Controlled release mechanisms for drug delivery have been the focus of continuous improvement over the past 20 years.

Subcutaneous implants present the advantages of reducing side effects and allowing continuous drug release over weeks - or even months - in contrast to the rapid decline in medication blood levels which follows injections or pill intake.

However fragile implants require new transfer technologies under the skin which should not be fully dependent on expertise of the medical staff to prevent improper use.

Drug-delivery devices need to be simpler, safer, and, in a context of increased homecare treatment and self-administration, more intuitive and convenient.