These new rapid relief results follow the announcement in June 2004, that NCX 1510 had reached the primary efficacy endpoint of a phase IIa study in patients suffering from allergic rhinitis.
NCX 1510 is the first compound to be selected from the ongoing research and co-development agreement between NicOx and Biolipox for the discovery and development of novel compounds in the respiratory field.
The onset of action study had a randomized, crossover design in which 12 healthy volunteers received a single intranasal dose of either NCX 1510 or placebo. To mimic an allergic reaction, histamine challenges were given at regular intervals following the administration of the study medication.
The level of a protein known to be up-regulated during histamine reaction was monitored and NCX 1510 was found to reduce its level in a statistically significant manner compared to placebo, only five to 10 minutes following administration.
These results are encouraging in light of the medical need for rhinitis treatments with a more rapid onset of action. Furthermore, a nasal spray that patients could take when symptoms occur, would likely have an improved side effect profile compared to current treatments which are taken continuously.