- Axcan and Nicox Sign A Co-Development and License Agreement For A Nitri

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Axcan and Nicox Sign A Co-Development and License Agreement For A Nitric Oxide

Ursodiol Derivative For The Treatment Of Chronic Liver Diseases, Including

Portal Hypertension And Hepatitis C

ABOUT NCX-1000

Preclinical data from several studies was presented during Digestive Disease

Week on May 20, 2002 in San Francisco, California, demonstrating the

effectiveness of NCX 1000 in lowering portal pressure in animals without

adversely affecting systemic arterial pressure (Abstract No. M1318, S. Fiorucci

et al) and suggest the potential of NCX 1000 to protect the liver from

acetaminophen induced toxicity (Abstract No. 235, S. Fiorucci et al).

Preliminary studies carried out with NCX 1000 demonstrate that this compound is

significantly effective in modulating inflammation and tissue damage in animal

models of liver inflammation. NCX 1000 was found to inhibit apoptosis in vivo

and in vitro, in models where ursodiol is non-effective and inhibits

pro-inflammatory cytokine production from inflamed tissues. Experimental animal

data indicate an activity of NCX 1000 different from ursodiol in lowering portal

blood pressure without affecting systemic blood pressure. This activity appears

to be related to structural hepatic changes and to the influence on the dynamic

component of portal hypertension. These studies suggest that the addition of the

nitric oxide moiety has dramatically improved the potential pharmacological

profile of ursodiol. Taken together, these early preclinical data suggest that

NCX 1000, by releasing nitric oxide into the liver microcirculation, may provide

a novel approach for the treatment of portal hypertension.