Virpax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. reported positive results of four preclinical dermal safety studies for Epoladerm. Epoladerm is an investigational product candidate for the management of pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. From these recently concluded animal studies, researchers concluded that once daily dermal administration of Epoladerm for 28 days was well-tolerated with no serious adverse findings.

The studies were performed by Charles River Laboratories, a well-known clinical research organization. The studies included a skin irritation study in rabbits; a dermal sensitization assessment in guinea pigs; and a phototoxicity assay in mouse fibroblasts. Epoladerm was well- tolerated in each of the studies and no reportable dermal irritation, dermal sensitization or phototoxicity was observed.

Virpax Pharmaceuticals is developing Epoladerm (diclofenac epolamine), an investigational analgesic supplied in a pre-filled device for administration as a topical spray film to manage chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. The company's proprietary technology is intended to provide a convenient aerosol canister for application of the spray film to the knee. The resulting film is intended to be thinner than a standard liquid bandage, visibly clear and fast drying.

The spray formulation is intended to avoid the inconvenient and messy application of creams or gels to the knee.