Nicox SA announced that the results from studies on the beneficial effects of NCX 470 in a nonclinical model of endothelin-1 (ET-1)-induced ischemia/reperfusion damage of the optic nerve head and retina have been published online in the peer-reviewed Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics. The publication “NCX 470 restores ocular hemodynamics and retinal cell physiology after ET-1-induced ischemia/reperfusion injury of optic nerve and retina in rabbits” by Bastiaet al. is available by clicking here [1].

NCX 470, Nicox's lead clinical product candidate, is a novel, potential best-in-class, nitric oxide (NO)-donating prostaglandin eye drop currently in Phase 3 clinical development for the lowering of intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. NCX 470 is currently being evaluated in two multi-regional Phase 3 clinical trials, Mont Blanc and Denali. The statistical objective of these two Phase 3 trials is to demonstrate non-inferiority, and if successful, statistical superiority in IOP lowering of once-daily dosed NCX 470 ophthalmic solution 0.1% over latanoprost ophthalmic solution 0.005% (first marketed as Xalatan), the most prescribed prostaglandin analog in the U.S. for patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

About Glaucoma and NCX 470 Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve which, if left untreated, can lead to irreversible vision loss. Glaucoma is frequently linked to elevated intraocular pressure (90% of patients) and is often due to blockage in the drainage system located in the front of the eye. Currently, reducing intraocular pressure remains the only way to slow the progression of the disease.

About 3 million people in the United States between 40 and 80 years of age are affected by the most common form of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma. NCX 470 is a novel, potential best-in-class, nitric oxide (NO)-donating prostaglandin analog eye drop designed to release bimatoprost and NO following instillation into the eye. Bimatoprost, marketed under the brand name LUMIGAN® by AbbVie Inc., is one of the leading branded products in the class of prostaglandin analogs.

Prostaglandin analogs are the most widely used class of drugs for IOP-lowering in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. NCX 470 is in development to reduce IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Nitric oxide brings additional IOP-lowering efficacy by enhancing aqueous humor drainage from the eye via a different mechanism of action than that engaged by prostaglandin analogs.