Nanocrystalline silver (very small particles of silver) is the active ingredient in Acticoat dressings, which have been approved for the treatment of burns and other wounds. Silver has been used for decades as an effective antimicrobial agent. In animal studies, nanocrystalline silver cream (NPI) has also demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity. Thus, nanocrystalline silver cream is being evaluated in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema).

Approximately 180 study subjects with a definitive diagnosis of mild to moderate eczema will be enrolled in this study. Subjects will be randomly assigned to treatment with placebo, 0.5% NPI or 1% NPI for the 6-week treatment period. Assessments of treatment effect and safety will be performed weekly. Upon completion of the study, subjects may be eligible for 12 weeks of open-label treatment with 1% NPI.

• Male or female, any race, 18 to 65 years of age.
• Females must be post-menopausal, surgically sterile, or if of child-bearing potential, not pregnant (confirmed by test) and using an adequate method of birth control.
• Subjects must have eczema that covers a minimum of 5% total body surface area.
• Subjects must agree not to use other eczema medications for the 6-week study treatment period.
• Subjects must not be enrolled in another investigational drug study.
• Subjects must not be allergic to silver or cocoa butter.