Optimized Zanamivir Patch to Treat Flu with a Single Application
Official title: Optimized Zanamivir MicroArray Patch (MAP) Formulation for Single Application Treatment of the Flu
Funded at Tsrl, INC. · NIH-11066986 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small NIH-funded project is testing a skin patch to deliver zanamivir, a flu medicine, in one convenient treatment for people who get the flu.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tsrl, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2026 |
| Project end | September 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $299,608 |
| NIH project number | 1R43IP001280-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066986 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with acute influenza who can safely receive a transdermal treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with skin conditions, severe dermatitis, or those unable to tolerate transdermal delivery may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to develop a skin patch that can release zanamivir through the skin after a single application, potentially simplifying flu treatment. The approach uses microarray-enhanced transdermal delivery to bypass the need for inhaled powder forms. Researchers will test the formulation for effective drug delivery and safety in a controlled setting. If successful, the patch could help people recover faster and reduce the spread of flu during outbreaks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could treat flu quickly with a single patch instead of taking multiple doses or relying on inhaled vapor forms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows promise for transdermal delivery of antiviral drugs, but this exact patch formulation is novel and not yet proven in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Tsrl, INC.
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lipka, Elke — Tsrl, INC.
- Study coordinator: Lipka, Elke
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-
Testing a new skin patch for delivering flu medication.
This study is testing a new skin patch that delivers the flu medicine zanamivir, making it easier for people who struggle with inhalers, and healthy volunteers are needed to help see how well it works and if it's safe to use.
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.