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EMERYVILLE, Calif., April 5, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE Amex:NBY), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing its first-in-class, anti-infective Aganocide® compounds for the topical treatment and prevention of infections, today announced it has launched its CEO Blog designed to provide Company perspectives on industry news and topics of interest in a timely fashion to financial advisors, investors and journalists. The Company's first blog post can be accessed here: http://www.thechairmansblog.com/ron-najafi/2012-04/going-beyond-antibiotics/
"We know the importance of connecting with financial professionals, investors and media on the various social platforms they use, and this blog provides the opportunity to have open discussions, increase transparency and get better acquainted with our community," said Dr. Ron Najafi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NovaBay.
The implementation of NovaBay's CEO Blog is also an effort to present a greater understanding of the various applications of NovaBay's proprietary Aganocide compounds. The goal of the CEO Blog, which will regularly feature innovative contributions made by Dr. Najafi, is to put into context relevant current events that are meaningful to NovaBay's followers.
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About NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Going Beyond Antibiotics
NovaBay Pharmaceuticals is an advanced clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on addressing the large unmet therapeutic needs of the global anti-infective market with its two distinct categories of products.
Aganocide® Compounds
NovaBay's first-in-class Aganocide compounds, led by NVC-422, are highly patented, synthetic molecules with a broad spectrum of activity against bacteria, viruses and fungi. Mimicking the mechanism of action that human white blood cells use against infections, Aganocides possess a reduced likelihood that bacteria or viruses will be able to develop resistance, which is critical for advanced anti-infectives. Having demonstrated therapeutic proof-of-concept in three Phase 2 clinical studies, these compounds are uniquely suited to treat and prevent a wide range of local, non-systemic infections. NovaBay is currently focused in three large therapeutic markets:
- Dermatology – Partnered with Galderma, a leading dermatology company in the world, the companies are developing a gel formulation of NVC-422 for treating the highly contagious skin infection impetigo. Current product offerings give rise to resistance and not effective against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). A Phase 2b clinical study is planned for 2012.
- Ophthalmology – NovaBay is developing an eye drop formulation of NVC-422 for treating viral conjunctivitis, for which there is currently no FDA-approved treatment. The company expects to launch a global Phase 2b clinical study in this indication in the second quarter of 2012.
- Urology – NovaBay's irrigation solution containing NVC-422 is currently in Phase 2 clinical studies, with the goal of reducing the incidence of urinary catheter blockage and encrustation (UCBE) and the associated urinary tract infections. The company reported positive data from Part A of this study and expects to announce top-line results from Part B in the second quarter of 2012.
NeutroPhase®
NovaBay is also developing another class of molecule, NeutroPhase, which is an FDA 510(k)-cleared product for advanced wound care. With a distinct mechanism of action from Aganocides, NeutroPhase is the only patented pure hypochlorous acid solution available and has the potential to be best suited to treat the six-million-patients in the U.S. who suffer from chronic non-healing wounds, such as pressure, venous stasis and diabetic ulcers.
NovaBay has begun securing commercial partnerships for NeutroPhase. In January 2012, NovaBay announced it had entered into a strategic marketing agreement with Pioneer Pharma Co., Ltd., a Shanghai-based company that markets high-end pharmaceutical products into China. NovaBay expects to announce additional marketing agreements in select geographic markets around the world during 2012.
For additional information, visit: www.novabaypharma.com.
Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements, which are based upon management's current expectations, assumptions, estimates, projections and beliefs. The statements in this press release including, but not limited to, statements regarding NovaBay's plans and expectations regarding ongoing and future clinical trials, the timing of commencement and receiving results of clinical trials, the building of its own commercial organization with respect to NeutroPhase, the potential efficacy of NovaBay's products as well as other statements that relate to future events or results are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward- looking statements reflect the views of the management of NovaBay as of the date of this press release and are based on assumptions and subject to significant risks and uncertainties (many of which are outside of NovaBay's control), including: the risk that negative results from development programs could preclude Galderma from providing additional funding to NovaBay; the risk of unexpected delays in the regulatory process may delay the commencement or completion of clinical trials; inherent risks and uncertainties relating to difficulties or delays in conducting clinical trials; the inherent uncertainty of patent protection for the company's intellectual property or trade secrets; as well other as risks relating to NovaBay and its Aganocide compounds detailed in NovaBay's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2011, under the caption "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of Part I of that report, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 2012. The forward-looking statements in this release speak only as of this date, and NovaBay disclaims any intent or obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement except as required by law.