Advertise With UsAdvertise on our extensive network of industry websites and newsletters.
Get the PBR newsletterSign up to our free email to get all the latest PBR
news.NicOx S.A. has obtained positive results from a pilot phase II study on the effect of its developmental drug HCT 1026 in osteopenia, a problem of low bone density which increases the risk of osteoporosis.
Subscribe to our email newsletter
HCT 1026 is a nitric oxide-donating derivative of flurbiprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug useful in the treatment of arthritis. These results demonstrate the potential utility of nitric oxide-donation in treating bone disorders, and NicOx is keen to initiate a research project to identify lead compounds for clinical development in this therapeutic area.
Giancarlo Isaia, professor of internal medicine at the University of Turin and principal investigator of the trial, commented: “There is an increasing body of scientific evidence that nitric oxide plays an important role in bone renewal and repair and that a pharmacological approach involving nitric oxide-donation could help correct dysfunctional bone metabolism…the results are encouraging as they provide the first clinical data showing potential for NicOx’ nitric oxide-donating technology in this important area.”
HCT 1026 is also presently in clinical development for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The combination of the compounds potential benefits could make could make the product particularly attractive for use in the elderly who are suffering, or are at risk from Alzheimer’s disease, and who are also prone to osteoporosis.