Diclofenac

Diclofenac is a leading non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) widely used for sprains and strains and is commonly marketed as Voltaren®. Sales of Voltaren® in 2007 for both oral and topical application were approximately US$644 million.

Phosphagenics’ drug delivery technology has the ability to be used as a targeted, localised delivery system, capable of increasing the delivery of actives such as diclofenac, to targeted areas while minimising exposure to the rest of the body.

Pre-clinical studies have shown that Phosphagenics’ transdermal diclofenac permeates the skin more effectively than the currently available Voltaren® gel and increases the dermal absorption of the drug, while maintaining similar levels of systemic exposure.

A Phase I human bioavailability trial of dermal and systemic pharmacokinetics is currently underway, with results expected in the near future.