Malignant melanoma's incidence is increasing by 2.7% annually even as most other cancers are experiencing a decline in incidence. The long-term objective of this project is to commercialize a topical formulation containing retinoic acid (ATRA) for subjects with dysplastic nevi at a higher risk of developing malignant melanoma. However, ATRA is highly irritating to the skin. Several topical delivery systems have been shown to reduce ATRA-induced skin irritation. Phase I studies have shown that the biopolymer chitosan acts as a topical delivery system for ATRA. In this Phase II SBIR study we propose to: (1) standardize the topical formulation containing the ATRA/chitosan delivery system according to our IND 60,073, (2) test the long-term toxicity and irritation of the formulation in both rodents and non-rodents species according to FDA 21 CFR, Part 58, (3) determine whether 6 months of topical ATRA/chitosan will result in a significant clinical improvement of dysplastic nevi, and/or a decrease in the dysplasia grade, and/or a change in the expression of proliferation biomarkers, by performing a multicenter controlled clinical trial involving 16 dysplastic nevi subjects using Internet-based randomization, electronic data capture, coordination and monitoring, and pre and post study clinical and histological assessment.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
5R44CA086653-03
Application #
6742526
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-SSS-1 (10))
Program Officer
Umar, Asad
Project Start
2000-06-01
Project End
2005-03-31
Budget Start
2004-05-27
Budget End
2005-03-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$268,354
Indirect Cost
Name
Ivrea, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Quincy
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02169