ANDERNACH, Germany & BALLERUP, Denmark–(BUSINESS WIRE)–LTS Lohmann Therapie-Systeme AG (LTS), a market leader in transdermal
therapeutic systems, and LEO Pharma A/S, a global leader in dermatology,
today announced that the companies will start the clinical trial of
microarray patches for the local intradermal treatment of psoriasis. The
study will start in April 2019 with expected completion later this year
and the aim of the study is to document safety and efficacy in patients.
A microarray patch (also known as a microneedle patch) is a polymeric,
microscopic array which delivers encapsulated drugs by perforating the
outer stratum corneum with numerous microneedles. The needles are
biodegradable and will dissolve as they release the drug in the skin.
This is the first time that microarray patch technology is applied to
psoriasis treatment, representing a novel dosage form with several
potential benefits for patients: The microarray patch enables slow
release of the drug (betamethasone and calcipotriol), which means that
treatment frequency can potentially be reduced from one or more times
daily to once weekly. Furthermore the patch may reduce or potentially
eliminate the need for application of topicals such as ointments.
Application of the patch is precise due to the small size of the micro
needles ensuring that only affected skin is treated.
The micro array patch for psoriasis treatment has been developed jointly
between LEO Pharma and LTS’ laboratories and has Good Manufacturing
Practice (GMP) status. The project is the first result of a partnership
agreement which the two companies entered in 2016.
“After a successful preclinical development in the last two years,
initiating a human study in corporation with LEO Pharma is the next
major milestone. Our Micro Array Patch (MAP) platform allows the active
ingredient to be released directly into the skin MAP innovation is
driven by a productive and constructive cooperation using core
competences of LEO Pharma and LTS,” said Stefan Henke, Head of LTS‘s
Innovative Injection Systems Unit.