NCX-4016 NicOx SA

NCX-4016, a nitric oxide non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NO-NSAID) which can inhibit cyclooxygenase as well as release nitric oxide, is under development by NicOx as a potential treatment for thrombosis, inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis. It is an aspirin-nitrobutyl ester and is in phase I clinical trials as an oral antithrombotic agent in the UK [222690]. A placebo-controlled, double-blind study has been completed, which demonstrated good tolerability to NCX-4016. Studies to evaluate pharmacodynamic parameters and gastric tolerability are in progress [275922]. This compound has demonstrated a wider efficacy and tolerability than aspirin under several experimental conditions [210800]. In vitro studies have demonstrated the ability of NCX-4016 to interfere with platelet aggregation, adhesion and thromboxane B2 production. Studies in rats have also demonstrated the biological activity and gastrointestinal safety of NCX-4016 [275922]. NicOx applied for patent coverage in May 1994 and WO-09716405 specifically covers nitrated phenol esters of aspirin. NicOx specializes in the field of nitric oxide donors as therapeutic agents. The company's strategy is based on the development of new proprietary anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antithrombotic drugs with improved gastric and renal safety profiles. NicOx works with a network of outside collaborators from academia and the pharmaceutical industry, thereby enabling rapid development whilst maintaining only a small infrastructure. The company has raised $7 million, with new investors, including Paribas Principal Investments (France) and Health Corp AB (Sweden) [273176]. The funds will be used to expand its preclinical and clinical research. NicOx is collaborating with Bayer on the development of NCX-4016, and research with other "nitro-aspirins" [281704].