In the trial, NCX 434 has improved oxygen saturation in the eye. The effects of intravitreal injections of NCX 434 or triamcinolone, a reference steroid, on oxygen saturation in the optic nerve head (ONH) and overlaying arteries and veins were assessed in preclinical models.
NicOx said that NCX 434, in contrast to triamcinolone, enhanced oxygen saturation in various ONH structures at the different time points investigated (prior to and 7, 14, 21 and 31 days after the intravitreal injection).
In the trial, there was no significant difference in IOP with either compound. NCX 434 has been shown to elicit sustained efficacy in a VEGF-induced leakage model without causing an increase in IOP (unpublished results).
NCX 1236 preclinical data suggested greater anti-allodynic activity in neuropathic pain for NCX 1236 compared to gabapentin. Allodynia refers to an enhanced sensitivity to stimuli that ordinarily do not cause a sensation perceived as painful.
The effects of NCX 1236 and gabapentin on allodynia were evaluated in preclinical models of lesion-induced pain. NCX 1236 was superior to gabapentin, at similar exposure level, when tested on thermal allodynia in a chronic constriction injury (CCI) model.
NCX 1236 was also superior to gabapentin on mechanical allodynia in a spinal nerve ligation (SNL) model, a reference model commonly used for assessing the anti-allodynic effects of preclinical drug candidates.
Bahram Khoobehi, professor of ophthalmology at the LSU Eye Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, said: “The preclinical results obtained with NCX 434 in collaboration with NicOx show the potential for a compelling differentiated profile. Tissue oxygenation is often defective in DME patients and is not addressed with current drug therapy. I am looking forward to seeing further data on this drug candidate.”