Delivery beyond the nail.
Luliconazole is a very potent molecule in a novel class of antifungal agents known as the imidazoles. Unlike all other topical antifungals, luliconazole has high affinity to keratin but its binding is reversible. This unique profile allows the drug to cross the nail barrier and penetrate beyond the nail to kill fungus at the site of infection within the nail bed.

Effectiveness beyond existing therapies.
Furthermore, the molecule has a dual mode of action against a broad range of pathogens (including trichophyton rubrum, trichophyton mentagrophytes, and yeasts.) Unlike other topical antifungals, luliconazole combines fungicidal potency (through inhibition of ergosterol synthesis) with fungistatic activity functioning at extremely low MIC levels (via inhibition of extracellular protease secretion). This combination provides a level of efficacy beyond other topical agents. 

Benefits beyond the norm.
In clinical studies, luliconazole was shown to be effective at very low concentrations over a shortened course of therapy. Studies in animals have also confirmed that a sufficient, though minute amount of luliconazole remains present at the infection site well beyond the course of treatment, thereby protecting against reinfection. The drug’s high cure rates, proven safety record and shorter treatment time make it an ideal topical antifungal drug agent.

Trials targeting important needs.
TOPICA is currently conducting a U.S. Phase II trial in patients with tinea pedis (athlete’s foot),which is the most common fungal infection of the skin, affecting about one in every 10 people at any given time. In 2008, the U.S. prescription market for tinea pedis was $385 million, equating to approximately 22 million prescriptions. Additionally, preclinical studies of luliconazole for the treatment of onychomycosis (nail fungus) establish that it has the ability to penetrate the nail and deliver potent antifungal medication to the infection site, a result not effectively achieved with the currently approved topical treatment. Onychomycosis affects approximately 35 million people in the U.S. The annual U.S. market for onychomycosis is approximately $3.0 billion.