The study will start in April 2019 with expected completion later this year and the aim of the study is to document safety and efficacy in patients.

A microarray patch (also known as a microneedle patch) is a polymeric, microscopic array which delivers encapsulated drugs by perforating the outer stratum corneum with numerous microneedles. The needles are biodegradable and will dissolve as they release the drug in the skin.

This is the first time that microarray patch technology is applied to psoriasis treatment, representing a novel dosage form with several potential benefits for patients: The microarray patch enables slow release of the drug (betamethasone and calcipotriol), which means that treatment frequency can potentially be reduced from one or more times daily to once weekly. Furthermore, the patch may reduce or potentially eliminate the need for application of topicals such as ointments. Application of the patch is precise due to the small size of the micro needles ensuring that only affected skin is treated.

The micro array patch for psoriasis treatment has been developed jointly between LEO Pharma and LTS’ laboratories and has Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) status. The project is the first result of a partnership agreement which the two companies entered in 2016.

"After a successful preclinical development in the last two years, initiating a human study in corporation with LEO Pharma is the next major milestone. Our Micro Array Patch (MAP) platform allows the active ingredient to be released directly into the skin MAP innovation is driven by a productive and constructive cooperation using core competences of LEO Pharma and LTS," said Stefan Henke, Head of LTS‘s Innovative Injection Systems Unit.

"Our alliance with LTS is a great example of LEO Pharma’s innovative approach to psoriasis treatment and how we collaborate to improve and extend what’s possible for the benefit of patients. The microarray patch represents a new treatment method, which we believe has the potential to improve both treatment compliance and convenience – thus helping even more patients achieve healthy skin," said Kim Kjøller, Executive Vice President, LEO Pharma Research & Development.

About LTS Lohmann Therapie-Systeme AG

LTS is a leading pharmaceutical technology company that develops and manufactures innovative drug delivery systems such as Transdermal Patches (“TTS”) and Oral Thin Films (“OTF”) for the pharmaceutical industry. LTS´ commercial offering encompasses more than 20 marketed products and a diverse pipeline of more than 30 development projects targeting multiple disease indications. LTS’s innovation pipeline contains both partner-funded as well as proprietary, LTS-funded projects. LTS maintains its leading position through the continuous refinement of its core TTS and OTF technologies and by advancing emerging drug delivery technologies, including Micro Array Patches for the transdermal delivery of large molecule, biological actives. Founded in 1984, LTS operates today from two sites in Andernach, Germany and West Caldwell, NJ, USA and a representation in Shanghai, China.

For more information, go to: www.ltslohmann.de

Dr. Iris Schnitzler
Marketing and Market Services
iris.schnitzler@ltslohmann.de