NicOx SA 2011 Financial Results

SOPHIA ANTIPOLIS, FRANCE--(Marketwire - February 29, 2012) -


PRESS RELEASE

NicOx 2011 Financial Results Sophia Antipolis, France.www.nicox.com

NicOx S.A. (NYSE Euronext Paris: COX) today announces its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2011 and provides an overview of its activities. 2011 Operational Summary

* Discussions with potential M&A and in-licensing targets continuing to progress

* Continued reorganization of the structure of the Company to deliver strategic goals

* Phase 2b glaucoma study completed by Bausch + Lomb with preliminary results expected Q1 2012

* Preclinical and clinical results published and presented at international congresses

* Formal Dispute Resolution submitted to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for naproxcinod

* Marketing Authorization Application for naproxcinod withdrawn in Europe

* Agreement granting Ferrer an option on rights to naproxcinod in selected European countries

2011 Financial Summary

Following the restructuring plan implemented by NicOx in late 2010, research and development costs and administrative and selling costs totalled EUR14.9 million in 2011, down sharply from EUR47.9 million in 2010.

In 2011, NicOx recorded a total net loss of EUR16.7 million, compared to a total net loss of EUR43.9 million in 2010. On December 31, 2011, the Company had cash and cash equivalents totalling EUR93.1 million, compared to EUR107.3 million on December 31, 2010.

No revenues were recorded in 2011, compared to EUR7.4 million in 2010, which related to the initial license payment received from Bausch + Lomb as part of the worldwide licensing agreement signed in March 2010.

Eric Castaldi, Chief Financial Officer of NicOx, commented, "As a result of our reorganization and cost base reduction, our cash burn decreased significantly in 2011. We plan to continue our focus on cost control while ensuring the best strategic use of our resources, as we ended 2011 with cash and cash equivalents of more than EUR93 million."

Overall objective of building a specialist pharmaceutical company

The Company's overall objective is to become a late-stage development and commercial organization through potential M&A, product acquisition or in- licensing. The Company is targeting late-stage or marketed products in selected specialist areas presenting significant growth potential. Following a detailed screening and evaluation process, NicOx is now in advanced discussions with targets of interest.

In addition, NicOx is also continuing to explore alternative funding options to ensure the development of its early-stage programs in order to maximize the potential of its nitric oxide (NO)-donating research platform while preserving the Company's cash position for investment in new areas. These funding options could include spin offs, joint ventures and other forms of collaboration.

Preliminary results from glaucoma study expected in Q1 2012

A phase 2b clinical trial was completed by NicOx's partner Bausch + Lomb with BOL-303259-X (previously called NCX 116 and PF-03187207) at the end of December 2011. Preliminary results are expected in the first quarter of 2012. BOL- 303259- X is an NO-donating prostaglandin F2-alpha analogue which is thought to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) through a dual mechanism of action. It was licensed in March 2010 to Bausch + Lomb, a leading eye health company.

This phase 2b study is intended to identify the most effective dose of BOL- 303259-X, administered in the evening, for the reduction of IOP. A total of approximately 400 patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension were randomized to receive either BOL-303259-X (various concentrations) or Xalatan® 0.005% (latanoprost) for 28 days. The primary efficacy endpoint is the reduction in mean diurnal IOP at day 28.

Status of naproxcinod in the United States and in Europe

Naproxcinod has been developed by NicOx for the potential relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis. In July 2011, NicOx submitted a formal appeal under the U.S. FDA's Formal Dispute Resolution process, regarding the decision issued in July 2010 by the FDA not to approve the naproxcinod New Drug Application (NDA) that NicOx had submitted in September 2009.

In March 2011, NicOx and Grupo Ferrer Internacional S.A., a subsidiary of Ferrer Grupo, signed an agreement granting Ferrer an option, which Ferrer could exercise following potential future regulatory approval of naproxcinod, to take exclusive distribution rights for naproxcinod in Greece and Portugal and co- marketing rights in Spain and Germany. NicOx retains the right to enter into co- marketing agreements with third parties in Spain and Germany, and full rights to naproxcinod in all other territories.

In April 2011, NicOx withdrew the Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) which had been submitted to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in December 2009. The decision was made following feedback at the April 2011 meeting of the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) that the CHMP would not adopt a formal positive opinion on the basis of the submitted information. NicOx is still evaluating its potential options with its advisors and with Ferrer.

