Skin structure research opens up new drug delivery insights

A new Swedish study has uncovered insights into the structure and function of human skin that could offer a wide variety of healthcare applications.

Scientists from the Karolinska Institutet have conducted molecular research into the composition of the stratum corneum – the watertight outermost layer of skin – which offers greater understanding of the skin's perviousness.

These findings could allow researchers to create new drug delivery methods via the skin rather than using pills or injections, which would allow the first-passage metabolism stage to be skipped, while providing more even and consistent dosage.

Lars Norlen, associate professor at Karolinska Institutet's dermatology and venereology unit, said: "We hope to one day be able to administer regular drugs like insulin and antibiotics this way."

Improved understanding of the molecular structure of skin could also facilitate greater understanding of dermatological conditions in future.

The British Skin Foundation estimates that around eight million people in the UK suffer from a serious skin condition, of whom around 4,000 will die.