- NexGel Inc announced results from its proof-of-concept study for its diclofenac hydrogel patches.
- The patches are designed to treat pain indications such as arthritis, joint pain, muscle aches, and more.
- The study compared NexGel's diclofenac hydrogel patches with the leading commercially available topical treatment.
- It assessed the formulations, skin retention, and permeation of the products through the skin. The results revealed that NexGel's diclofenac hydrogel patches delivered an equivalent dose considerably faster and are longer-acting compared to the current standard of care on a head-to-head basis.
- They also showed gentle skin adhesion for eight to 12 hours.
- Diclofenac patches are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) products used to treat short-term pain due to minor strains, sprains, and bruises.
- The early proof-of-concept results validate the potential effectiveness of NexGel's technology in drug delivery patches.
- Last week, NexGel said it had developed a new, proprietary hydrogel eye patch to treat amblyopia, a type of poor vision that typically occurs in one eye but can occur in both eyes (also called lazy eye).
- The patch is expected to be available for ophthalmologists and optometrists to offer to their patients in 1H of 2023.
- HC Wainwright initiated coverage on LAVA Therapeutics NV with a Buy rating and a price target of $9.
- The company is focused on developing Gammabodies for cancer treatments.
- According to the analyst, the Gammabody platform could deliver superior anti-tumor activity by leveraging γδ T cells' advantages, such as broad antigen recognition, distinguishing healthy tissues from the tumor, and activating proinflammatory immune systems cascades.
- The lead candidate, LAVA-051, is being evaluated in a Phase 1/2a study in multiple blood cancer settings.
- Initial Phase 1 data showed a favorable safety profile and early signs of clinical activity.
- Additional dose-escalation data is expected in 2H22, and initial Phase 2a data from the expansion cohorts in 1H23.
- LAVA is also evaluating LAVA-1207 in a Phase 1/2a study in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) therapy, with initial data expected in 4Q22/1Q23.
- "We believe Gammabody could be a game changer in the bispecific T cell engagers space. We currently project LAVA to generate risk-adjusted peak revenues of $391 million in 2032, growing from $4 million in 2026," the analyst writes.
