NovaBay Executive Interviewed on CEOLIVE TV

Highlights New Approach to Address Global Antibiotic Resistance Crisis

EMERYVILLE, Calif., July 1, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE:NBY), an advanced clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the topical, anti-infective market, today announced that Chief Financial Officer Thomas J. Paulson has been interviewed by CEOLIVE TV. In the interview, Mr. Paulson explains how the company has developed a new class of molecules that have the potential to move the anti-infective market "beyond antibiotics". The interview is available at: NBY CEOLIVE TV.

In a move to help address the growing global healthcare crisis of antibiotic resistance, NovaBay's proprietary Aganocides^® are unique compounds that mimic the power of naturally-occurring white blood cells to kill bacteria, viruses and fungi. Unlike the molecules produced by white blood cells that have a relatively short half-life, being synthetic organic molecules, NovaBay's Aganocides have a stable shelf life of two to three years. Aganocides, led by the novel molecule auriclosene (NVC-422), do not cause the evolution of bacterial or fungal resistance. Having demonstrated efficacy in Phase 2 proof-of-concept clinical studies in multiple indications, auriclosene has the potential to treat a wide range of local, non-systemic infections.

Mr. Paulson also reported on three of the company's ongoing Phase 2 clinical trials related to auriclosene. NovaBay expects all three trials to produce results before the end of 2013:

1.    Urology: A clinical study of auriclosene (NVC-422) Flush Solution in the management of urinary catheter blockage and encrustation (UCBE) in patients with long-term indwelling catheters. Individuals with the highest risk for UCBE come from a wide range of conditions, many of which are associated with neurological damage, such as spinal cord injury, stroke, and multiple sclerosis.

2.    Dermatology: NovaBay has partnered with Galderma, the world's leading dermatology-focused pharmaceutical company, to develop Auriclosene Gel for treatment of impetigo, a highly contagious and painful skin infection, which occurs most commonly in children.

3.    Ophthalmology: This clinical trial, nicknamed "BAYNovation", is investigating an Auriclosene Ophthalmic Solution as a treatment for adenoviral conjunctivitis, a highly contagious form of "pink eye." There are currently no approved products on the global market to treat this viral infection that afflicts millions.  

Mr. Paulson also provided an update on the increasing problem of antibiotic resistance. He noted that tons of antibiotics are used as livestock feed additives; these account for 80% of all antibiotics used and dispersed into our environment. As a result of such excessive use – and overuse in humans – low levels of antibiotics can be found commonly in groundwater, and in sediments in streams, bays and lakes. The proliferation of these sub-lethal level of antibiotics leads to a continuing cycle of new strains of antibiotic-resistant organisms.

In the policy arena, NovaBay is advocating support for federal legislation by U.S. Rep. Jim Matheson (D-UT), the Strategies to Address Antimicrobial Resistance (STAAR) Act, H.R. 2285, which is aimed at improving the understanding and monitoring of the cause and spread of antimicrobial-resistant infections and accelerating the development of novel antibiotics.

About NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

NovaBay Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company focused on addressing the large unmet therapeutic needs of the global, topical anti-infective market with auriclosene. The Company's four core business units – DermaBay, UroBay, EyeBay and MediBay – are developing products in dermatology, urology, ophthalmology, and wound care areas.