Researchers Hassan Almoazen PhD, Richard Helms PharmD, Catherine Crill PharmD, and Hao Lou, MS at the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy have developed a novel transdermal microemulsion delivery system to treat iodine deficiency. Animal studies in iodine deficient rats have shown the delivery system is safe and effective. The University of Tennessee Research Foundation (UTRF) filed for a United States patent application which was published in January 2015. According to a 2008 UNICEF report, each year 38 million children are born at risk of brain damage associated with iodine deficiency. Iodide is a microtrace element which the human body needs to make thyroid hormones. During fetal development, infancy and childhood, iodine is needed for neurological and brain development; iodine deficiency during these important stages can lead to mental retardation, dwarfism and hearing loss. In adults, thyroid hormones control important metabolic functions, and severe iodine deficiency can lead to thyroid enlargement, diminished thinking skills, infertility and thyroid cancer. When asked about potential implications for such a novel delivery system to treat iodine deficiency, Dr. Almoazen said, “We are hopeful that our delivery system will provide additional support into the World Health Organization & UNICEF efforts to eradicate the global iodine deficiency of children in the world”.