New Nitric Oxide Therapeutics
Preliminary but compelling results of NicOx's (Euronext Paris: NICOX) inhaled NCX950 for the relief of bronchoconstriction were presented last week at a satellite of the XIVth World Congress of Pharmacology
(IUPHAR 2002) meeting in San Francisco. NCX950 is the first in a series of nitric oxide-donating drug candidates from NicOx. The developmental compound is related to the widely prescribed beta 2-agonist salbutamol/albuterolthat is currently used in the clinical management of asthma and other respiratory conditions characterized by hyperactive, constricted airways (bronchoconstriction).
The phase I/II data presented at the meeting assessed the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy profiles of NCX950 in healthy volunteers that underwent a standard procedure to elicit transient bronchoconstriction. 24 non-smoking study subjects were given a single dose of the agent, which demonstrated a reassuring safety and tolerability profile. NCX950 was therapeutically comparable to salbutamol/albuterol for the endpoint of opening up constricted airways (bronchodilation) and it demonstrated a more rapid onset of action.
NicOx has indicated that future clinical trials will assess the anti-inflammatory activity of NCX950. Inflammation and bronchoconstriction are features not only of asthma but also of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) of the chronic bronchitis and emphysema varieties.
Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the most unusual biologically active compounds. It has already been harnessed to provide therapeutic effects in erectile dysfunction and female sexual arousal disorder, and is being developed to treat cancer, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, pulmonary hypertension, septic shock, and respiratory disorders. NO is a gaseous signaling molecule with diverse biological effects. It is an anti-infectious and anti-inflammatory agent, a blood pressure regulator, an anticoagulant, a blood flow regulator, and has many roles in the nervous system. NO plays a role in our ability to recognize different scents. It may play a more significant role than once thought in memory. Asthma, colitis, pulmonary hypertension, and other diseases may be amenable to NO-based diagnostic tests.
In addition to NicOx, companies with compelling therapeutic NO programs include Schering (NYSE: SHR), Aventis (NYSE: AVE), AstraZeneca (NYSE: AZN), Pharmacia (NYSE: PHA), Medinox (privately held), NitroMed (privately held), Pfizer (NYSE: PFE), Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY), ICOS (NASDAQ: ICOS), Bayer (NYSE: BAY), and GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE:
GSK).
BTECH NEWS
by Leon Henderson, M.D.
Bennett Weintraub, Ph.D.
Christopher Martin
www.btechnews.com
July 12, 2002
RETURN
TO INDEX
BTECH NEWS, published by Btech Investor, Inc., highlights selected events in
the life sciences sector that the Btech Investor team believes are particularly relevant to biotechnology investors. The Btech Investor team
combines scientific, clinical, and business experience to perform comprehensive analysis of the biotechnology industry and to identify future
industry leaders.
BTECH INVESTOR REPORTS
The Btech Investor Reports provide in-depth analysis of the biotechnology
industry. Recent companies profiled include Vertex, EntreMed, Élan, IDEC
Pharmaceuticals, Myriad Genetics, and Abgenix. Recent sector reports include
nucleic acid therapeutics, Alzheimer disease, inhaled insulin, recombinant
proteins, gene therapy, monoclonal antibodies, neurodegenerative diseases,
stem cells, trends in oncology, genomics based drug discovery, and biotech
trends.
BTECH DISCLAIMER
Btech Investor aims to provide reliable, insightful analysis on the biotechnology industry. However, this information is provided "as is" and no representations or warranties either express or implied of completeness, accuracy, or of any other nature are made with respect to this information. This information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy the securities of any company. This information contains forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties which may not be listed. The biotechnology industry is an emerging industry and the securities of the companies mentioned in this report have a very high degree of risk and volatility. For this reason, this information is supplied on the condition that the reader will make his or her own determination as to its suitability for any purpose prior to any use of this information. The employees and officers of Btech Investor may hold positions in some or all of the stocks discussed in this report.
© Copyright 2002, Btech Investor, Inc.
Additional DISCLAIMER
Information transmitted via BioPortfolio has been provided by the original publishers Btech
Investor Incorprated ("Btech"). It is not guaranteed as to completeness or accuracy by BioPortfolio, the Btech publishers, or any person. Such Information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy the securities of any company. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. The Information and views provided by Btech are prepared by Btech employees and in no way reflect the views or efforts of BioPortfolio Limited., any of BioPortfolio's employees or officers. BioPortfolio, and BioPortfolio's employees and officers, as well as Btech’s employees and officers, in no way accept responsibility for any of the Btech content published on
www.bioportfolio.com/.
While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the Information contained herein is presented in good faith, and is not untrue or misleading at the time of publication, BioPortfolio, and Btech make no representation as to its accuracy or completeness and it should not be relied upon as such. The Information is supplied on the condition that the reader or any other person receiving the Information will make his or her own determination as to its suitability for any purpose prior to any use of the Information. From time to time, BioPortfolio and any officers or employees of BioPortfolio, as well as Btech, and any officers or employees of Btech, may, to the extent permitted by law, have a position or otherwise be interested in any transactions, in any investments (including derivatives) directly or indirectly the subject of this report. Also BioPortfolio and Btech may, from time to time solicit business from any company mentioned in this report. This report is provided solely for the information of viewers of BioPortfolio and/or viewers and subscribers of Btech and BioPortfolio information services, who are expected to make their own investment decisions without reliance on this report. Neither BioPortfolio nor any officer or employee of BioPortfolio, nor Btech, or any officer or employee of Btech, accepts any liability whatsoever for any direct, indirect, special or consequential damages or loss arising from any use of this report or their contents. This report may not be reproduced, distributed or published by any recipient for any purpose without the prior express consent of the publishers. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as conferring by implication, estoppel or otherwise any license or right under any patent, trademark or copyright of BioPortfolio, Btech or any third party.
The value of the investment(s) to which this report relates and their income yield(s) may go up or down. The investment(s) referred to in this report may not be suitable for private investors: if you are in any doubt you should seek advice from your investment advisor. Changes in rates of currency exchange may have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of investments. Statements as to past performance of any investment are not a guide to future performance. The levels and bases of taxation can change, and if you are in doubt you should seek independent professional advice. In some cases it may be difficult for you to sell or realize your investment or to obtain reliable information about its value or the extent of the risks to which you are exposed.
THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED OF ACCURACY, MERCHANTIBILITY FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR OF ANY OTHER NATURE ARE MADE WITH RESPECT TO THIS INFORMATION OR TO ANY EXPRESSED VIEWS PRESENTED IN THIS INFORMATION.
