Non-antibiotic Drug Shows Promise Against MRSA

A novel non-antibiotic weapon for use in the on-going war against pathogenic microorganisms has successfully passed a phase I clinical trial. The drug, NVC-422, demonstrated potent activity against numerous pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

NVC-422, also known by its trade name AgaNase, was developed by NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Emeryville, CA, USA). It is one of a group of proprietary "Aganocide” compounds that work by mimicking the body's natural immune defense mechanism. Since NVC-442 kills pathogens on contact and not through typical antibiotic mechanisms such as inhibition of cell wall formation, it is thought that bacteria and viruses will be unlikely to develop resistance to the drug.

The recent clinical study tested safety and tolerability following repeated applications of NVC-422 at two drug concentrations, 0.1% and 0.3%, applied by spray or swab to the nostrils of 96 subjects. Adverse events were local, mild, and transitory, and did not appear to increase with dosage. Moreover, investigators could not detect any trace of NVC-422 in the blood.

"NVC-422 could become a critical option in the ongoing battle against drug-resistant infections, including MRSA,” said Dr. Ron Najafi, president and CEO of NovaBay Pharmaceuticals. "We intend to move forward with additional safety and efficacy trials in volunteers and patients at risk of infection.”


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