Cough reduction using capsaicin

Purpose and goal

We have identified the active substance capsaicin from chili fruits as a functioning treatment for chronic cough. The discovery is protected by international patent applications. We have in a number of steps developed and produced a medical treatment based on capsaicin which is now ready to test in a clinical study that complies with all the rules of the Medical Products Agency. We want to protect the rights of a commercial product and establish a collaboration with an international pharmaceutic company for the product to reach the market.

Expected results and effects

The clinical study to start in spring 2019 is expected to take one year. There is a great need for functioning drugs for chronic cough, where large amounts are today traded with usually ineffective medicine. We are now looking for partnerships for international launch and have several ongoing contacts. Depending on the Medical Products Agency´s assessment, the new capsaicin medication may become a so-called "OTC" product (over the counter - non-prescription) or a prescription product with or without further need for another follow-up study.

Planned approach and implementation

In parallel with the clinical study being conducted in 2019, contacts and negotiations are ongoing with several pharmaceutical companies having a focus on respiratory diseases and coughing. Several large pharmaceutical companies have completed/ongoing studies for the treatment of chronic cough but have encountered problems due to side effects and poor efficacy. Some have now reached out to us and shown interest in another model of treatment. A patent application is approved in Australia. We have ongoing communications and pending claims for patent by the US, Canada and Europe.