Technology Overview
Nomir is developing a pipeline of therapeutic device-based products for the treatment of diseases and conditions caused by bacterial and fungal infections. Nomir’s core technology, Noveon®, harnesses the power of optical energy to target the elimination of biofilm, bacteria, and fungi, while promoting healthy tissue recovery with potentially fewer side effects than traditional pharmaceutical-based approaches.
Mechanism of Action
Noveon therapy targets bacterial and fungal cells with two discrete near-infrared wavelengths at low power. This patented idea was derived from observations that these distinct wavelengths could kill biologic specimens if used in optical traps. Noveon optical energy therapy is gentle because it utilizes a novel photobiologic mechanism-of-action and therefore does not use heat to generate its clinical effects. Additionally, treatments with Noveon do not require photo-activation dyes or drugs.
Improved Safety
Noveon therapy has an improved safety profile over many competing drug- and device-based approaches. The localized, low-power therapy minimizes the risk of adverse events, as does the anticipated short course of treatment. Additionally, Noveon therapy appears to increase the effectiveness of antibiotics and antifungals, so lower doses of these drugs are needed, potentially resulting in reduced risk of pharmaceutical side effects. In pilot clinical studies, Noveon therapy has also been shown to reverse drug resistance to commonly used antibiotics and antifungal drugs, so that drugs previously not effective might once again be used to treat infection.
Clinically Validated Results
Noveon therapy has been validated in humans through proof-of-concept clinical trials in onychomycosis, in which Noveon demonstrated clear efficacy in treating infected nails without using any thermal effects. These results have been supported by positive data from pilot studies utilizing Noveon to kill methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the nose. Additionally, no adverse events have been reported in trials to-date.
Nomir has secured a 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to utilize the company’s Noveon device during contact and non-contact surgical procedures of the skin, subcutaneous tissues and nasal passages in dermatology, plastic surgery, podiatry, and otolaryngology. Nomir initiated a FDA pivotal registration study of the Noveon device for the onychomycosis indication in May 2008.
Intellectual Property
Nomir has a broad patent portfolio on systems, methods and unique photo-biological mechanism claims for near-infrared photo-damage to bacterial and fungal pathogens. Nomir’s comprehensive intellectual property portfolio is comprised of issued patents protecting the core technology platform, mechanism of action, as well as several active filings to further broaden its patent estate and deliver on the company’s IP strategy.