Anti-inflammatory activity of a dermally applied copper salicylate preparation (Alcusal)

In rats, dermal (dorsum) application of an ethanolic copper salicylate complex (ECS) in ethanol with glycerol (Alcusal) effectively suppressed established polyarthritis, carrageenan-induced paw oedema and the inflammatory response to hydroxylapatite microcrystals. These responses appear to be due to some degree of synergism between the copper(II) and salicylate, i.e. not solely due to either species alone. Evidence for transdermal absorption of 64Cu from 64Cu-ECS is provided. Some safety aspects of this novel drug are discussed.