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Diclofenac sodium active topical patch

Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc. · Phase 3 active Small molecule

Diclofenac sodium active topical patch is a Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) Small molecule drug developed by Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. It is currently in Phase 3 development for Localized pain and inflammation associated with minor strains, sprains, and contusions, Osteoarthritis pain (localized). Also known as: HP-5000.

Diclofenac sodium is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes to reduce prostaglandin synthesis, thereby decreasing inflammation and pain when applied topically.

Diclofenac sodium is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes to reduce prostaglandin synthesis, thereby decreasing inflammation and pain when applied topically. Used for Localized pain and inflammation associated with minor strains, sprains, and contusions, Osteoarthritis pain (localized).

Likelihood of approval
59.3% vs 58.3% industry baseline
If approved by FDA: likely 2028–2030
Steps remaining: NDA/BLA submission
Confidence: High
Why this estimate
  • Baseline phase 3 → approval rate +58.3pp
    Industry-wide phase 3 drugs reach approval ~58.3% of the time (BIO/Informa 2023 industry benchmark across all therapeutic areas).
  • Immunology slight uplift +1.0pp
    Mature endpoint landscape (ACR, DAS28, PASI) makes immunology approvals slightly more predictable.
Predicted approval windows by jurisdiction (conditional on FDA approval)
Regulator Country Likely year Lag vs FDA
FDA US 2028–2030
EMA EU 2029–2031 +0.7 yr
MHRA GB 2029–2031 +0.7 yr
Health Canada CA 2029–2032 +0.9 yr
TGA AU 2029–2032 +1.2 yr
PMDA JP 2029–2032 +1.5 yr
NMPA CN 2030–2033 +2.3 yr
MFDS KR 2029–2032 +1.4 yr
CDSCO IN 2029–2033 +1.8 yr
ANVISA BR 2030–2033 +2.3 yr

Hover any row for the lag rationale. Lag estimates are reduced when the drug has FDA Breakthrough or EMA PRIME designation (sponsors file globally in parallel).

Estimate based on the BIO/Informa industry phase transition rates plus per-drug modifiers for therapeutic area, sponsor type, FDA designations, mechanism, and trial design. Per-jurisdiction lags from Tufts CSDD international approval studies. Not investment, clinical or regulatory advice. Methodology: /methodology#likelihood.

At a glance

Generic nameDiclofenac sodium active topical patch
Also known asHP-5000
SponsorNoven Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Drug classNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
TargetCyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaPain Management / Rheumatology
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

Diclofenac sodium works by blocking COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, which are responsible for producing prostaglandins that mediate inflammation, pain, and fever. When formulated as a topical patch, the drug is delivered directly to affected tissues, allowing local anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects while minimizing systemic exposure compared to oral formulations. This localized delivery approach reduces the risk of gastrointestinal and cardiovascular adverse effects associated with systemic NSAID use.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

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Frequently asked questions about Diclofenac sodium active topical patch

What is Diclofenac sodium active topical patch?

Diclofenac sodium active topical patch is a Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) drug developed by Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc., indicated for Localized pain and inflammation associated with minor strains, sprains, and contusions, Osteoarthritis pain (localized).

How does Diclofenac sodium active topical patch work?

Diclofenac sodium is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes to reduce prostaglandin synthesis, thereby decreasing inflammation and pain when applied topically.

What is Diclofenac sodium active topical patch used for?

Diclofenac sodium active topical patch is indicated for Localized pain and inflammation associated with minor strains, sprains, and contusions, Osteoarthritis pain (localized).

Who makes Diclofenac sodium active topical patch?

Diclofenac sodium active topical patch is developed by Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (see full Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc. pipeline at /company/noven-pharmaceuticals-inc).

Is Diclofenac sodium active topical patch also known as anything else?

Diclofenac sodium active topical patch is also known as HP-5000.

What drug class is Diclofenac sodium active topical patch in?

Diclofenac sodium active topical patch belongs to the Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) class. See all Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) drugs at /class/nonsteroidal-anti-inflammatory-drug-nsaid.

What development phase is Diclofenac sodium active topical patch in?

Diclofenac sodium active topical patch is in Phase 3.

What are the side effects of Diclofenac sodium active topical patch?

Common side effects of Diclofenac sodium active topical patch include Application site reactions (erythema, pruritus, irritation), Headache, Gastrointestinal upset (if systemic absorption occurs).

What does Diclofenac sodium active topical patch target?

Diclofenac sodium active topical patch targets Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and is a Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing