Phosphagenics patch eases pain in racehorses
THE ROADHOUSE PHARMACY: Phosphagenics Limited (ASX: POH) has completed a study using its TPM®/Oxycodone topical patch to manage shin soreness pain for thoroughbred racehorses.
Phosphagenics said the study found recovery from pain in all horses within one to two days.
The study was conducted on six thoroughbreds, between two and three years of age, exhibiting cannon (shin) bone soreness arising from injuries in either one or two limbs, with a patch applied daily to each injured limb for ten days.
The shin soreness, rated as either ‘moderate’ or ‘severe’ based on universal Veterinary Lameness Scores, in which lameness was evident in circumstances when carrying weight, circling or walking on incline or hard surfaces or when the horses were at a trot.
Phosphagenics claimed the study results showed there were no signs of lameness as determined by the above criteria and five horses treated were pain-free within 24 hours following the first patch application, with the sixth horse pain-free by the second patch application within 48 hours.
Pain relief with the patch allowed the animals to recover without the enduring stress normally associated with such injuries.
The proof-of-concept study was conducted in collaboration with Phosphagenics’ animal health partner, Integrated Animal Health (IAH), through its R&D Division, Veterinary Research Australia.
In Phosphagenics announcement to the ASX. Dr John Walker, the principal veterinarian involved in this study said in the results were extremely encouraging.
“I have seen hundreds of cases of shin soreness in my 20 years as an equine veterinarian and the oxycodone patch is far and away the best form of pain relief I have seen,” Dr Walker said.
“Instant, powerful and effective.
“According to a recent Racing Victoria report, gastric ulceration is one of the biggest health issues for thoroughbred racehorses.
“The topical nature of this patch’s delivery system means gastric ulceration associated with some systemic drug treatments, such as the NSAID Phenylbutazone, will be eliminated.”
Phosphagenics pointed out that while racehorses were the subject of this study, the application of the TPM®/Oxycodone patch has potential benefits to most companion animals.
“The horse study confirms that the topical application of our oxycodone patch provides a unique opportunity in the large companion animal market,” Phosphagenics CEO Harry Rosen said in the announcement.
“Additionally, it provides us with confidence ahead of our Phase 2 topical TPM®/Oxycodone study for neuropathic pain that will commence in the next quarter.
“Our oxymorphone and oxycodone programs are targeting a $12 billion annual market for human use.”
Website: www.phosphagenics.com