Durham-based Novan Therapeutics has become a “Buzz of BIO” for its promising technology for skin healing.
Novan is one of only four companies whose executives have been invited to give 15-minute presentations at the 2014 BIO International Convention in San Diego next month. The annual convention draws as many as 15,000 attendees.
Novan’s president, Nathan Stasko, Ph.D., will present an overview of the the company’s successful Phase 2 clinical study for the treatment of acne vulgaris and its progress in developing topical gels, creams and ointments to treat a variety of skin conditions.
The company is one of only four “Buzz of BIO” winners in the annual competition recognizing the most innovative companies in the biotech sector. Novan was one of two winners in the “Pipelines of Promise” category.
Novan is a privately held spinout from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The company began pharmaceutical drug development in 2010 to create products that tap the antibacterial properties of nitric oxide by storing the compound on engineered macromolecules that can deliver it when and where it’s needed.
“Antibiotic resistance continues to increase at an alarming rate,” said Stasko. “As recent as last week, the World Health Organization reported that antibiotic resistance is a global threat with devastating implications. The inability of bacteria to develop resistance to nitric oxide distinguishes our technology from classical antibiotics. Acne is just the first battleground in our war against superbugs.”
Novan’s technology was discovered by UNC chemistry professor Mark Schoenfisch, Ph.D., and developed by Stasko.
The company announced its positive Phase 2 clinical test results for its topical SB204 acne drug candidate in late March.
Editor’s note: Jim Shamp is director of public relations for the N.C. Biotechnology Center.
(C) N.C. Biotechnology Center
