Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

Ketoprofen matrix/placebo CHADD Patch

ZARS Pharma Inc. · Phase 3 active Small molecule

Ketoprofen matrix/placebo CHADD Patch is a NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) Small molecule drug developed by ZARS Pharma Inc.. It is currently in Phase 3 development for Localized pain and inflammation (transdermal patch indication, likely musculoskeletal or arthritis-related pain). Also known as: ketoprofen matrix with no heat.

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

Ketoprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes to reduce prostaglandin synthesis, thereby decreasing inflammation and pain. Used for Localized pain and inflammation (transdermal patch indication, likely musculoskeletal or arthritis-related pain).

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 name	Ketoprofen matrix/placebo CHADD Patch
Also known as	ketoprofen matrix with no heat
Sponsor	ZARS Pharma Inc.
Drug class	NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug)
Target	COX-1, COX-2
Modality	Small molecule
Therapeutic area	Pain Management / Rheumatology
Phase	Phase 3

Mechanism of action

Ketoprofen blocks COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, which are responsible for producing prostaglandins that mediate inflammation, pain, and fever. The transdermal matrix patch formulation delivers ketoprofen through the skin to provide localized and/or systemic anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. This delivery method aims to reduce systemic exposure compared to oral formulations while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.

Approved indications

Localized pain and inflammation (transdermal patch indication, likely musculoskeletal or arthritis-related pain)

Common side effects

Application site reactions (erythema, irritation)
Gastrointestinal upset (if systemic absorption occurs)
Headache
Dizziness

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.

Source	Used for
ClinicalTrials.gov	Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

Ketoprofen matrix/placebo CHADD Patch CI brief — competitive landscape report
Ketoprofen matrix/placebo CHADD Patch updates RSS · CI watch RSS
ZARS Pharma Inc. portfolio CI

Frequently asked questions about Ketoprofen matrix/placebo CHADD Patch

What is Ketoprofen matrix/placebo CHADD Patch?

Ketoprofen matrix/placebo CHADD Patch is a NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) drug developed by ZARS Pharma Inc., indicated for Localized pain and inflammation (transdermal patch indication, likely musculoskeletal or arthritis-related pain).

How does Ketoprofen matrix/placebo CHADD Patch work?

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

What is Ketoprofen matrix/placebo CHADD Patch used for?

Ketoprofen matrix/placebo CHADD Patch is indicated for Localized pain and inflammation (transdermal patch indication, likely musculoskeletal or arthritis-related pain).

Who makes Ketoprofen matrix/placebo CHADD Patch?

Ketoprofen matrix/placebo CHADD Patch is developed by ZARS Pharma Inc. (see full ZARS Pharma Inc. pipeline at /company/zars-pharma-inc).

Is Ketoprofen matrix/placebo CHADD Patch also known as anything else?

Ketoprofen matrix/placebo CHADD Patch is also known as ketoprofen matrix with no heat.

What drug class is Ketoprofen matrix/placebo CHADD Patch in?

Ketoprofen matrix/placebo CHADD Patch belongs to the NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) class. See all NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) drugs at /class/nsaid-nonsteroidal-anti-inflammatory-drug.

What development phase is Ketoprofen matrix/placebo CHADD Patch in?

Ketoprofen matrix/placebo CHADD Patch is in Phase 3.

What are the side effects of Ketoprofen matrix/placebo CHADD Patch?

Common side effects of Ketoprofen matrix/placebo CHADD Patch include Application site reactions (erythema, irritation), Gastrointestinal upset (if systemic absorption occurs), Headache, Dizziness.

What does Ketoprofen matrix/placebo CHADD Patch target?

Ketoprofen matrix/placebo CHADD Patch targets COX-1, COX-2 and is a NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug).

Drug class: All NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) drugs
Target: All drugs targeting COX-1, COX-2
Manufacturer: ZARS Pharma Inc. — full pipeline
Therapeutic area: All drugs in Pain Management / Rheumatology
Indication: Drugs for Localized pain and inflammation (transdermal patch indication, likely musculoskeletal or arthritis-related pain)
Also known as: ketoprofen matrix with no heat

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