NovaBiotics gets green light for human drug trial

Published on Sunday 5 July 2009 21:43

BIOTECH firm NovaBiotics has received clearance from the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices and the Ethics Commission to commence first-in-man clinical trials of its lead product.

NovaBiotics, which is based in Aberdeen, is to start trials of its fungal nail treatment Novexatin, in a move that will take the firm a step closer to commercialisation of the product.

Dr Deborah O'Neil, who founded the company in 2004, said: "I am very pleased that we can announce the commencement of clinical trials for Novexatin."

She added: "We believe that, potentially, we have a world-leading treatment for fungal nail infections which will be more effective, safer and easier to use than any other product currently available, addressing this significant and poorly-met market."

Phase I of the trials is due to start immediately. NovaBiotics said it would make a further announcement about the commercialisation of the product "in due course".