Comparison of Cantharidin & Suction Induced Blister Models
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Comparison of the Cantharidin Blister Model and Suction Blister Model in Healthy Male Subjects
IRAS ID
262313
Contact name
Robert Greenhalgh
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Aristea Therapeutics
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 1 months, 11 days
Research summary
The purpose of this study is to compare two different clinical techniques of inducing a blister. These techniques are called the cantharidin-induced blister model and the suction-inducted blister model.
The cantharidin blister model involves the application of a substance called cantharidin (which is sometimes used as a treatment for verrucae) to the skin, causing a blister to form.
The suction blister model involves a suction pump being applied to the skin which acts as a vacuum and pulls the top layer of the skin away, causing a blister to form.
The blister fluid is then collected and analysed for different markers of inflammation. These techniques are used to test anti-inflammatory drugs to see if they can reduce inflammation in the blisters. It is not expected that either
technique will be painful based on previous studies using them.The study will be used to compare both of these methods in a clinical setting and determine which method would be the most appropriate for use in further trials.
There will be no investigational drug administered. However, the challenge agent Cantharidin (used for treatment of verrucae) is being administered to induce blisters.
REC name
Wales REC 1
REC reference
19/WA/0114
Date of REC Opinion
4 Apr 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion