National investment group Mercia Technologies PLC, one of the UK’s most active technology investors, is pleased to announce that its direct investment Medherant, a developer of innovative transdermal drug delivery treatments for pain and CNS diseases, has successfully completed two Phase I studies with its novel Ibuprofen TEPI® Patch.

Nigel Davis

The TEPI Patch was shown to be well tolerated by all subjects in a study of skin irritation and sensitisation. This marks the first clinical safety evaluation of Medherant’s novel adhesive, facilitating the development of the next generation of drug-in-adhesive patches.

In the second study, concentrations of ibuprofen in the blood following repeated application of the Ibuprofen TEPI Patch and a single oral dose of ibuprofen were compared. As expected, blood levels were significantly lower after application of the patch reflecting its design as a local delivery mechanism. Local application provides site-specific pain relief and a lower blood concentration will help minimise side effects.

Dr Mark Payton

Nigel Davis, CEO of Medherant, commented: “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.”

Dr Mark Payton, CEO of Mercia, said: “This is one of a portfolio of products under development and is a testament to a solid team with a robust proprietary platform technology.”

The company will be seeking Series A finance to support its Phase III Ibuprofen TEPI Patch study and to take its portfolio of TEPI Patch products, which includes a cannabinoid and patches for Alzheimer’s disease, into clinical development.