Nicox, Glaukos Sign Research and Option Agreement for Glaucoma Candidate

France’s Nicox announced Sept. 23 that it had signed an exclusive research and license option agreement with Glaukos for NCX 1728, Nicox’s novel nitric oxide (NO)-donating phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor.

Financial details were not disclosed. Glaukos will fund the preclinical research of NCX 1728, with a focus on treating glaucoma through neuroprotection, as well as exploring its potential for retinal diseases, Nicox said. 

Glaukos, of Aliso Viejo, California, has an option to license NCX 1728 on pre-agreed terms, including upfront and milestone payments plus royalties.

Nicox said it would focus on continued Phase III development of lead drug candidate NCX 470 (0.1% bimatoprost). NCX 470, a second-generation NO-donating eye drop, is currently in its second Phase III trial, Denali, with results expected in H2-2025.