Nitric Oxide Neutralizer Treats Septic Shock

A study of patients suffering from severe septic shock has shown that those receiving a nitric oxide neutralizer of 3-12 mg had a higher hemodynamic response rate than placebo patients and longer survival rates. The trial data were presented at the World Congress on Trauma, Inflammation, Shock, and Sepsis in Munich (Germany).

The double-blind, placebo-controlled study involved 53 evaluable patients. Those receiving the 3-12 mg of the nitric oxide neutralizer had hemodynamic response rates ranging from 63-79%, while placebo patients had a 50% response rate. Rates of survival in the first group ranged from 50-71%, while placebo patients had a 30-day survival of 43%. Only one serious adverse event was considered to be related to the study and it occurred in a placebo patient. The nitric oxide neutralizer, called NOX-100, was developed by Medinox (San Diego, CA, USA).

Phase 3 trials are planned. NOX-100 (Norathiol) is the first in a series of proprietary small molecule anti-nitric oxide agents that Medinox has created. These NO neutralizers represent a novel therapeutic approach by removing the dangerously overproduced NO in inflamed tissues while sparing the low levels of NO in normal tissues that are vitally necessary for many organs to function.

"It is clearly very important that any therapy for septic shock must not cause significant adverse effects in patients who are already critically ill, and NOX-100 has met that test in our trials,” said Dr. Monte Lai, president and CEO of Medinox.




Related Links:
Medinox