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Small interfering RNA Microneedle Patches

Phase 2

Keloid of Ear Lobe | Small molecule | Other |National Healthcare Corp.|Last Updated: May 22, 2026

Target and mechanism

ModalitySmall molecule

Also known as Small interfering RNA (siRNA) Microneedle Patches

Success Probability

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Market & Valuation

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Trial Design

RandomizedACTIVE_CONTROLLED
Total Trials1
Total Enrollment158

FDA Designations

No designations recorded

Clinical trial landscape

Small interfering RNA Microneedle Patches · 1 trial · 1 indication

Phase 2 1
NCT07596628siRNA Microneedle Patches for Earlobe Keloid Post-Surgical ScarsKeloid of Ear Lobe
NOT YET_RECRUITING158 Analytics
PHASE2NOT YET_RECRUITING
siRNA Microneedle Patches for Earlobe Keloid Post-Surgical Scars
Keloid of Ear LobeUnlock trial analytics

Study Endpoints

Primary Endpoints

Post-surgical scar appearance measured using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) score
Visits at Day 0 (CO2 laser surgery), Day 15, Day 30, Day 60, Day 90, Day 120, Day 180, Day 270, Day 360 (through study completion)

The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) is a validated clinician-reported instrument that is a measure of scar severity comprising 4 domains assessing scar appearance and physical characteristics. The scale evaluates Vascularity (from 0 to 3), Pigmentation (from 0 to 2), Pliability (from 0 to 5) and Height (from 0 to 3). Each domain is assigned an individual score and combined to provide a total scar severity score ranging from 0 to 13, with higher values representing greater scar severity and poorer scar appearance. Changes in score over time may be used to assess response to treatment, with reductions in score representing clinical improvement. Score at baseline (post-surgical scar immediately post CO2 laser surgery) and at each review visit will be compared.

Post-surgical scar appearance measured using Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating (SCAR) scale
Visits at Day 0 (CO2 laser surgery), Day 15, Day 30, Day 60, Day 90, Day 120, Day 180, Day 270, Day 360 (through study completion)

The Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating (SCAR) scale is a validated clinician-reported instrument that is a measure of post-surgical scar quality comprising multiple domains assessing scar appearance, symptoms, and overall cosmetic outcome. The scale evaluates Scar Spread (from 0 to 4), Erythema (from 0 to 3), Dyspigmentation (from 0 to 2), Track or suture marks (from 0 to 1), Hypertrophy or atrophy (from 0 to 3), Overall impression (from 0 to 1), and patient rated bothersome itch and pain over the preceding 24 hours (Yes or No). Individual domain scores are combined to provide a total assessment of scar severity and cosmesis, with higher values representing poorer scar appearance and greater symptom burden. Changes in score over time may be used to assess response to treatment, with reductions in score representing clinical improvement. Score at baseline (post-surgical scar immediately post CO2 laser surgery) and at each review visit will be compared.

Secondary Endpoints

Change from baseline on the Detroit Keloid Scale
Visits at Recruitment (before treatment), Day 0 (CO2 laser surgery), Day 15, Day 30, Day 60, Day 90, Day 120, Day 180, Day 270, Day 360 (through study completion)
Presence of recurrence
At first detection of recurrence on any review visits (up to 1 year follow up, through study completion)
Recurrence rate
At first detection of recurrence on any review visits (up to 1 year follow up, through study completion)
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Study Design & Arms

AllocationRANDOMIZED
MaskingNONE
ModelPARALLEL
PurposeTREATMENT

Treatment Arms

ArmTypeDescription
CO2 laser surgery followed by intralesional steroid injectionACTIVE_COMPARATORIn the active comparator arm, participants are first treated with CO2 laser surgery of the earlobe keloid. The first dose of intralesional steroid injection is given immediately to the wound bed post-surgery, followed by subsequent doses of intralesional steroid injection administered at monthly intervals for four doses in total.
CO2 laser surgery followed by intralesional steroids and siRNA microneedle patchesEXPERIMENTALIn the experimental arm, participants are first treated with CO2 laser surgery of the earlobe keloid. The first dose of intralesional steroid injection is given immediately to the wound bed post-surgery, followed by subsequent doses of intralesional steroid injection administered at monthly intervals for four doses in total. In addition, participants will apply siRNA microneedle patches for 10 hours per day for 90 days in total except on days where intralesional steroid injection is given to permit healing at puncture site.

