The invention relates to analyte monitoring/drug (pharmaceutical agent) delivery
device. The invention is suited for monitoring various blood constituents such
as glucose. The device has a housing that at least partially encloses a plurality
of microneedles disposed on a carrier and an electronics portion. Each microneedle
is in fluid communication with a corresponding microchannel. Each microneedle is
individually addressable. That is, each microneedle can be extended and retracted
individually via an actuator. The electronics portion includes a processor and
associated circuitry (e.g., memory, supporting electronics and the like), a motor
or the like, a sensor, a power supply (e.g., battery) and optionally an interface.
In general, the processor controls the operation of the device and is data communication
with the actuator, motor, sensor and interface. The invention provides for autonomous
operation, that is, without intervention of the user. The invention can optionally
provide for calibration without intervention of the user. The invention can also
provide for semi-continuous monitoring for day and night time. The invention can
provide for up to four, or more, weeks of operation. The invention can provide
for a device that is relative small in size, and therefore unobtrusive. The invention
can also provide for device with remote control and interactive electronics. The
invention may be also used for the delivery of various pharmaceutical agents including
high potency drugs to minimize patient intervention and minimize discomfort.