhesive film 1 is used as a support, and the polyethylene adhesive film is not present in the center of the back surface of the microneedle portion 3. In fig. 1B, the sterile paper 4 is used as a support, and the sterile paper is not present on the back surface of the microneedle portion 5, thereby forming an outer frame of the microneedle patch.

Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a microneedle patch in which no support is provided in the center of the back surface of the microneedle portion 7 and a grip edge for gripping by hand is provided at a part of the end portion.

Detailed Description

The microneedle array of the present invention is applied to local anesthesia, particularly dental local anesthesia. The microneedle array of the present invention comprises a substrate and a plurality of microneedles on the substrate, and is formed integrally from a water-soluble polymer as a base and the same water-soluble polymer.

(base of microneedle array)

The base of the micro-needle array is water-soluble polymer. When a microneedle array containing a local anesthetic uniformly is prepared by a conventional method using such a material, the local anesthetic is contained not only in the microneedle portion but also in the substrate portion. When the microneedle array is applied to the oral cavity (oral mucosa, gum, or the like), the microneedle portion can reach the inside of the mucosa or the inside of the gum, whereby the microneedle portion is dissolved in the mucosa, and the delivery of the contained local anesthetic to the target site is promoted. The substrate of the microneedle array follows and adheres to the curvature of the oral mucosa or gum even in a high humidity environment in the oral cavity, the water-soluble polymer of the substrate dissolves, and the local anesthetic present therein is delivered to the target site.

Examples of the water-soluble polymer include hyaluronic acid and its derivatives (for example, sodium salt, polyethylene oxide-grafted hyaluronic acid), collagen, proteoglycan, hydroxypropyl cellulose, chondroitin sulfate, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol, dextran, and the like, and 1 kind or 2 or more kinds selected from them may be used or mixed and used. Hyaluronic acid or a derivative thereof is particularly preferred.

Hyaluronic acid is one of glycosaminoglycans (mucopolysaccharides) and has a structure in which N-acetylglucosamine and a disaccharide unit of glucuronic acid are linked. Examples of the hyaluronic acid include hyaluronic acid derived from a living organism isolated from cockscomb, umbilical cord, and the like; hyaluronic acid produced in large quantities by lactic acid bacteria, streptococcus, and the like. The hyaluronic acid derived from a living organism cannot completely remove collagen of the living organism which is the source thereof, and the remaining collagen may have an adverse effect, and therefore, it is preferable to be hyaluronic acid derived from a culture which does not contain collagen. Therefore, the hyaluronic acid preferably contains 50 mass% or more of hyaluronic acid from the culture.

When a microneedle array is produced using a water-soluble polymer substance selected from hyaluronic acid or a derivative thereof as a component, the microneedle array formed from the polymer substance tends to have the following properties: when the weight average molecular weight is small, the resin becomes hard and easily pricks an application site, whereas when the weight average molecular weight is large, the resin becomes soft and easily applied to bending of a gum or the like because the mechanical strength is improved and the resin becomes flexible. For the purposes of the present invention, the weight-average molecular weight is preferably from 5 to 200 ten thousand.

When the microneedle array is applied in the oral cavity, the microneedle array may be formed of a mixture of a high molecular weight substance having a weight average molecular weight of 10 ten thousand or more and a low molecular weight substance having a weight average molecular weight of 5 ten thousand or less, in order to have appropriate hardness, be not easily broken, and easily permeate a local anesthetic. The weight average molecular weight of the high molecular weight substance may be 5 ten thousand or more, and preferably 200 ten thousand or less. The weight average molecular weight of the low-molecular weight high-molecular weight substance may be 5 ten thousand or less, and is preferably 1000 or more. In the present invention, the weight average molecular weight is a value measured by Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC).

The ratio of the high molecular weight substance and the low molecular weight substance when mixed varies depending on the kind and weight average molecular weight of each high molecular weight substance, and therefore, the ratio may be appropriately determined so as to achieve preferable mechanical strength and hardness, and generally, the high molecular weight substance is preferably 1 mass% or more and the low molecular weight substance is preferably 99 mass% or less.

