Topical use of Capsaicin or TRPV 1 agonists for the prevention of diabetic ulcers in a patient suffering from diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).
Proposed use
- Repeated topical administration of a capsaicinoid or TRPV1 agonist to one or more areas of the skin, for the prevention of diabetic foot ulcers.
- Use of a capsaicinoid or TRPV1 agonist to induce or enhance the regeneration of small sensory nerve fibres in patients with both painful and non-painful DPN.
Problem addressed
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) refers to peripheral neuropathy (whether painful or non-painful) induced by diabetes mellitus. The underlying mechanisms are diverse, yet progressive loss of small sensory nerve fibres has been found to occur in diabetic patients, playing a major role in the development of diabetic foot ulcers. Among the diabetic population, there exists a significant lifetime risk of 25% for developing diabetic foot ulceration. Tragically, a majority of these cases will require amputation within four years of initial diagnosis. Such complications are directly linked to a higher mortality risk. Currently, there is no approved treatment available to prevent nerve fibre loss or promote nerve regeneration in DPN. However, the topical administration of a patch containing Capsaicin, or an equivalent TRPV1 agonist to the skin of a patient, holds promising potential to address this issue by inducing nerve regeneration.
Technology overview
The key features of this technology include:
- The topical administration of a capsaicinoid or TRPV1 agonist to one or more areas of the skin, for the prevention of diabetic foot ulcers.
- A kit, comprising: a cutaneous patch; and a leaflet, where the cutaneous patch contains capsaicin or a capsaicinoid or a TRPV1 agonist, and the leaflet provides instructions for a method of preventing diabetic ulcers.
Benefits
- Prevents development of foot ulcers in diabetic patients
- Promotes nerve regeneration in DPN.
- Reduces the burden of Diabetic Foot Syndrome on patients, carers and financial resources.
Intellectual property information
An International PCT application (WO2022/053820) has been filed.
