Eye infection drug IND accepted

The Investigational New Drug (IND) application for NVC-422, a molecule under investigation by NovaBay Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of eye infections, has been cleared by the FDA, triggering a development milestone payment from the firm's license partner Alcon to NovaBay of $1 million.

NVC-422 - a molecule in the non-antibiotic anti-infective Aganocide class - has been shown in vitro to combat bacteria (including multi-drug-resistant strains), viruses, yeasts and fungi, and has been proven safe for ocular use in previous in vivo testing. NovaBay hopes that NVC-422 will have applications against both bacterial and viral conjunctivitis, to be used topically in the eye as well as within contact lens solution.

NVC-422 is currently also under investigation for non-ocular indications, including skin infections caused by the "superbug" MRSA.