In order to rapidly exert an anesthetic effect, a dissolving agent may be added to the polymer. Examples of the solubilizing agent include monosaccharides such as trehalose and glucose, disaccharides, glycerin, Propylene Glycol (PG), Butylene Glycol (BG), and polyhydric alcohols such as polyethylene glycol (PEG). The addition amount of the solvatable agent is preferably 1 mass% or more and 50 mass% or less in terms of concentration in the base.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and dextran may be added to prevent crystallization of the drug.

The base of the microneedle array may contain a water-soluble low-molecular-weight compound in addition to the water-soluble polymer. The water-soluble low-molecular-weight compound is a monosaccharide, a disaccharide, or a polyol used as the above-mentioned solubilizing agent, and has a molecular weight of 500 or less. Examples of the monosaccharide include glucose and fructose, and examples of the disaccharide include sucrose, lactose, trehalose, and maltose. Examples of the polyhydric alcohol include glycerin, Propylene Glycol (PG), Butylene Glycol (BG), polyethylene glycol (PEG)200, and PEG 400.

The amount of the water-soluble low-molecular weight compound added is 2 mass% or more and 50 mass% or less, preferably 2 mass% or more and 35 mass% or less, and more preferably 2 mass% or more and 30 mass% or less, in terms of the concentration in the base.

(shape of microneedle array)

The height of the microneedle is preferably 50 μm or more and 300 μm or less, more preferably 100 μm or more and 250 μm or less. When the diameter is less than 50 μm, delivery of the local anesthetic is not facilitated. When the particle size exceeds 300. mu.m, the application may be accompanied by pain and bleeding.

The tip of the microneedle is preferably a circle having a diameter of 1 μm or more or a plane having the same area as the circle. The microneedle distal end portion is preferably a circle having a diameter of 50 μm or less or a flat surface having the same area as the circle. Within this range, delivery of the local anesthetic is facilitated. The needle shape may be a rod shape, a truncated cone shape or a tapered volcano, and is preferably a truncated cone or a tapered volcano.

The microneedle array preferably has a flexible substrate. The substrate thickness of the microneedle array is preferably 5 μm or more and 100 μm or less, and more preferably 10 μm or more and 50 μm or less.

The shape of the substrate of the microneedle array may be appropriately set according to the application site, and examples thereof include a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a quadrangle, and a polygon. The size of the shape is represented by a diameter (major axis) or a length of one side (major axis), and is usually 2mm or more and 100mm or less, preferably 5mm or more and 50mm or less. The size of the microneedle array is usually 5mm in terms of area²Above and 1000mm²Preferably 10mm or less²Above and 500mm²The following.

(local anesthetic)

The microneedle array of the present invention contains a local anesthetic as an active ingredient. Examples of the local anesthetic include procaine, tetracaine, lidocaine, dibucaine, bupivacaine, and salts thereof. Alternatively, the local anesthetic may be ethyl aminobenzoate (benzocaine).

In the present invention, 2 or more of these local anesthetics may be used in combination. As a preferred combination, a combination (mixture) of ethyl aminobenzoate and 1 or more selected from procaine, tetracaine, lidocaine, dibucaine, bupivacaine, and salts thereof.

When the local anesthetic is used alone, lidocaine or a salt thereof is preferable, and lidocaine hydrochloride is preferable as a salt of lidocaine.

In addition to the local anesthetic, an additive that is generally contained as a pharmaceutical may be contained. The concentration of the additive contained in the microneedle array of the present invention can be set to an appropriate range depending on the kind of the additive, the purpose of addition, and the like.

The concentration of the local anesthetic in the base is 1 mass% or more and 80 mass% or less, and more preferably 10 mass% or more and 70 mass% or less. Here, the concentration of the local anesthetic in the base is the mass of the total mass of the microneedle array (the drug content in the solid mass of the microneedle array is determined by dissolving the microneedle array in an appropriate solvent such as water and quantitatively analyzing the content of the local anesthetic).

The method for producing a microneedle array of the present invention is not particularly limited, and any conventionally known method may be used, and examples thereof include a method in which an aqueous solution containing the water-soluble polymer and the local anesthetic and, if necessary, other components is cast into a mold having a microneedle shape, dried, and then peeled off. The peeled microneedle array sheet was cut in accordance with the shape of the application site in the oral cavity and used.

The microneedle array of the present invention can be used alone as a local anesthetic preparation for dental use. Alternatively, the microneedle patch described below may be formed to provide ease of application in the oral cavity.

(microneedle patch)

The microneedle patch of the present invention includes the microneedle array described above and a support provided on the back surface of the microneedle array. Here, the back surface of the microneedle array refers to a substrate portion on the opposite side of the protruding surface of the microneedles. The support is not essential, and if the support is provided, handling is easy, and slipping from the site of attachment or transfer to the inside of the lips can be prevented. Microneedle patches backed to the back of a microneedle array with a hydrophobic or non-dissolving film as a support are one embodiment of dental topical anesthetic formulations. The dental local anesthetic preparation is a quick-acting dental local anesthetic preparation having quick-acting properties.

The dosage form of the present invention may be in various forms. They are explained in turn.

1. A microneedle patch in which a polymer film as a support is attached to the back surface of a dried microneedle array produced by the method for producing a microneedle array. There are various methods for their preparation. For example, the microneedle array is dried, and a polymer dissolved in water or a low boiling point organic solvent is laminated on the back surface thereof by coating, spraying, or the like before being peeled off from the mold, and dried. The polymer herein refers to a water-soluble polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol, high-molecular-weight polyvinylpyrrolidone, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and polyacrylic acid, and is a polymer that does not dissolve instantaneously in the oral cavity. More specifically, the microneedle substrate needs not to be dissolved and not to be collapsed in shape at least within 30 minutes after the attachment by being lined with the polymer film as the support. The support may be a polymer soluble in an organic solvent such as polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, or nylon, or a soft polymer obtained by softening the polymer with a plasticizer. They are preferable specific examples of the hydrophobic film or the insoluble film.

2. A microneedle patch in which a polymer film as a support is attached to the back surface of a dried microneedle array produced by the method for producing a microneedle array. In this preparation, the polymer film and the back surface of the microneedle array are integrated with each other by an adhesive or a bonding agent. The microneedle array may be the same size as the polymer film, or may be larger than the polymer film and may be treated to provide the film with intraoral adhesiveness. The polymer film may be porous or water-permeable like a woven fabric. Typically, plastic sheets or films such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA); sterilized paper, paper sheets such as cellophane, nonwoven fabric, and woven fabric, silicone films by spraying or coating, fluorine oil films by spraying or coating, and the like.

The size of the support may be the same as that of the microneedle array, and is preferably larger than the microneedle array in terms of enhancing the adhesion of the microneedle array in the oral cavity from the back side. The support may be set to a size and shape that is easy to handle depending on the application site, and is preferably about 3 to 20mm larger than the outer edge of the microneedle array, for example. The support may have a thickness equal to or thicker than the thickness of the microneedle array substrate, may be thicker or thinner than the thickness of the microneedle array substrate, and may be appropriately set to a thickness that is flexible and thin and can be handled easily. The shape may be a grasping edge for grasping by hand at the end of the microneedle array (fig. 2, polyethylene adhesive film 6). The support may be colored over a part or the entire surface, and if the colored part is conspicuous after the doctor has finished the anesthesia, the support is not forgotten and is easily peeled off.

The support preferably has intra-oral adhesiveness in order to enhance the intra-oral adhesiveness of the microneedle array from the back side.

