Microneedle arrays and drug delivery devices are provided for
transdermally delivering a drug formulation to a patient. The microneedle
array device includes a substantially planar substrate having an array of
apertures; and a plurality of microneedles projecting at angle from the
planar substrate, the microneedles having a base portion integrally
connected to the substrate, a tip end portion distal to the base portion,
and body portion therebetween, wherein each microneedle has at least one
channel extending substantially from the base portion through at least a
part of the body portion, the channel being open along at least part of
the body portion and in fluid communication with at least one of the
apertures in the substrate. In a preferred embodiment, each microneedle
has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape and the channel is
open to two opposing surfaces of the microneedle.