The Nicox expertise
We have developed a leading scientific and strategic position in the therapeutic application of nitric oxide (NO)-donating compounds based on our internally-developed NO-donating research platform, specifically in ophthalmology, supported by an extensive patent portfolio.
Our NO-donating research platform produced NO-donating compounds targeting glaucoma, including VYZULTA®, our first FDA-approved product, commercialized in the United States and other countries by our exclusive global licensee, Bausch + Lomb, NCX 470, currently in Phase 3 clinical development and NCX 1728, in preclinical evaluation with Glaukos.
Nitric oxide donation
The Nicox expertiseOur research efforts focus on ocular disorders in which NO is believed to play a role, including lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma or in retinal health.
NO is a well-known, small, naturally occurring signaling molecule known to stimulate an intracellular enzyme, soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), which converts guanosine triphosphate to the second messenger, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). NO/sGC signaling pathway plays a key role in the regulation of IOP homeostasis and ocular blood flow. The NO stimulated increase in cGMP in the trabecular meshwork leads to the reduction of intracellular calcium, relaxation of the trabecular meshwork and, consequently, an increase in the outflow of the aqueous humor from the anterior segment of the eye through the primary or conventional outflow pathway. All of the foregoing events are thought to lead to lowering of IOP and enhance ocular perfusion.
The biological effects of NO in the eye may be further enhanced and/or prolonged by phosphodiasterase type-5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which inhibit the degradation of cGMP. This has led to a new class of molecules, NO-donating PDE5 inhibitors, which have the potential for development in retinal conditions and a candidate in this series is under preclinical evaluation for glaucoma and retinal conditions.