Publication and presentation of preclinical and clinical results

In 2011, NicOx presented preclinical and clinical results in a number of peer- reviewed journals and international congresses:

* In the ophthalmology field, preclinical results obtained with BOL- 303259- X(1) and NCX 434(2)(3) were published in international journals and were presented in several congresses, including the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) and the European Society of Ophthalmology meetings.

* New preclinical data obtained with NCX 226, a prototype NO-donating compound developed in a research program targeting Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH), were presented at the annual European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) congress and at the 10(th) World Congress on Inflammation.

* Clinical and preclinical results for NCX 6560 were also presented in several conferences, including the 40th European Muscle Conference (EMC), the Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology (ATVB) scientific sessions and the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) meeting.

* Results from the pooled analysis of the three pivotal phase 3 trials for naproxcinod (the 301, 302 and 303 studies) were published in the American Journal of Cardiology(4).

* Preclinical results for NCX 1236, the lead prototype compound in a research program targeting neuropathic pain, were presented at the American Pain Society congress and in other conferences.

Collaborations with Ferrer and Merck

Following the signature of an amendment to the dermatology agreement with Grupo Ferrer in October 2011, NicOx is now actively seeking a new partner for the development and marketing of NCX 1047 in the United States. NCX 1047 is an NO- donating anti-inflammatory drug developed for dermatology indications. Preclinical results obtained with NCX 1047 support the potential for a differentiated product profile.

Under the revised agreement signed in September 2010 between NicOx and Merck (known as MSD outside the United States and Canada), Merck has the right to develop novel compounds using a new approach to nitric oxide donation in certain cardiovascular indications. NicOx and Merck have agreed that no further announcements on the compounds developed by Merck under the collaboration are anticipated unless and until a drug-candidate advances into phase 2 clinical studies.

Board of Directors

Birgit Stattin Norinder joined NicOx's Board in June 2011. Mrs Stattin Norinder has served as CEO and Chairman of Prolifix Ltd (UK), a biotechnology company targeting proliferative diseases. She brings significant experience in product development and regulatory affairs and has held several senior management positions in worldwide pharmaceutical companies, including Pharmacia & Upjohn and Glaxo Group Research Ltd.

Göran Ando stepped down as a director following expiry of his term of office on June 15, 2011. In August 2011, Jean-Luc Bélingard informed NicOx of his decision to step down from the Board because of his increased responsibilities at bioMérieux. The Company would like to thank Dr Ando and M. Bélingard for their support.

Review of the consolidated financial results as of December 31, 2011 and 2010

The 2011 consolidated financial statements, as approved by the Board of Directors on February 28, 2012, have been certified by the statutory auditors.

Revenues

NicOx did not record any revenues in 2011 compared to EUR7.4 million in 2010.

The revenues recognized in 2010 correspond to the initial license payment received from Bausch + Lomb following the signature of a licensing agreement in March 2010 that granted Bausch + Lomb exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize BOL-303259-X (NCX 116). This amount was immediately recognized in revenues because the Company will not have continuing involvement in the future development of the compound which is the subject of this collaboration agreement.

Research and development costs, general, administrative and selling costs

Research and development costs and general, administrative and selling costs decreased to EUR14.9 million in 2011 compared to EUR47.9 million in 2010. This significant reduction results from the restructuring of the Group's entities and activities announced in 2010. As part of the restructuring, the US offices of NicOx were closed in August 2010, the headcount of the French and Italian entities of the Group were significantly reduced, and the activities were redefined in order to protect the Company's cash and cash equivalents and refocus the Group's key strategic priorities. In the last quarter of 2011, the Group has implemented a planned reduction of its workforce by approximately one third in order to align its structure with the corporate strategy of creating a commercially-focused development organization. In 2011, 60% of these expenses were attributable to research and development and 40% to general, selling and administrative expenses compared to 73% and 27% in 2010, respectively.

Research and development expenses totaled EUR9.0 million in 2011, compared to EUR35.2 million in 2010. In 2011, research and development expenses primarily related to activities at the research center and ongoing regulatory activities for naproxcinod. On December 31, 2011, the Group employed 36 people in research and development compared to 54 people at the same date in 2010.

In 2011, general and administrative expenses totaled EUR4.1 million compared to EUR5.4 million on December 31, 2010, and include personnel expenses in administrative and financial functions, as well as the remuneration of corporate officers. In 2011, selling expenses were EUR1.8 million, compared to EUR7.4 million in 2010, and for 2011 relate to communication and business development activities (including the activities related to the evaluation of companies and products to acquire or in-license). In 2010, these expenses also included preparation for the potential future commercialization of naproxcinod in the United States. On December 31, 2011, the Group employed 18 people in its selling, general and administrative departments compared to 23 people at the same date in 2010.