Interventions

NameTypeDescription
Small interfering RNA (siRNA) Microneedle PatchesDRUGSilencing or small interfering RNA (siRNA) are used to alter the expression of transforming growth factor secreted protein acidic and cysteine-rich (SPARC), a key mediator of wound fibrosis and keloid scar formation. Conjugating siRNA targeting SPARC mRNA with tyramine-modified gelatin to form a positively-charged nanoplex can help to enable siRNA protection against rapid in-vivo degradation, promoting uptake into fibroblasts via endocytosis, and enhacing targeted cellular delivery of the siRNA. These siRNA nanoplexes targeting SPARC mRNA are embedded in the tips of hyaluronic acid dissolvable microneedles (siRNA microneedles) to enhance transcutaneous drug delivery. In this study, participants in the experimental arm will apply siRNA microneedle patches daily for 10 hours a day in between monthly doses of intralesional corticosteroid injection for 90 days in total.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser SurgeryPROCEDURECarbon Dioxide (CO2) laser ablation of the earlobe keloid will be performed, followed by intralesional corticosteroid injections alone (active comparator arm) or with siRNA microneedle patches (experimental arm)
Intralesional Triamcinolone 40 mg/mLDRUGIntralesional triamcinolone 40mg/ml injection. The first dose is given immediately to the wound bed post-surgery, then at monthly intervals for four doses in total.
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Eligibility Criteria

Age Range21 Years to N/A
SexALL
Healthy VolunteersNo
Study Sites1

Inclusion Criteria: * ≥21 years old * Not pregnant, breastfeeding or lactating * Able to give consent to participate in trial * Keloid on the earlobe * One keloid recruited per patient * For patients with bilateral earlobe keloids, only one earlobe keloid will be recruited (either left or right)...

Countries:Singapore
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Frequently asked questions about Small interfering RNA Microneedle Patches

What is Small interfering RNA Microneedle Patches used for?

Small interfering RNA Microneedle Patches are used for the treatment of keloid of the ear lobe, specifically for post-surgical scars. The therapy is being developed as an active-controlled treatment and is currently in Phase 2 clinical development.

Who is developing Small interfering RNA Microneedle Patches?

Small interfering RNA Microneedle Patches are being developed by National Healthcare Corp., which trades under the ticker NHC. The company is conducting a Phase 2 clinical trial for this investigational therapy.

What phase is Small interfering RNA Microneedle Patches in?

Small interfering RNA Microneedle Patches are in Phase 2 clinical development. The therapy is investigational and has not yet been approved by regulatory authorities. It is being studied for the treatment of keloid of the ear lobe.

What clinical trials is Small interfering RNA Microneedle Patches in?

Small interfering RNA Microneedle Patches are being evaluated in one Phase 2 clinical trial, identified as NCT07596628. This trial, titled 'siRNA Microneedle Patches for Earlobe Keloid Post-Surgical Scars,' is not yet recruiting and plans to enroll 158 participants in Singapore.

Is Small interfering RNA Microneedle Patches the same as Small interfering RNA (siRNA) Microneedle Patches?

Yes, Small interfering RNA Microneedle Patches are also known as Small interfering RNA (siRNA) Microneedle Patches. Both names refer to the same investigational therapy being developed by National Healthcare Corp. for keloid of the ear lobe.

What is the design of the Small interfering RNA Microneedle Patches clinical trial?

The Phase 2 clinical trial for Small interfering RNA Microneedle Patches, NCT07596628, is a randomized, active-controlled study. It is not double-blind and does not use biomarker selection. The trial is planned to enroll 158 participants aged 21 years and older in Singapore.