Potential relief on the horizon for Australians with toenail fungus

SAHMRI has been selected as one of a number of sites to host a nationwide clinical trial now underway to test a potential treatment for onychomycosis, a toenail fungus condition affecting approximately 10% of Australians.

Onychomycosis is contagious, uncomfortable and notoriously difficult to treat. The risk of infection increases with age, with more than half of all Australians over 60 currently living with at least one toenail impacted by the condition. 

69-year-old Gerard Fitzgibbon has struggled for more than a decade.

“I hate my toes. I’m so embarrassed of how they look that I avoid wearing thongs or open-toed shoes,” he said.

“Not only are they uncomfortable to look at; my toenails are so brittle that I struggle to trim them.”

Current medications used to treat the condition only provide temporary relief for some and don’t work at all for others.

SAHMRI’s Clinical Trials Platform is recruiting participants aged 18 to 70 diagnosed with onychomycosis, to test an investigational treatment called AP4500, to determine whether it can effectively treat or even cure toenail fungus.

“I’ve tried everything there is for toenail fungus, but nothing has worked. A treatment that could improve the appearance of my toes or possibly even cure the condition would be a game changer,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

Clinical Trials Platform Senior Manager, Emma Heath says SAHMRI’s involvement in the trial reflects its commitment to finding solutions for conditions that effect so many in the community.

“As the only trial site in the state, SAHMRI is proud to give South Australians the opportunity to be part of this important research,” she said.

“The generosity and engagement of clinical trial participants is essential to translating research into treatments for conditions like onychomycosis.”