NTC Unveils Promising Results from Phase II Mirakle Study for Innovative Bacterial Conjunctivitis Drug

Italian pharmaceutical company NTC has recently revealed encouraging findings from its Phase II MIRAKLE study, which evaluates an innovative treatment aimed at tackling bacterial conjunctivitis. The study focused on a new formulation called NTC014, which combines a quinolone antibiotic with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in eye drop form.

Conducted as a multicentric, randomized, and double-blind trial, the MIRAKLE study aimed to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of NTC014 compared to an existing antibiotic solution. Notably, NTC014 was administered at a 25% lower dose than the antibiotic it was compared against. Despite this reduced dosage, the key findings demonstrated that the new eye drop formulation was non-inferior to the antibiotic alone in achieving microbiological eradication.

One of the most surprising outcomes was NTC014’s ability to show effectiveness even against pathogens typically classified as intermediate or resistant to the quinolone antibiotic being tested. Dr. Alessandro Colombo, NTC's Chief Scientific Officer, shared his enthusiasm about these results, stating they reinforce NTC014 as a credible candidate for use as a new treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis. He further emphasized NTC's commitment to combat antibiotic resistance through treatments that utilize fewer antibiotics, thereby reducing the treatment duration.

Riccardo Carbucicchio, NTC's CEO, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the global uniqueness of NTC014 as the first therapeutic combination of an antibiotic and an NSAID. He pointed out the substantial unmet medical needs surrounding moderate to severe bacterial conjunctivitis, which is a prevalent ocular infection. With this in mind, NTC aims to finalize commercial partnerships for NTC014 by the end of 2025. There is potential for this formulation to also be adapted for surgical uses in the future.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is a common issue in Western countries, presenting both economic and social burdens. While viral conjunctivitis is the most common form of infectious conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis ranks as the second most frequent cause, accounting for a significant percentage of cases among children. NTC is no stranger to developing innovative pharmaceutical solutions; the company has successfully launched the first combination of a quinolone antibiotic and steroid intended for post-cataract surgery recovery across nearly 90 countries, currently marketed in 60 nations globally.

NTC is headquartered in Milan, Italy, and has cultivated partnerships with distributors in over 100 countries. The company is committed to the research, development, regulation, and commercialization of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and dietary supplements within ophthalmology and other therapeutic areas—such as pediatrics, gynecology, and gastroenterology. By partnering with over 200 collaborators, NTC provides innovative, high-quality pharmaceutical products.

For further details about NTC and their developments, visit www.ntcpharma.com.