TECHNOLOGY & PIPELINE

ETS Steroid

Steroids are used to treat a number of dermatologic conditions, including acne and psoriasis. Dermatologists often inject steroids directly into the site of inflammation.

ETS for Acne

There is an unmet market need for Transport’s drug/device product, a product which will deliver a high concentration of a corticosteroid directly to a single acne lesion without the need for visiting the dermatologist and receiving an injection. The Company’s ETS allows for self-administration by the patient for the local delivery of a corticosteroid. As with SoloVir™ ETS, Tranport’s lead product for herpes labialis, the acne product will be made available by prescription, allowing the patient to treat at first signs and symptoms and reduce the swelling before the acne blemish becomes unsightly.

Transport will be able to leverage the design of the existing SoloVir™ ETS for acne. With minor software modifications based on treatment duration, the device and drug cartridge will be ideal for delivering a dermatological drug for single acne lesions. Transport has already demonstrated the ability to drive large amounts of steroids across the stratum corneum in laboratory studies.

ETS for Psoriasis

Corticosteroids are the most frequently used treatment for psoriasis. Topical steroid medications often work quickly and can be very effective in controlling mild-to- moderate psoriasis, but are not considered adequate when used as the only treatment for moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Steroids, however, may be used to complement other treatments for severe psoriasis.

Transport is developing a formulation of an approved steroid drug optimized for iontophoretic delivery in unit dose, pre-loaded, drug applicators. The trimable, multi-channel drug applicators will be designed to cover elbows, knees and other body parts commonly affected by psoriasis. An iontophoretic device will be designed to provide the low-level electric current required to drive the steroid into the skin of the affected body parts. This will allow the delivery of topical steroids for the treatment of mild-to-moderate psoriasis in 80 percent of psoriasis sufferers, without the risk of unwanted side-effects. In addition, the patient will be able to administer the treatments at home, with only periodic clinical visits to monitor safety and efficacy.