TECHNOLOGY & PIPELINE

ETS Imiquimod

Aldara® (imiquimod), an immune response modifier, was recently approved for the topical treatment of Actinic Keratosis (AK). Imiquimod is a non-nucleoside heterocyclic amine which can stimulate both the innate and adaptive immune responses. Imiquimod is currently approved for the treatment of AK at a dose of two times per week for 16 weeks. While the outcomes using this treatment are quite good, a treatment of shorter duration with less frequent applications is desirable and could increase patient compliance. Recent clinical studies have examined the efficacy of a shorter (seven to eight week) course of treatment with Aldara to enhance patient compliance.

Iontophoretic delivery will allow less frequent drug administrations (ideally once every two to four weeks), and the deeper penetration of the drug may enhance its ability to stimulate the immune response, as the immune cells of the skin reside within the epidermis, below the stratum corneum.. The company’s unique multi-channel electrode technology will enable treatment of a larger surface area. The applicator pad will be designed to cover an area of the skin currently treated for AK, such as a cheek or forehead. An iontophoretic device will be designed to provide the low-level electric current required to drive the imiquimod into the skin of the target treatment area.

A treatment administered in the doctor’s office once every two to four weeks over a two to three month period will allow the physician to monitor the progress of the treatment and have more precise control over the drug administration process.