Topical sirolimus (PTX-022) for microcystic lymphatic malformations

SELVA: A Multicenter, Phase 3 Baseline-Controlled Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of PTX-022 in the Treatment of Microcystic Lymphatic Malformations

NIH-funded research Palvella Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-11196066

This project offers a topical sirolimus gel (PTX-022) for people with microcystic lymphatic malformations to try to reduce leaking, infections, and other skin symptoms while checking safety.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPalvella Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Wayne, United States)
Project IDNIH-11196066 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

You would receive a topical sirolimus gel applied to affected skin areas as part of a multicenter, phase 3, baseline-controlled protocol. The study compares your symptoms and complications before and after treatment to measure benefit and records side effects and safety data. Visits at study centers will collect clinical exams, photographs, and possibly patient-reported symptom measures. The goal is to determine whether a topical formulation can improve day-to-day symptoms like lymphorrhea and reduce episodes of cellulitis with fewer systemic side effects than oral treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are people diagnosed with microcystic lymphatic malformations who have symptomatic skin lesions such as lymphorrhea or recurrent cellulitis and who can attend clinic visits.

Not a fit: People without microcystic LM, those whose disease is primarily deep or macrocystic, or patients with contraindications to sirolimus (for example allergy or certain immunosuppressive conditions) may not benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could become the first FDA-approved topical treatment to reduce leaking, infections, and skin problems from microcystic lymphatic malformations.

How similar studies have performed: Oral sirolimus (systemic rapamycin) has shown preliminary benefit for microcystic LM, and early topical/compassionate-use reports suggest promise, but a phase 3 trial like this is needed for definitive evidence and approval.

Where this research is happening

Wayne, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.