A dermal infection involves the dermis, the dense inner layer of skin beneath the epidermis. These skin infections are caused by microbial invasion, and the presentation and severity of infection vary based on time of treatment, the invading pathogen, and the immune response it elicits. In severe cases, dermal infections can progress to the underlying soft tissue or become systemic. Our dermal studies assess the pharmacodynamic relationship between novel antimicrobial agents and infection outcome.

Procedure
We have established a tape striping dermal infection model in mice in which surgical tape is repeatedly applied to and removed from an area on the back in order to disrupt the epidermal layer of skin. Animals are then challenged with a topical inoculation. Test articles may be administered via topical application, oral gavage (PO), subcutaneous (SC), intraperitoneal (IP), or intravenous (IV) injection. Each study parameter (animal strain, pathogen, comparator(s), and dosing schedule) can be customized to meet client needs.

The endpoint for this study is CFU burden in harvested skin. Pharmacokinetic profiling, blood chemistry, additional tissue harvests, and histology are available upon request.

Sample Data

Pathogens
TransPharm has validated a tape stripping dermal infection model using the following pathogens:

• Candida albicans
  • SC5314
• Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
  • USA300

Additional validations are available upon request.