Noven Pharmaceuticals Inc. said Friday that it has filed aninvestigational new drug application to begin clinical trials ofits transdermal drug delivery patch to treat a nail fungalinfection.

The 48-hour patch contains an undisclosed antibiotic or anti-fungal to treat onychomycosis, which results in splitting,thickening, roughness and discoloration of the nail.

Current treatments include orally administered antibiotics andtopical medications. Topical treatments have been limited bythe lack of penetration of the drug into the nail bed.

Shares of the Miami company (NASDAQ:NOVN) closed at $8.13,up 25 cents.

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