Virpax inks ‘patch-in-a-can’ deal for pain management
Under the agreement, US-based Virpax will develop an investigational spray film designed to deliver nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) DSF100 using MedPharm’s metered-dose spray, MedSpray. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The metered-dose aerosol spray – which MedPharm describes as a ‘patch-in-a-can’ – forms a thin film on the skin or mucosal membrane, enabling the transdermal delivery of NSAIDs.
According to UK-headquartered MedPharm, the technology “features a high level of adhesiveness, accessibility and skin drying.”
In addition, “compared to a standard topical spray MedSpray gives extended release and compared to a standard patch MedSpray is invisible,” the spokesperson told us.
The US Food and Drug Administration granted a pre-investigational new drug meeting request for DSF100 in May this year.
Virpax is exploring other transdermal drug delivery technologies for pain management. Last month, the US firm signed a license agreement for LipoCure’s long-active liposomal gel, to develop anaesthetics for post-operative pain.
“We believe there is an opportunity to explore the development of non-opioid transdermal pain treatments that improve on existing gel and patch products, for which adhesion and accessibility can be a challenge,” said Virpax CEO Anthony Mack in a statement.