Other income

Other income was EUR0.9 million in 2011, compared to EUR2.2 million in 2010. Other income corresponds to operational subsidies from research tax credits in France.

Other expense

Other expense exclusively relates to restructuring costs. For 2011, other expense was EUR3.6 million and included notably (i) an accrual in an amount of EUR3.1 million corresponding to personnel expenses and additional estimated costs to be paid in 2012 and 2013 related to the most recent reduction in the Group's workforce as indicated above; (ii) an amount of EUR1.0 million corresponding principally to accelerated depreciation of fixed assets due to the restructuring; and (iii) an income of EUR0.5 million due to the cancellation of contingencies related to the restructuring of NicOx S.A previously recognized in 2010, which are no longer applicable in 2011.

For 2010, other expense was EUR5.7 million and included (i) EUR5.5 million of personnel expenses related to the overall restructuring plan of the Company and including notably an accrual in an amount of EUR2.6 million corresponding to additional estimated costs to be paid in 2011 and 2012 related to the reduction in workforce at the Company's head office in France and its Italian subsidiary, based on assumptions which may change; (ii) the cancellation of expenses previously booked in an amount of EUR1.5 million further to the cancellation of rights on stock options and free shares; and (iii) EUR1.7 million corresponding to the cost of the closure of the offices of NicOx Inc. in the U.S. excluding personnel expenses reported in (i) above.

Operating result

The operating loss decreased to EUR17.6 million in 2011, compared to EUR44.0 million in 2010.

Other results

Net financial income totaled EUR1.1 million in 2011, compared to EUR0.4 million in 2010, and mainly represents the returns on the financial investments of the Company's cash and cash equivalents.

The income tax expense incurred by NicOx in 2011 relates to tax from its US and Italian subsidiaries and totaled EUR0.05 million, compared to EUR0.3 million in 2010.

Total net loss of the period

The total net loss was EUR16.7 million on December 31, 2011, compared to EUR43.9 million at the same date in 2010. This decrease is explained by the significant reduction in all the operating expenses following the restructuring implemented after the decision of the FDA not to approve naproxcinod in July 2010.

Consolidated statement of financial position

The indebtedness incurred by NicOx is mainly short-term operating debt. On December 31, 2011, the Company's current liabilities were EUR6.9 million, including EUR3.6 million in other contingencies and liabilities principally with respect to the restructuring cost accrued, EUR1.2 million in accounts payable to suppliers and external collaborators, EUR1.0 million in accrued compensation for employees, EUR0.9 million in taxes payable and EUR0.2 million for other liabilities.

The Company's cash and cash equivalents were EUR93.1 million on December 31, 2011, compared to EUR107.3 million on December 31, 2010.

(1) Krauss AH, Impagnatiello F, Toris CB, Gale DC, Prasanna G, Borghi V, Chiroli V, Chong WK, Carreiro ST, Ongini E, Ocular hypotensive activity of BOL- 303259-X, a nitric oxide donating Prostaglandin F2alpha agonist, in preclinical models. Exp Eye Res. 2011, 93: 250-255.

(2) Khoobehi B, Chiroli V, Ronchetti D, Miglietta D, Thompson H, Ongini E, Impagnatiello F, Enhanced Oxygen Saturation in Optic Nerve Head of Non- Human Primate Eyes Following the Intravitreal Injection of NCX 434, an Innovative Nitric Oxide-Donating Glucocorticoid. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2011, 27(2):115-21.

(3) Impagnatiello F, Giambene B, Lanzi C, Pini A, Somma T, Bastia E, Ongini E, Galassi F, Masini E. The nitric oxide (NO)- donating triamcinolone acetonide, NCX 434, does not increase intraocular pressure and reduces endothelin-1-induced biochemical and functional changes in the rabbit eye, Br J Ophthalmol 2012 (in press).

(4) White WB, Schnitzer TJ, Bakris GL, Frayssinet H, Duquesroix B, Weber M, Effects of Naproxcinod on Blood Pressure in Patients With Osteoarthritis. Am. J. Cardiol. 2011, 107(9): 1338-45.

About NicOx

NicOx (Bloomberg: COX:FP, Reuters: NCOX.PA) is a pharmaceutical company focused on the research, development and future commercialization of drug candidates. NicOx is applying its proprietary nitric oxide-donating R&D platform to develop an internal portfolio of New Molecular Entities (NMEs) for the potential treatment of inflammatory, cardio-metabolic and ophthalmological diseases.

