DSM Pharma Chemicals is currently manufacturing the naproxcinod drug substance, or API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) for NicOx’ lead investigational product. It is the first compound in the Cyclooxygenase-Inhibiting Nitric Oxide-Donating (CINOD) class of anti-inflammatory agents, which achieved positive results in three pivotal Phase III studies in osteoarthritis patients. DSM supplies the naproxcinod API for commercial purposes from its site in Linz, Austria, utilizing micro reactor technology.
Quotes from C&E News interview with NicOx:
"Our decision was driven by DSM's capability, flexibility, and ability to meet NicOx's needs. They also demonstrated that they had the knowledge and skills in manufacturing to take the process from the small scale we had already developed to the scale we'll need when naproxcinod is on the market."
Gavin M. Spencer, Vice President Business Development
"There definitely were issues with scalability and cost-effectiveness," Hartmann says. "At the very beginning, we saw an opportunity to use micro reactors and actively developed a process in the lab…. the development efforts and investment are much less."
Michael Hartmann, Senior Vice President for New Business Development at DSM Pharma Chemicals
From: Handle With Care – Case Study: In a manufacturing pact, DSM has the right reactor for the right product from NicOx Chemical & Engineering News, March 2009. Read more in the article
