Nicox announces last patient completed final visit in Whistler Phase 3b clinical trial

(Image Credit: AdobeStock/Syda Productions)

Nicox SA has announced that its last patient has completed their final visit in the Whistler Phase 3b clinical trial investigating the dual mechanism of action (nitric oxide and prostaglandin analog) of NCX 470 in intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering.¹ The novel nitric oxide-donating bimatoprost eye drop is being clinically developed for the lowering of IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, according to a news release.

The Whistler Phase 3b trial enrolled 18 healthy participants with ocular hypertension in a double-masked, placebo-controlled study investigating the action of NCX 470 on aqueous humor parameters including trabecular meshwork outflow and episcleral venous pressure. Each patient participated in the trial for approximately 8 days. Results from the Whistler trial are expected in May 2025.¹

NCX 470 was also assessed in Nicox’s completed Mont Blanc Phase 3 trial, in addition to its Denali Phase 3 trial ongoing in the US and China. The Denali trial is being undertaken by Nicox with its Chinese partner and exclusive licensee Ocumension Therapeutics and completed recruitment of US patients in July 2024. The last patient in the US in the Denali trial has also completed their last visit, and topline results are still expected in Q3 2025.²

In light of these trials, NCX 470 has the potential to make an impact in glaucoma management, according to Nicox. Researchers led by Robert Fechtner, MD, of a study based on data collected from the Mont Blanc study stated that “with a dual mechanism of action that enhances both uveoscleral and trabecular outflow, NCX 470 could become an important first-line therapy for IOP reduction in glaucoma.”³

References:

1. Nicox announces last patient completes final visit in NCX 470 Phase 3b Whistler glaucoma trial. News release. Nicox SA. March 19, 2025. Accessed March 20, 2025. https://www.nicox.com/wp-content/uploads/EN_WhistlerLPLV_19March2025_PR_FINAL.pdf

2. Portfolio and disease areas. Nicox SA. Accessed March 20, 2025. https://www.nicox.com/pipeline-markets-and-science/#publications

3. Fechtner R, Mansberger S, Branch J. A randomized, controlled comparison of NCX 470, a nitric oxide-donating bimatoprost, and latanoprost in subjects with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension: the Mont Blanc study. Am J Ophthalmol. 2024 Aug;264:66-74. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2024.03.002