Daily and Localized NSAID Patch for Knee Osteoarthritis Pain
Official title: Daily & Localized NSAID Sonophoresis for Symptomatic Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
Funded at Zetroz Systems, LLC · NIH-11390466 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new patch uses gentle ultrasound to push a common pain-relieving NSAID into the knee to help people with osteoarthritis feel less pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Zetroz Systems, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Trumbull, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $2,154,078 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AG061985-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11390466 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with knee osteoarthritis, particularly those aged 65 and older, who experience persistent pain.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without knee OA or who require systemic analgesics rather than topical treatment may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to provide more targeted, long-lasting relief for knee OA by combining a diclofenac patch with ultrasound-powered delivery (sonophoresis). It builds on prior work showing that ultrasound can help drugs reach deeper tissues, potentially lowering the need for oral NSAIDs. By focusing on localized treatment, it seeks to reduce systemic side effects and improve daily function for adults, especially those 65 and older. Participants would likely use the patch as directed to manage episodic knee pain and track changes in pain and mobility.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience better knee pain control with fewer systemic side effects and improved ability to perform everyday activities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed diclofenac sonophoresis can improve pain relief beyond topical NSAID alone, supporting a potential new therapy.
Where this research is happening
-
Zetroz Systems, LLC
Trumbull, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lewis, George Kenneth — Zetroz Systems, LLC
- Study coordinator: Lewis, George Kenneth
Related research
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.