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YEAR ONE IMPACT REPORT
Table of Contents

ArrayPatch

array-patch.com
ArrayPatch
ArrayPatch’s polymer‑free microneedle unlocks optimal GLP‑1 access and commercialisation.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
ArrayPatch is a Cork‑based biotech developing a proprietary polymer‑free dissolving microneedle platform that forms needles from the active ingredient, enabling higher drug loading than conventional systems. The lead GLP‑DerMap™ programme targets the dose‑loading limitation of polymer microneedles and is advancing through preclinical development, supported by early formulation and stability data, with first‑in‑human studies planned for Q3 2027.

Problem

GLP‑1 drugs deliver strong clinical benefits — reducing cardiovascular events, slowing kidney disease progression, and reversing liver disease — but needle‑based, clinician‑dependent, cold‑chain delivery limits real‑world impact. In wealthy markets this appears as poor adherence, with over half of patients discontinuing within a year, and as inequity: despite highest obesity prevalence, non‑Hispanic Black women saw only 2.3% GLP‑1 prescribing from 2020–2024. In low‑resource settings, delivery — not the drug — is the binding constraint, driving global interest in microarray patches. Injectable delivery also generates regulated sharps waste and energy‑intensive cold‑chain emissions.

Solution

ArrayPatch’s dissolving microneedle patch uses the drug itself as the needle, removing the dose ceiling that limits traditional microneedles and enabling self‑application with no needle, cold chain, clinician, or sharps waste. This delivery route improves adherence and expands access for patients with limited time, transport, or provider density, while offering a cheaper, thermostable format. Because the architecture is molecule‑agnostic, proving it on GLP‑1 establishes a platform for indications where delivery is the binding constraint, including insulin, vaccines, and long‑acting HIV therapy. The patch eliminates sharps waste, removes cold‑chain dependence, and materially reduces manufacturing energy, water, and packaging use.

ArrayPatch Impact Overview

ArrayPatch begins with licensed IP from UCC, additional Vitroprep IP, and proprietary formulation and manufacturing know‑how. These inputs enable lab‑based R&D, new process and indication patenting, pre‑clinical and clinical testing, pharma partnerships, and the scale‑up of GMP patch manufacturing. Together, these activities produce a dissolving microneedle made from the drug molecule itself, clinical evidence of dose parity with injection, and a molecule‑agnostic delivery platform spanning multiple conditions.

These outputs lead to measurable outcomes that track progress toward impact. Key KPIs include clinical‑trial milestones, manufacturing‑readiness agreements with pharma partners, validated pharmacokinetic dose parity for GLP‑1, and the breadth of molecules deliverable through the platform. These indicators mark the point at which patient‑level impact becomes achievable.
The resulting impact is a proven therapy reaching patients who currently never start or discontinue treatment, especially those facing cost and access barriers; a self‑administered platform that removes infrastructure constraints; and meaningful reductions in sharps waste and cold‑chain energy burden.

Impact KPIs

Impact Measurement & Management (IMM) Status
ORANGE

ArrayPatch is gathering metrics to define its KPI targets.

KPI 1
Clinical Trial Milestones: Completion rate of technical documentation Phase1-3 approvals
KPI 2
Manufacturing Readiness: Number of signed agreements with pharma partners
KPI 3
Dose Parity Validation. Progress (0–100%) toward demonstrated in-vivo pharmacokinetic parity between patch-delivered GLP-1 and subcutaneous injection.

Impact Measurement & Management Status Key

  • GREEN

    Green Tag: Monitoring Framework Set

    Fully Set Up & Active Insights: Portfolio companies marked in green, have fully set up their Impact KPI framework. We provide comprehensive insights into their metrics and verified impact outcomes.

  • BLUE

    Blue Tag: KPI Target Set

    Data Collection & Target Calibration: Portfolio companies marked in blue are actively collecting data points to set accurate, realistic targets for their Impact KPIs.

  • ORANGE

    Orange Tag: Early Stage & Onboarding

    Deal Closed, IAC Endorsed, KPIs Set: Portfolio companies marked in orange are at the beginning of the IMM process, having only recently joined our portfolio. They have established initial KPI alignment with the investment team and with guidance from our Impact Advisory Committee (IAC).