Nitric BioTherapeutics Launches Phase II Clinical Trial For The Use Of Nitric Oxide In The Healing Of Chronic Wounds

Main Category: Pharma Industry / Biotech Industry
Article Date: 17 Mar 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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Nitric BioTherapeutics (Nitric Bio) announced the beginning of a Phase II clinical trial for the treatment of chronic wounds using nitric oxide. Affecting between 4.5 and 5 million Americans in the form of diabetic, venous stasis and decubitus ulcers, chronic wounds cost the U.S. healthcare system in excess of $2.5 billion per year and results in significant burden to patients.

"The use of nitric oxide in the treatment of chronic wounds could accelerate time to healing, increase quality of life for the patient, and help reduce the financial strain on the U.S. healthcare system. This is good news for everyone," said Dr. Joseph Boykin, who is leading the study. Dr. Boykin is the Director of the Wound Healing Centers at both HCA Retreat Hospital and at HCA Chippenham-Johnston Willis Medical Center in Richmond, VA. Both sites will be participating in the study.

When delivered topically to the wound, nitric oxide gas (gNO) has a number of known activities believed to be beneficial in the healing of wounds, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action, regulation of collagen formation, and an ability to increase blood flow. gNO has been used to treat chronic wound patients in Canada under a Compassionate Care program. According to Frank J. McCaney, CEO of Nitric Bio, "The early work in Canada has been very promising. We are optimistic about nitric oxide's potential to help heal chronic wounds, which have become a burgeoning health care problem fueled by the increased prevalence of diabetes and obesity." Nitric Bio expects to begin a second Phase II trial for chronic wound healing shortly.

Nitric BioTherapeutics is a venture backed biopharmaceutical and medical device company developing treatments for the healing of chronic wounds and the resolution of infections using topical application of nitric oxide gas (gNO). Nitric oxide has significant broad spectrum antimicrobial effects, including potent effects against drug-resistant bacterial strains, as well as effects on inflammation, collagen production and blood flow. Nitric Bio is pursuing human clinical work in a number of indications including chronic wounds and as an anti-infective agent.

Nitric BioTherapeutics