Can We Eliminate Needles from Healthcare?

Needles have long been the standard method for delivering medication under the skin, but they come with challenges, from patient discomfort and needle-stick injuries to medical waste and storage limitations.

FlowBeams, a technology company based in the Netherlands, is exploring an alternative: a needle-free injection system that uses high-speed microjets generated by laser energy.

How the System Works

FlowBeams method relies on a short, focused laser pulse to heat a tiny volume of fluid. This creates a microbubble, which propels the liquid through the skin in a narrow, high-speed jet. The delivery is quick and intended to reach precise tissue depths, without puncturing the skin with a metal needle.

The system is being developed for repeatable dosing, with built-in control over the depth and volume of delivery, allowing for use across multiple therapeutic applications.

Areas of Use

The company envisions several areas where this approach could apply:

• Vaccination and Drug Delivery: Especially for scenarios where rapid, high-throughput administration is needed.

• Chronic Disease Management: For patients requiring regular injections (e.g., insulin), reducing discomfort and improving adherence.

• Cosmetic Procedures: Injections for aesthetic treatments, where minimizing bruising and tissue damage is desirable.

While the potential is broad, clinical validation is a necessary next step to determine its efficacy across these use cases.

Technical and Environmental Considerations

The device's single-use-free design may help reduce plastic and sharps waste commonly associated with traditional syringes. The technology could also lower the risk of contamination and injury in high-volume or remote healthcare environments.

Still, integration into existing medical systems would require adjustments to workflow and practitioner training, alongside regulatory approvals.

Current Status

FlowBeams work has been supported by funding from the European Innovation Council and showcased at CES 2025, signaling broader interest in non-invasive drug delivery alternatives.

The company’s development originates from academic research at the University of Twente, and it is continuing to refine the system for practical deployment.