In a recent study, researchers worked with an industry partner to use a needle-free device to treat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a dangerous bacterium that has become resistant to many common antibiotics.

The device successfully delivered vancomycin, a common last-resort antibiotic, deep into infected tissue without typical side effects such as kidney damage. Unlike topical creams or ointments that are easily wiped away or bloodstream delivery that risks organ damage, the spray-mist technology pushed the medicine through the skin to successfully treat the infection.