Nanotherapeutics,
a privately held specialty biopharmaceutical company, announced today that it
has submitted its first Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the FDA
for a phase IIa clinical study for its product NanoDOX™ Hydrogel, a topical
doxycycline hydrogel for chronic wounds. The randomized double-blind study will
assess the safety and efficacy of the product on the healing rates of non-infected
diabetic ulcers of the lower extremity. Assuming FDA approval, the Company expects
to complete enrollment in early 2009.
The phase IIa study will be conducted at Veterans’ Administration hospitals
in Florida. The Company will enroll diabetics, 18 and older, who have diabetic
ulcers of the foot and lower limbs at the Gainesville and Lake City VA hospitals.
The primary endpoint to evaluate the hydrogel’s efficacy will be the rate
of complete (100%) wound closure during a 20-week treatment period.
“Diabetic ulcers are the primary cause of amputations of the leg, foot,
or toe. Two-thirds of all lower extremity amputations in the United States are
directly linked to diabetes. We believe that NanoDOX™ is a unique formulation
that holds significant promise for the millions of people suffering from diabetic
ulcers,” said Weaver H. Gaines, Chairman of the Board. “Filing the
IND for the phase II study is a major step forward in our clinical program and
demonstrates the strength of our technology and our capability to generate unique
new product opportunities.”
NanoDOX™ Hydrogel, the company’s leading pharmaceutical product
in development, is an alternative topical formulation of doxycycline. Nanotherapeutics
developed the product with its proprietary particle stabilization technology
and formulated it to improve the topical delivery of doxycycline to increase
local efficacy of the drug.
Jim Talton, Ph.D., President of Nanotherapeutics, said, “The Company
is also exploring the use of NanoDOX™ Hydrogel for treating traumatic
open wounds incurred in combat. In collaboration with Walter Reed Army Medical
Center, we plan a clinical trial to evaluate safety and efficacy in treatment
of deep trauma wounds. A separate IND will be filed for this indication.”
NanoDOX™ 1% Doxycycline Monohydrate Hydrogel
NanoDOX™ Hydrogel is a topical hydrogel applied directly to the entire
surface of the wound. A gauze dressing or a non-adhering dressing is applied
to cover the hydrogel and wound. This allows the hydrogel to provide a moist
healing environment. NanoDOX™ Hydrogel is composed of doxycycline monohydrate,
a currently marketed antibiotic available in tablet and injectable forms.
Lower Extremity Diabetic Ulcers
There are more than 18 million people diagnosed with diabetes in the United
States and about 5% of them will develop foot and lower limb ulcers. There are,
however, about another 7 million diabetics who are undiagnosed. Foot and lower
leg ulcers are the primary cause of the approximately 80,000 amputations of
toes, feet, and lower legs each year. It is estimated that up to 30% of diabetics
with foot ulcers will eventually require amputation. (National Institutes of
Health and CDC data)