Medherant Announces Positive Phase I Results for its First Transdermal Drug Delivery Patch

7th November 2018

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.

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. 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.