UCC spin-out ArrayPatch expands microneedle patch technology for delivery of peptide-based medicines

9 Apr 2026

ArrayPatch, a spin-out from UCC’s School of Pharmacy, has acquired new microneedle patch technology to support the delivery of peptide-based medicines. The acquisition strengthens the company’s drug delivery platform and complements its existing DerMap technology, which delivers medications via a pain-free, dissolvable microneedle patch that releases medication under the skin.

Peptides are widely used in modern medicines to treat major health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, cancer and cardiovascular disease, but they can be difficult to deliver using traditional methods. With this acquisition, ArrayPatch aims to broaden the potential use of its microneedle patch system across a wider range of treatments. The technology was acquired from Vitropep, a French biotech start-up specialising in peptide delivery.

The new technology focuses on improving how peptide medicines are formulated within patches, helping to maintain stability and allow effective delivery.

“We are excited to bring the Vitropep peptide microneedle patch delivery technology into the ArrayPatch platform to expand our capability to develop improved peptide therapeutics,” said Dr Waleed Faisal, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ArrayPatch. “This acquisition strengthens our technology base and complements the advances we have already made in painless microneedle patch delivery. With promising proof‑of‑concept data already achieved with a number of peptides we believe the combined technology creates meaningful opportunities to develop next‑generation peptide therapies offering improved delivery and patient experience.”

Dr Sally Cudmore, Director of UCC Innovation said “Congratulations to Dr Waleed Faisal and the ArrayPatch team on the acquisition of this new technology. We look forward to the continued development of ArrayPatch’s microneedle platform and the potential to deliver benefits for patients experiencing a variety of health issues. ArrayPatch is a strong example of how UCC research and innovation translate into real world solutions through the expertise and entrepreneurial drive of our researchers.”

ArrayPatch Ltd was announced as winner of the InterTradeIreland all-island Seedcorn Investor Readiness Competition 2025, winner of the 2023 IDEATE Ireland competition and Innovation of the Year at the 2022 Irish Pharma Awards.