Epicutaneous Gel for Delivery of Targeted Therapeutic to Treat Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) is a painful debilitating condition caused by progressive subcutaneous nerve damage due to diabetes, chemotherapy or as a result of traumatic combat injuries. Systemic or topical administration of existing therapeutics alleviates pain but does not address progressive nerve damage. High dosages requisite for therapeutic effect increase long-term toxicity risk. Lynntech, Inc. proposes a biocompatible epicutaneous gel system to (a) topically deliver a therapeutic which may mitigate pain and halt or reverse nerve damage, (b) directly target receptors on neurons to reduce dosage and decrease long term toxicity risk and (c) be easily administered due to its familiar topical gel format. Phase I will provide proof-of-concept for improved neuronal targeted delivery of the therapeutic as directly compared to delivery of a currently utilized NSAID using an appropriate in vitro 3D skin equivalent model. Phase II will further optimize the topical gel system and therapeutic for improved skin barrier penetration and increased neuronal targeting ability which will be demonstrated using an appropriate in vivo model of PN. This innovative epicutaneous gel system is of direct relevance to the missions and goals of the USAMRMC as it may significantly improve the quality of life of our soldiers with PN.