METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A COMBINATION OF ELECTROPORATION AND IONTOPHORESIS FOR THE DELIVERY OF DRUGS AND GENES

An apparatus and method for transdermal molecular delivery, comprises a first electrode assembly having an anode and a cathode in closely spaced relation for engaging the stratum corneum through which to apply an electric field, a second electrode assembly spaced from the first electrode assembly through which to apply an electric field and comprising at least one of an anode and a cathode, a first power supply including a first circuit preferably connected to the first electrode assembly for applying a pulsed electric field of sufficient amplitude to induce pores in the stratum corneum, second power supply including a second circuit connected to the first electrode assembly and the second electrode assembly for applying a low voltage continuous electric field of a preselected polarity and sufficient amplitude to induce migration of molecules through pores in the stratum corneum. The iontophoresis current density to the electrode assembly is around 0.5 mA per cm2, and after an electroporation pulsing event, between around 2.9 and 7.0 mA per cm2.