2008-07-17 06:24:00
AgaDerm™ Formulation Shown
To Be Effective In Established Antifungal Model
EMERYVILLE, Calif.–(EMWNews)–NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (AMEX: NBY) a clinical stage
biopharmaceutical company, gave more details today on its dermatology
program. Dr. Ron Najafi, Chairman and CEO, said that “NovaBay
is now accelerating its efforts in dermatology. We formed our DermaBay
subsidiary in 2007, to build up our expertise and move forward in
dermatology. Our Aganocide® compounds have
appeared all along to be of significant potential interest in
dermatology, but we needed to deliver the compounds in acceptable
dermatological formulations. We now have the necessary capabilities to
proceed with product development in dermatology.”
Dr. Eric Memarzadeh, Senior Director, Pharmaceutical Development,
explained that as a result of work done over the last year, NovaBay has
succeeded in developing several pharmaceutical formulations of Aganocide
compounds for use in its programs, including some that are specifically
designed for use in dermatology. One formulation, known as AgaDerm™,
had been tested in a challenging animal model of dermatophyte infection.
The AgaDerm formulation delivered an Aganocide compound effectively when
applied on the surface of the skin and enhanced its penetration into
hair follicles. The infectious agent was a dermatophyte, Trichophyton
a parasitic fungus that causes infections of the nails, hair and skin,
including ringworm. The Aganocide compound in the AgaDerm formulation
was shown to be highly effective not only on the skin surface, but also
showed potent ability to kill organisms invading the hair. It was equal
or greater in antifungal efficacy to ciclopirox 8% (Sanofi-Aventis,
Penlac®), a standard and well established
topical antifungal agent that is also sold as a 0.77% gel and as a 1%
shampoo by Medicis (Loprox®).
Colin Scott, M.D., Vice-President of Clinical Research and Development,
explained that NovaBay was now optimizing the concentration to be used
for clinical studies. He said that NovaBay will complete the necessary
IND-enabling toxicology studies before beginning a Phase I study. He
added that other NovaBay Phase I studies in humans had already
demonstrated the safety in humans of the compound in nasal passages and
in the bladder.
Dr. Najafi said that he was very satisfied with the way that the program
was proceeding and that he has appointed Jack O’Reilly
as General Manager of DermaBay to manage the company’s
strategic development in dermatology.
Mr. O’Reilly, who also continues as SVP
Corporate and Business Development for NovaBay, pointed out that there
were several important potential target indications in dermatology. He
said that “with the growth of antibiotic
resistance, many health authorities aim to reduce the use of antibiotics
in skin infections. Patients with these infections still need treatment.
The Aganocide compounds, which are not antibiotics, are expected to
deliver the same or better efficacy without giving rise to resistant
bacteria. We also aim to address acne, nail fungus and topical viral
infections, where antibiotics are not effective. In laboratory testing,
we have shown that our Aganocide compounds kill all bacteria, fungi and
viruses against which they have been tested. DermaBay aims to bring to
market products for all indications where the Aganocide compounds are
appropriate. Because of the interest already shown in the results of our
Aganocide compounds, we are exploring several strategic opportunities to
enhance our efforts and ensure the broadest use of the Aganocides in
dermatology.”
About NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical
company focused on developing innovative product candidates targeting
the treatment or prevention of a wide range of infections in hospital
and non-hospital environments. NovaBay has discovered and is developing
a class of non-antibiotic anti-infective compounds, which it has named
Aganocide compounds, which are based upon small molecules that are
generated by white blood cells that defend the body against invading
pathogens. NovaBay believes that Aganocide compounds could form a
platform on which to create a variety of products to address differing
needs in the treatment and prevention of bacterial and viral infections,
including resistant bacteria such as MRSA. NovaBay has entered into a
licensing and research collaboration agreement with an affiliate of
Alcon, Inc. for use of the Aganocide compounds in the eye, ear and
sinus, and in contact lens solutions. The company also has a license
agreement with an affiliate of Kinetic Concepts, Inc. for the use of
NovaBay’s NeutroPhase product in woundcare
applications.
NovaBay™, AgaDerm™
Aganocide®, AgaNase™,
and NeutroPhase™ are trademarks of NovaBay
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the
property of their respective owners.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements, which are based upon
management’s current expectations,
assumptions, estimates, projections and beliefs. These statements
include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the development
and potential benefits of, and the market opportunities for, NovaBay’s
product candidates. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown
risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or
achievements to be materially different and adverse from those expressed
in or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that might
cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to,
risks and uncertainties relating to difficulties or delays in discovery,
development, testing, regulatory approval, production and marketing of
the company’s product candidates, unexpected
adverse side effects or inadequate therapeutic efficacy of the product
candidates, the uncertainty of patent protection for the company’s
intellectual property or trade secrets, the company’s
ability to obtain additional financing as necessary and unanticipated
research and development and other costs. The forward-looking statements
in this release speak only as of this date, and NovaBay disclaims any
intent or obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking
statement except as required by law.
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NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Investor Relations Investor Relations Group Erica Ruderman / Brett Foley Relations: |
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