Pfizer and NicOx were jointly responsible for this research project, in which a number of nitric oxide-donating compounds were synthesized and submitted to an extensive series of preclinical tests.
Several compounds successfully fulfilled a number of key criteria and demonstrated superior activity, compared to reference compounds, in established in vivo eye disease models. Pfizer has selected a candidate for development and will fund and be responsible for all future work on this compound.
The research, option, development and licensing agreement between Pfizer and NicOx was signed in August 2004 and granted Pfizer an option to acquire a worldwide license to the compounds under study, with exclusive development and commercialisation rights.
NicOx has so far received E4 million from Pfizer in connection with this agreement and stands to receive a further E33 million, plus royalties, if the collaboration results in the successful commercial development of a product.
“This is a significant achievement given the very high rate of attrition for compounds in research and demonstrates our technology’s ability to generate robust drug candidates,” said Michele Garufi, chairman and CEO of NicOx.