Moisturizer As Medicine

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Think of a drug that could be delivered in a size that is one one thousandth the size of a normal hair.

Now comes news from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that medications could be delivered in the form of commercial moisturizers. The thought is that gene therapy can be delivered in this fashion and be used to fight a wide variety of conditions.

Researchers say the technology will make drug distribution as easy as applying a facial cream. The skin surface is a protective barrier but the ability to develop such tiny drugs is a great way to deliver the treatment.