Topical combination therapy targeting peripheral neuropathy
A topical ointment designed for peripheral neuropathy, combining quercetin, ascorbyl palmitate, and vitamin D3 to alleviate pain, promote nerve repair, and offer an opioid-free alternative. Suitable for diabetic, chemotherapy, or trauma-induced conditions.
Overview
This innovative topical ointment offers a novel approach to treating peripheral neuropathic pain by combining three active agents: quercetin, ascorbyl palmitate, and vitamin D3. Designed specifically for home application, it targets the root causes of neuropathic pain, such as sorbitol buildup, oxidative stress, and impaired nerve growth, rather than merely masking symptoms. The ointment provides rapid relief from burning and tingling sensations and supports long-term functional recovery without the use of opioids.
Technical specifications
The ointment features a hydrophilic base designed to deliver active ingredients directly to cutaneous nerve endings while minimizing systemic absorption. Key components include:
- Quercetin: An aldose reductase inhibitor that prevents sorbitol accumulation and reduces neuroinflammation.
- Ascorbyl Palmitate: A form of vitamin C that neutralizes reactive oxygen species, stabilizes nitric oxide, and enhances skin permeability.
- Vitamin D3: Promotes nerve growth factor production, aiding in axonal repair and regeneration. This combination has shown efficacy in reducing pain and restoring nerve function in diabetic peripheral neuropathy with minimal toxicity.
Technology readiness level
The development is currently at Technology Readiness Level 5. The project has progressed through formulation optimization and initial testing phases, showing promising results in vitro. Future phases include mechanistic assays and a pilot randomized controlled trial to further validate efficacy and safety.
About Penn State University
Penn State University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university with a large multi‑campus footprint across Pennsylvania. Industry engages through a research and technology park adjacent to the flagship campus that houses corporate R&D, co‑located labs, and flexible collaboration space, as well as a statewide extension network that enables field testing, demonstration, and workforce reach. Integration with a major hospital system supports clinical translation, and an applied research laboratory fosters mission‑driven partnerships with government and industry sponsors. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, DOE, USDA, DoD, and NASA. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation to accelerate commercialization.
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