#Italy #Milan #NTC014 #Mirakle study #conjunctivitis

Innovative Approaches in Treating Bacterial Conjunctivitis

NTC, a leading pharmaceutical company based in Milan, Italy, has announced encouraging results from its Phase II MIRAKLE study, which evaluates the efficacy and tolerability of NTC014. This new combination drug, which includes a quinolone antibiotic and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in an eye drop formulation, is geared towards the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis in adults. During a multicenter, randomized, blinded assessment, the study sought to establish whether NTC014 could achieve equivalent effectiveness to standard antibiotic treatments while using a significantly lower dosage level.

Despite administering only 25% of the antibiotic dosage compared to traditional treatments, the results indicate that NTC014 effectively eradicated bacteria in patients, achieving non-inferior microbiological outcomes. What’s more, the study revealed surprising efficacy against pathogens classified as either Intermediate or Resistant to the quinolone employed in NTC014. This innovative approach could position NTC014 as a potentially vital treatment option, particularly considering the growing concern over antibiotic resistance.

Alessandro Colombo, the Chief Scientific Officer at NTC, expressed optimism about the study findings. He emphasized that the drug not only aligns with the company's mission to confront antibiotic resistance but also promises shorter treatment durations and less stringent restrictions on use even when the bacterial cause may not be initially confirmed. The goal is to set a new standard in tackling bacterial conjunctivitis with a regimen that minimizes antibiotic exposure.

Riccardo Carbucicchio, NTC's Chief Executive Officer, underscored the potential impact of NTC014 as the first in its class globally. In an area with significant unmet medical needs, he highlighted the importance of devising effective treatments for moderate to severe bacterial conjunctivitis, a common yet disruptive eye infection. With the aim of partnering with commercial entities worldwide, NTC looks forward to advancing NTC014’s availability across numerous regions, anticipating completion by the end of 2025, and is even considering possible applications in surgical use.

Bacterial conjunctivitis remains prevalent in many Western countries, imposing economic and social burdens. While viral conjunctivitis leads as the most frequent infectious form among adults, bacterial conjunctivitis accounts for 50% to 75% of cases in children. The advancement of effective treatments like NTC014 could significantly ease this burden.

NTC has a robust history in pharmaceutical innovation, previously achieving success with a combination of a quinolone and steroid for post-cataract surgery, licensed in nearly 90 countries and marketed in 60 globally across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa. This experience complements its ongoing commitment to developing high-quality, innovative products across various therapeutic areas.

For those interested in more information about NTC's offerings and future endeavors, visit NTC Pharma.