Patent ID: 8252838

Claim:
A topical formulation, said topical formulation consisting essentially of: (i) diclofenac sodium present at 1-2% w/w; (ii) DMSO present at 40-50% w/w; (iii) ethanol present at 23-29% w/w; (iv) propylene glycol present at 10-12% w/w; (v) optionally glycerine; (vi) a thickening agent, wherein said thickening agent is hydroxypropyl cellulose, the topical formulation having a viscosity of 500-5000 centipoise; and (vii) water, wherein said topical formulation when applied to the skin has a) a greater drying rate; and b) a transdermal flux of 1.5 times or greater than a comparative liquid formulation as determined by a Franz cell procedure at finite or infinite dosing, wherein the comparative liquid formulation consists of 1.5% diclofenac sodium, 45.5% dimethylsulfoxide, 11.79% ethanol, 11.2% propylene glycol, 11.2% glycerine, and water.