As 1 mode for securing the intra-oral adhesiveness of the support, there is exemplified a support coated with an adhesive substance, that is, a support coated with an adhesive. Here, the adhesive substance includes an adhesive generally used for a patch preparation, and is preferably of a grade having wet surface adhesiveness of, for example, an acrylic, silicone, or rubber adhesive.

As another mode for securing the intra-oral adhesiveness of the support, it is possible to cite that the support is water-soluble. Also preferred is a support which uses a low-molecular-weight water-soluble film such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and has self-adhesiveness with moisture in the oral cavity. In this case, it is preferable that a water-insoluble polymer film is further laminated on the surface of the water-soluble support facing the opposite-side cavity surface so as not to adhere to the opposite-side cavity surface of the applied cavity surface.

If there is no film laminated on the back surface, the back surface of the microneedle array is likely to adhere to the oral mucosa on the opposite side of the mucosa of the attachment portion, and therefore a film laminated on the back surface is effective. However, it is not an essential element of the present invention, and the essential element of the present invention is that a drug is delivered to a deep part of a mucous membrane by a microneedle. Although the microneedle base is water-soluble, when the water-dissolving speed is low, the drug dissolves much faster in the microneedle portion than in the back surface, and therefore the object can be achieved even if the backing agent is not present. That is, the microneedle array of the present invention itself may be provided as a dental local anesthetic preparation.

In the case of a film-like support, a portion may have a defective portion not including a film. For example, as shown in fig. 1A, a defective portion may be provided in the central portion of the film-shaped support, and in this case, the back surface of the microneedle portion is not covered with a film. The defective portion is not limited to the central portion, and when an injection needle is inserted into a site to which the microneedle patch of the present invention is applied, a portion not including a film may be secured to such an extent that penetration of the needle is not hindered. By not providing a support body in the central portion of the microneedle array, injection can be performed directly from the back surface without peeling off the microneedle patch in the case of pre-anesthesia. In addition, it is possible to perform a trial from the back side whether the anesthetic effect is sufficient.

Likewise, in the case where the support is sterilized paper, the support may form an outer frame containing the microneedle array. For example, as shown in fig. 1B, a hole is provided in the center of the sterilized paper, the back surface of the microneedle portion is not covered with the sterilized paper, and the sterilized paper forms the outer frame of the microneedle array. When an injection needle is inserted into a site to which the microneedle patch of the present invention is applied, the outer frame may be provided with a sterile paper so as to cover the entire back surface of the substrate of the microneedle array without preventing the penetration of the needle.

The microneedle patch of the present invention can be manufactured by covering the back surface of the microneedle array with a support.

The microneedle array and the microneedle patch of the present invention are applied to the oral mucosa or gum, and then the back surface of the microneedle portion is pressed to administer a local anesthetic. The microneedle array and the microneedle patch of the present invention use a water-soluble polymer as a base, and therefore can be rapidly dissolved in a high-humidity environment, and can effectively deliver an anesthetic into the oral mucosa or the gum, and thus can exert a local anesthetic effect in a short time (within 1 to 10 minutes). The evaluation of the preparation was confirmed by a test of applying the preparation to the gum of a volunteer, peeling the preparation after 5 to 10 minutes, and pricking the application site with a toothpick or a syringe to determine whether the application site is painful. At this time, the rubber ring as a stopper was fitted in a position 1mm from the tip of the toothpick or the injection needle, so that the toothpick or the injection needle could not enter a portion 1mm deeper than the inside of the gum even if pushed strongly.

By appropriately setting the amount of local anesthetic contained in the microneedle array per unit area and the size of the microneedle array, it is possible to use the microneedle array as a dental local anesthetic. In addition, it can be used as a pre-anesthetic for alleviating pain at the administration site prior to the administration of a dental local anesthetic injection. In this case, the microneedle array and the microneedle patch of the present invention may be attached to the oral mucosa or the gum, and then local anesthetic injection for dental use may be performed on the attached site.