Drug delivery company Medherant has announced that it has successfully completed two Phase I studies focusing on its Ibuprofen TEPI Patch.

The company has been developing transdermal drug delivery patches for pain and central nervous system diseases.

The studies are the first clinical safety evaluation of Medherant’s adhesive, helping the company develop its next generation of transdermal patches. The first study focused on skin irritation and sensitisation of the TEPI Patch, with all subjects tolerating the patch well.

The second study focused on concentrations of ibuprofen in the blood, comparing a single oral dose of ibuprofen to repeated application of the ibuprofen patch.

Blood levels were found to be significantly lower after the application of the patch reflecting its design as a local delivery mechanism. The local application of the patch can help relieve specific areas of pain and a lower blood concentration could help minimise side effects.

Nigel Davis, CEO of Medherant, said: “These positive Phase I results signify a major milestone in the ongoing development of our TEPI Patch drug delivery technology and demonstrate that our novel adhesive can be used safely. The successful completion of these trials is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication. We look forward to taking the Ibuprofen TEPI Patch into Phase III clinical testing.”

Medherant is now seeking Series A finance to support the next phase of its Ibuprofen TEPI Patch study and to take its products into clinical development.