HP creates skin patches for drugs

Hewlett-Packard Co. said it had found a way to use ink cartridge technology to create a skin patch with tiny needles that deliver precise dosages of drugs.

The patch uses micro-needles that barely penetrate the skin to deliver medicine with less pain than hypodermic needles, the Palo Alto-based company said.

Crospon Ltd., a medical device company based in Ireland, will make the patches under a license from Hewlett-Packard. The patch can be used to treat arthritis, infertility, osteoporosis and diabetes, among other ailments, Crospon said.