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Topical capsaicin
Topical capsaicin activates and then desensitizes TRPV1 nociceptors, reducing the transmission of pain signals from the skin.
Topical capsaicin activates and then desensitizes TRPV1 nociceptors, reducing the transmission of pain signals from the skin. Used for Postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain following shingles), Osteoarthritis pain, Diabetic neuropathy.
At a glance
| Generic name | Topical capsaicin |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Zacin 0.025% cream |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston |
| Drug class | Topical analgesic; TRPV1 agonist |
| Target | TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 1) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Pain Management |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Capsaicin is a vanilloid compound that binds to the TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 1) ion channel on sensory nerve endings. Upon initial application, it causes activation and a burning sensation, but with repeated or sustained exposure, it leads to desensitization and depletion of substance P (a neurotransmitter involved in pain signaling), resulting in reduced pain perception in the treated area.
Approved indications
- Postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain following shingles)
- Osteoarthritis pain
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Musculoskeletal pain
Common side effects
- Burning sensation at application site
- Erythema (redness)
- Pruritus (itching)
- Skin irritation
Key clinical trials
- The Analgesic Efficacy and Safety of Venlafaxine for Prevention of Postherpetic Neuralgia in Patients With Acute Herpes Zoster (NA)
- Qutenza 8% Capsaicin Topical System for the Treatment of Neuropathic Axial Lower Back Pain and Lumbosacral Radiculopathy
- Pain Biomarker Study (PHASE1)
- Observational Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Sustained QUTENZA® Use in Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
- Exploring the Benefit of Topical Capsaicin in Treating Pain From Chemo-induced Peripheral Neuropathy: a Longitudinal Single Center Pilot Study (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Effect of Treatments on Pain and Quality of Life in Individual With Burning Mouth Syndrome (PHASE4)
- Efficacy of a Topical Palmitated Formulation of Capsaicin (Capsadyn®) In the Treatment of Diabetic Neuropathic Foot Pain (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Comparison of Qutenza (8% Capsaicin) With a Low-dose Capsaicin for Treatment of Nerve Pain After Surgery (PHASE3)
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:
- Topical capsaicin CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Topical capsaicin updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston portfolio CI