Nicox presents positive preclinical results for its eye drug

Nicox, has presented preclinical results for its lead compound nitric oxide (NO), NCX 667 at an ocular pharmacology and therapeutics scientific meeting in Florence, Italy.

The company further said that preclinical results obtained with NCX 667 in rabbit and non-human primate models of ocular hypertension and glaucoma following single and repeated treatment schedules. NCX 667 appeared to lower IOP by 20% or more regardless of the specific model and animal species used. Furthermore, repeated acute dosing of NCX 667 elicits sustained IOP-lowering activity over time with no signs of tachyphylaxis or ocular discomfort.

Nicox explined that NCX 667 is the lead compound of a new class of next-generation stand-alone NO-donors, which are designed to optimize NO dosing and enable intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering in patients with open angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension.

Data from a variety of experimental animal models coupled with recent clinical studies strongly support an important role of NO in lowering IOP by enhancing aqueous humor drainage via the conventional outflow route, the company said.

Open angle glaucoma is a common ocular disorder affecting about 2% of the adult population over 40 years old and is the second-leading cause of blindness worldwide.