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Researchers discover new class of antimicrobial compounds that may have potential ocular use
EMERYVILLE, Calif. — Researchers from NovaBay Pharmaceuticals have discovered a new class of non-antibiotic, anti-infective compounds that may have potential against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, according to a press release from the company.
Lu Wang, PhD, and colleagues are currently conducting clinical trials of these compounds, trademarked as Aganocides, in two indications. Specifically, the researchers are evaluating the antimicrobial properties and potential pharmaceutical viability of N-chloro-2,2-dimethyltaurine (MCDMT) and N,N-dichloro-2,2-dimethyltaurine (NVC-422) — both naturally occurring products of white blood cells — for treating against a range of infectious bacteria.
They published their preliminary results in the March edition of Tetrahedron Letters.
Recent phase 1 clinical trials have shown that a topical formulation of NVC-422, known as AgaNase, is safe for nasal application in healthy individuals. Phase 2 studies of AgaNase in S. aureus-infected individuals are also under way.
NovaBay has also entered into a collaborative licensing and research agreement with an Alcon subsidiary for testing Aganocide compounds in contact lens solutions, as well as ear, sinus and eye infections, the release said.