February, 2011 -- NovaBiotics, a leading clinical-stage biotechnology company, today announces that it has further secured the global intellectual property (‘IP’) position of its lead product, Novexatin® through recent patent grants in the US, EU and other territories worldwide. Novexatin® is a topical treatment for fungal nail infection and NovaBiotics’ recent patent grants protect the use of its core peptide technology in this and other related target indications.
The Company’s granted and pending IP not only protects the use of the core structure of Novexatin®, but of a related family of anti-infective peptides derived from the same technology platform. This is a critical milestone for the Company with key grants for its lead and follow-on products being secured a relatively early stage in their lifecycle.
NovaBiotics’ current antifungal product portfolio includes Novexatin® a phase 2b-ready clinical asset and Novamycin®, a candidate treatment for potentially life-threatening blood-stream and deep tissue yeast and mould infections (predominantly Candida). In addition, NovaBiotics’ antibacterial peptide drug candidate, NP432 and novel mucolytic agent NM001 are now at the early proof of efficacy stage for the treatment of respiratory infections including multi-drug resistant forms and those associated with cystic fibrosis.
Dr Deborah O’Neil, Founder, commented: “Recent patent grants in key territories for our expanding product portfolio is an important step in NovaBiotics’ development, particularly as we bring our lead product Novexatin® closer to market. This undoubtedly adds significant further value for the interested parties with whom we are in ongoing discussions for Novexatin®.”
NovaBiotics’ IP portfolio covers eight patent families which consist of more than 50 patents pending and granted worldwide.
For further information please contact:
NovaBiotics Ltd Dr Deborah O’Neil 01224 711377
Buchanan Communications Diane Stewart, Carrie Clement 0131 226 6150 / 0207 466 5000
About NovaBiotics
NovaBiotics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company which was founded in 2004 and focuses on the design and development of novel peptide antifungal and antibacterial therapeutics. Through a streamlined informed drug design approach, the Company has successfully delivered a phase IIb-ready lead clinical asset, Novexatin® in a very short space of time. The initial unblinded results from the Phase IIa study were excellent. All study end-points were met in the trial which had been designed to assess the safety and tolerability of the novel antifungal drug candidate.
Furthermore, the Company’s second product, Novamycin® is anticipated to reach a phase I clinical study for a global $5.7 bn systemic antifungals market by H1, 2011.
The Company has an attractive mix of a clinical product, unique platform technology and a robust product pipeline which the directors believe have the ability to treat a range of poorly served and economically significant infections including:
- Fungal nail infection;
- Life-threatening blood stream and deep tissue yeast and mould infections (e.g Candida spp, Aspergillus spp, Cryptococus);
- Respiratory Pseudomonal infections and those associated with Cystic Fibrosis;
- Antibiotic resistant and susceptible dermal, blood stream and deep tissue Staphylococcal infections;
- Acne and polymicrobial dermal infections associated with ulcers, burns and wounds; and
- Consumer health focused indications including seborrhoeic dermatitis (dandruff), adult acne and foot care.
Further information can be found on the website www.novabiotics.co.uk
