ArrayPatch ltd

Array Patch Ltd  https://array-patch.com/  is a biotech spinout (based in Ireland with a subsidiary brank in UK) developing patented microneedle technology, DerMap™, as a versatile drug delivery platform.

DerMap™ is a pain free microneedle patch comprising microscopic needles which, uniquely, are made from the drug being delivered. On application of the patch, the microneedles penetrate the outer layer of skin, dissolve and release medication to the target site. 

• -Our first product targets nail fungal infections, a $6B global market with significant unmet medical needs.
• -Our pipeline includes applications for skin cancer, skin aging, peptides and migraines—collectively worth $70B.
• -We have completed proof of concept, all preclinical data is ready, and our clinical roadmap is in place.
• -Clinical trials are set to begin in Q1-2026.
• -Our executive team has a strong track record in microneedle manufacturing, regulatory approval, product launch, fundraising, and business development.

-As DerMap™ products involve the delivery of proven compounds the time to market, development cost and risk is significantly reduced compared with conventional drug development

Funding Details:

• Non-dilutive investment to date: €1.34m
• Seed round: Raising €3m (with €1.8m already committed)
• Lead investor: Lakeside Capital, Term sheet signed
• Pre-money valuation: 4.5m

Problem: The first product being developed is for the treatment of nail fungal infection (Onychomycosis). The British association of dermatologists reported that 1 in 4 people can be infected with nail fungal infection at any given time. This ratio will increase to 1 in 2 for diabetic patients. If not treated effectively, nail fungus can be painful and, in some cases, lead to cellulitis, sepsis, bone and tissue damage.

Existing solutions offer partial fixes but fall short because of low efficacy, potential significant side effects, fungal recurrence and long treatment duration. This creates significant pain points for patients who are in need of an effective solution that addresses the root cause.
 

Solution: ITZ-DerMap™ comprises a package of 12 microneedle patches each the size of a small coin for a 12-week course of treatment. These patches are applied once a week (worn overnight) on the skin just behind the nail. By doing so the drug laden microneedles uniquely penetrate the outer layer of the skin to directly address the fungus at the nail matrix/root.

While topical creams are available, their effectiveness is limited because they can’t efficiently reach the nail matrix and nail bed. Preclinical proof of concept data showed that compared with current treatments, ITZ-DerMap™ enables complete eradication of the nail fungi in a shorter period and hence significantly reduces recurrence.

Business model: ArrayPatch will develop and commercialise its DerMap™ products through strategic partnerships with industry partners. These partners, including large pharmaceutical companies, will have strong presence and capabilities in the product target markets. This partnership model will facilitate accelerated product development, reduce costs and risk and ensure success in the market of its DerMap™ products. ArrayPatch has active discussions on going with a number of such strategic partners

Market size: The total addressable market (TAM) for onychomycosis is expected to surpass $6.2B in 2027 with a CAGR value of 5.6%. The service addressable market for the company is the topical onychomycosis market in North America and Europe, which is estimated at $1.4B for 2027. Beachhead Market: An important market segment which can be targeted are diabetic patients. Nail fungus infection is a common symptom in diabetes, with as many as 120M diabetes patients suffering with nail fungus infection globally motivated to treat this symptom.

Competitors: Current standard of care treatments includes oral medications, topical creams and laser therapy, however unmet medical need remains for the patient. Leading oral therapies terbinafine (Lamisil®, Novartis) and itraconazole (Sporanox®, Jannsen) for severe onychomycosis have an efficacy rate of 38% and 23% at three months respectively and are associated with serious side effects due to their untargeted nature. While topical creams address some of the side effects of oral medicines, they have a much lower efficacy rate of less than 20%, as they struggle to penetrate the nail barrier to reach the infection site in the nail matrix/bed.

ITZ-DerMap™ however is designed to target the nail matrix/bed and can therefore offer more effective, durable and safer treatment solution for patients.  Preclinical data showed that compared with standard of care, ITZ-DerMap™ improves outcomes and is less toxic (which support superior patient compliance.

Investment/Use of fund: To date, the amount invested in the technology is €1.34M. ArrayPatch is now seeking €3M in seed fund investment, primarily to advance the ITZ-DerMapTM product to clinical proof of concept over the next 30 months.