The Company's pipeline includes several nitric oxide-donating NMEs, which are in development internally and with partners, who include Merck (known as MSD outside the United States and Canada), Bausch + Lomb and Ferrer.

NicOx S.A. is headquartered in France and is listed on Euronext Paris (Compartment C: Small Caps).

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements.

Risks factors which are likely to have a material effect on NicOx's business are presented in the 4(th) chapter of the « Document de référence, rapport financier annuel et rapport de gestion 2010 » filed with the French Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) on February 25, 2011 and available on NicOx's website (www.nicox.com) and on the AMF's website (www.amf-france.org).


       Consolidated statement of Comprehensive Income - December 31, 2011


                                          --------------------------------
                                                 As of December 31,

                                             2011             2010
                                          --------------------------------
                                            (in thousands of EUR except for
                                                   per share data)
                                          --------------------------------


Revenues                                              -             7,423


Research and development                         (8,998)          (35,161)
expenses

Administrative expenses                          (4,112)           (5,364)

Selling expenses                                 (1,817)           (7,389)

Other income                                        866             2,157

Other expense                                    (3,569)           (5,663)


Operating loss                                  (17,630)          (43,997)


Finance income                                    1,055               475

Finance expense                                      (6)              (95)


Loss before income tax                          (16,581)          (43,617)

Income tax expense                                  (54)             (334)

                                          --------------------------------
Net loss                                        (16,635)          (43,951)
                                          --------------------------------

Exchange differences on translation of foreign      (25)               23
operations

Other comprehensive income (loss) for the           (25)               23
period, net of tax

                                          --------------------------------
Total comprehensive income (loss) for the      (16,660)           (43,928)
period, net of tax
                                          --------------------------------
Attributable to:

- Equity holders of the parent                 (16,660)           (43,928)

- Non-controlling interests                          -                  -


                                          --------------------------------
Basic and diluted loss per share attributable
to equity holders of the                          (0.23)            (0.61)
parent
                                          --------------------------------



        consolidated Statement of Financial Position - December 31, 2011

                                                         -----------------
                                                              As of
                                                           December 31,
                                                           2011    2010
                                                         -----------------
                                                          (in thousands of
                                                                EUR)
                                                         -----------------
ASSETS

Non-current assets

Property, plant & equipment                                843      2,130

Intangible assets                                          117       386


Other financial assets                                     263       247

Deferred income tax assets                                  65       39
                                                         -----------------
Total non-current assets                                  1,288     2,802
                                                         -----------------


Current assets

Government subsidies receivable                            866      1,509


Other current assets                                       367       909

Prepaid expenses                                           172       377

Cash and cash equivalents                                 93,136   107,335
                                                         -----------------
Total current assets                                      94,541   110,130
                                                         -----------------
                                                         -----------------
TOTAL ASSETS                                              95,829   112,932
                                                         -----------------


EQUITY AND LIABILITIES


Common shares                                             14,563   14,509

Other reserves                                            69,761   85,979

Non-controlling interests .                                 -         -
                                                         -----------------
Total Equity                                             84,324   100,488
                                                         -----------------


Non-current liabilities

Other contegencies and liabilities                        4,592     4,548

Deferred income tax liabilities                             3        96

Finance lease                                               58       83
                                                         -----------------
Total non-current liabilities                             4,653     4,727
                                                         -----------------


Current liabilities

Other contingencies and liabilities                       3,590     2,800

Finance lease                                               24       30

Trade payables                                            1,185     2,045

Current income tax payable                                  -         -

Social security and other taxes                           1,890     2,627

Other liabilities                                          163       215
                                                         -----------------
Total current liabilities                                 6,852     7,717
                                                         -----------------

                                                         -----------------
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES                              95,829   112,932
                                                         -----------------

NicOx S.A.

Les Taissounières - Bât HB4 - 1681 route des Dolines - BP313 - 06906 Sophia Antipolis Cedex - France

Tel: +33 (0)4 97 24 53 00 · Fax: +33 (0)4 97 24 53 99

NicOx 2011 Financial Results: http://hugin.info/143509/R/1589728/499286.pdf

This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of Thomson Reuters clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that:

(i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws; and

(ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: NICOX via Thomson Reuters ONE

[HUG#1589728]


CONTACTS
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+33 (0)4 97 24 53 00
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www.nicox.com

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