pentoxifylline (Soligenix)

Pentoxifylline (topical gel) is a small molecule formulation developed by Silk Road Therapies, Inc. (with an exclusive option agreement held by Soligenix) for the treatment of genital and oral ulcers in patients with Behçet's Disease. This novel mucoadhesive formulation is applied directly to ulcers to accelerate healing and reduce pain. Pentoxifylline acts as a non-biological tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitor and a non-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor. Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting erythrocyte phosphodiesterase, modulating neutrophil motility, and functioning as an immunomodulator and anti-inflammatory agent. The drug has received both Orphan Drug and Fast Track designations from the FDA for the treatment of Behçet's Disease.