Arcturus Pharmaceutical Corp. announced Monday that it hasstarted Phase I clinical studies with its topical formulation ofthe antihistamine dexchlorpheniramine for treating itchingassociated with skin disorders such as contact and atopicdermatitis.

The privately held company, located in Woburn, Mass., isconducting the trial under an investigational new drugapplication (IND) it submitted to FDA in August.

Arcturus is also initiating pilot clinical studies of an anti-inflammatory agent under two additional INDs it submittedrecently to FDA. Those studies will evaluate the compounds inpatients with oral lichen planus, a condition that results inblisters and ulcers inside the mouth, as well as otherinflammatory skin disorders.

Arcturus is developing its compounds as prodrugs, compoundsthat are converted into active molecules by the body. Thecompany is using lipid-soluble formulations for the prodrugs,so they are able to penetrate the outer layer of the skin.

"These (clinical) studies are part of Arcturus' larger researchand development effort to develop a new generation ofdermatologic products that provide significant clinical benefitbased on improved delivery to the skin of novel mechanisms ofaction," said Richard Sharpe, executive vice president ofArcturus.-- Jennifer Van Brunt

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