Nicox SA and Glaukos Corporation have agreed to an exclusive research and license option for the novel nitric oxide (NO)-donating phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor NCX 1728.
Let’s start with this candidate.
Nicox’s NCX 1728 is the lead compound of a new NO-donating molecule class involving enhanced and prolonged NO-mediated effects via concomitant PDE5 inhibition within the same molecule.
- About NO: NO possesses small, naturally-occurring signaling properties that play a critical role in intraocular pressure (IOP) regulation via the activation of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC).
More about PDE5, please …
Prior research has found PDE5 inhibitors capable of enhancing the efficacy and duration of NO-mediated effects by increasing cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) availability.
- PDE5 inhibitors’ effects include growth, viability, smooth muscle relaxation, secretion, ion transport, endothelial permeability, and gene transcription.
And in the eye, cGMP is known to mediate the metabolic cascade of photoreceptor signal transduction, and is present in lower concentrations within the macular regions of the neural retina than in other areas.
So how does this translate to NCX 1728’s ocular impact?
Nicox reported that this new class of NO-donating molecules has “potential for glaucoma and for retinal conditions.”
Which brings us to the focus of this Nicox and Glaukos’s agreement.
Talk about the agreement.
Per the companies, Glaukos will fund a NCX 1728-focused preclinical research program that will investigate potential indications for:
- Glaucoma (including neuroprotection)
- Retinal diseases
Note: All preclinical research activitites will be overseen by a Joint Steering Committee.
And this licensing option?
Under the terms, Gluakos has the option to license NCX 1728 on an “exclusive global basis for development in these ophthalmic conditions.”
- This option can be exercised within specified periods of time—beginning with 12 months.
These pre-agreed terms: Include pre-agreed terms such as upfront and milestone payments plus royalties.
- The terms will be initiated upon the signature of a license agreement after Glaukos exercises its option to license.
So what’s next?
While NCX 1728 undergoes preclinical research, Nicox reported it will turn its focus to the continued phase 3 development of NCX 470, its lead investigational candidate formulated as a prostaglandin analogue (PGA) bimatoprost combination with a dual mechanism of action.
To note: The company previously released favorable IOP-lowering data from the phase 3 Mont Blanc pivotal trial evaluating NCX 470 for treating patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT).