Health and life sciences innovate on Côte d'Azur
Focus on three innovative Côte d'Azur companies:
> NicOx
> TxCell
> Iris Pharma
Nicox
Sophia Antipolis-based laboratory NicOx is racing towards the finishing line to gain approval for its anti-inflammatory treatment for arthritis, naproxcinod, which releases nitric oxide to help make the treatment more effective. The results from the first pivotal phase 3 trials were excellent and the firm will submit the drug to the USA authorities in way to get the green light. Once approved, the future looks bright for the drug, which could become a blockbuster with estimated sales of over US$1 billion a year. As a result, the outlook for next year is looking good, NicOx chairman and CEO, Michele Garufi, stressed at the company’s presentation of its 2008 annual results. Told “We expect that NicOx be in its strongest ever position strategically at the start of the 2009 financial year,” noted Garufi.
TXCell
TXCell’s goal is to suppress the cause of Crohn’s disease via its new class of immunosuppressive strategies. And the biopharmaceutical company is currently focusing developing the first curative treatment for Crohn’s disease (inflammation of the colon). For David Dellamonica, Strategic Development Director, “Our success has been triggered by breakthrough technology, based on the biological and living cells, as well as the quality of our teams, which are expert in these areas. In addition, there are market opportunities, which have enabled us to apply it for several indications. And it’s these three key factors, which explain the confidence and willingness of our partners to back the company. Our strategy also currently involves a large scale development program in North America.” The company is also developing treatments for other illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
IRIS Pharma
A specialist in pre-clinical and clinical research in ophthalmology, IRIS Pharma, was Europe’s first Contract Research Organization (CRO) and a world leader in ophthalmology. Created in 1989 by Pierre-Paul Elena, Ph.D., and located in La Gaude near Nice, IRIS Pharma offers its services to more than 100 international companies throughout North America, Europe, Japan and Australia. Its four areas of expertise include: bioanalysis and formulation; pre-clinical studies and services in ophthalmology; clinical trials in ophthalmology; and strategic consulting in ophthalmology. The firm also boasts a fundamental research department focused on the development of new animal models and new microsurgical procedures in the animal eye.
More information: www.nicox.com
www.txcell.com
www.iris-pharma.com
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