PARSIPPANY, N.J.– Professional Pickleball Association (PPA Tour) player James Ignatowich has partnered with IBSA USA to promote Licart® (diclofenac epolamine) topical system 1.3%. Licart is the only once-a-day topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) patch approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acute pain due to minor strains, sprains, and contusions.1
As part of the season-long partnership, Ignatowich will wear the Licart logo on his clothing during PPA Tour events. He will also serve as a spokesperson on social media and at in-person Major League Pickleball events through 2024 to promote the brand. To further the Licart brand’s reach within the pickleball community, IBSA USA will also sponsor pickleball clinics conducted by Ignatowich.
According to the 2023 Sports and Fitness Industry Association Topline Participation Report, pickleball — a hybrid of tennis and ping-pong — is the fastest-growing sport in America.
“As the popularity of pickleball continues to soar, so does the incidence of injuries, particularly muscle-related issues, prompting a need for effective pain management solutions,” said Michael Scully, Head of Commercial Operations, IBSA USA. “Licart, with its low systemic exposure and minimal incidence of adverse events, aligns perfectly with the needs of the pickleball community, providing them with a reliable option for managing acute pain effectively.”
With Licart, individuals can experience effective pain relief directly at the source of their sprain or strain, helping them quickly get back to the daily activities they enjoy. It is a prescription topical patch that delivers 24-hour dosing, fast pain relief starting within one to three hours of the first application due to its patented next-generation patch technology.² Unlike traditional topical pain relievers that may require multiple doses throughout the day, Licart is a once-daily application.
Each carton of Licart contains 15 individually enveloped topical systems to last for 15 days. Patients simply peel Licart from its package and apply it where the acute pain hurts. Licart sticks to skin, is mess-free and odorless, and won’t stain clothes.
“As an athlete, I understand firsthand the critical role acute pain management plays in optimizing performance on the court,” said Ignatowich. “After intense matches or training sessions, pickleball players may experience muscle soreness. Proper pain management techniques, such as using topical patches like Licart, can aid in acute pain recovery from sprains and strains.”
Ignatowich, a former collegiate tennis player at Vanderbilt University, transitioned to pickleball, turning professional in 2022. In February 2023, he won his first two PPA Tour titles at the Indoor National Championships in men’s pro singles and mixed pro doubles. He currently plays for the D.C. Pickleball Team within Major League Pickleball.
Licart is a prescription-only product available at most major retail pharmacies and through the Licart Direct Program, a network of participating mail-order pharmacies. The program can assist patients in accessing Licart at a low cash price, regardless of their insurance status. For patients with commercial insurance, the Licart Copay Savings Card can be used at any retail pharmacy to get instant savings on Licart prescriptions.
