NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Announces Plan to Reinitiate Clinical Evaluation of Auriclosene for Impetigo in 2014


Impetigo Clinical Program Moves Forward With Optimized Formulation

EMERYVILLE, Calif., Dec. 19, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NovaBay® Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE MKT:NBY), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing non-antibiotic antimicrobial products, today announced that it expects to reinitiate a Phase 2b clinical trial of auriclosene for impetigo in 2014. Knowledge gained from the two previous impetigo studies is expected to lead to the use of an optimized formulation of auriclosene for this upcoming clinical trial. NovaBay will be responsible for the planning and execution of the upcoming trial.

Galderma – NovaBay Partnership

An exclusive licensing agreement provides Galderma with the right to commercialize impetigo products and an option to license auriclosene for use in other dermatological indications.

"We look forward to moving into the next Phase2b clinical study for impetigo. Following a detailed analysis of the results from the recently completed clinical study by Galderma, we understand better how to improve the likelihood of success in the next study. We remain committed to the development of auriclosene for impetigo," said Ron Najafi, Ph.D., Chairman and CEO of NovaBay Pharmaceuticals.

About NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Going Beyond Antibiotics®

NovaBay Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on addressing the unmet therapeutic needs of the global, topical anti-infective market with its Aganocide compounds, led by auriclosene. Auriclosene is a new chemical entity invented by NovaBay and has a broad spectrum of activity against bacteria, viruses and fungi. Aganocide compounds are based on the human body's natural immune system and the molecules involved in combating infections. Bacterial resistance to Aganocides is highly unlikely, as demonstrated in in vitro studies. Once pathogens penetrate the body's primary defense, the next line of defense is provided by the white blood cells. NovaBay has focused on understanding these molecules generated by the white blood cells and finding ways, by chemical modification, to allow them to be developed as therapeutic products with the potential to treat a wide range of local, non-systemic infections. NovaBay believes that if Aganocides® begin to supplement and thereby reduce the usage of classic topical antibiotics, they will help slow the rise of antibiotic resistance.

About Galderma

Galderma is a global company founded in 1981 committed to delivering innovative medical solutions to meet the dermatological needs of people throughout their lifetime while serving healthcare professionals around the world. The company has 33 wholly-owned affiliates with a worldwide network of distributors and more than 4,500 employees. Galderma's extensive product portfolio is available in 80 countries and treats a range of dermatological conditions including: acne, rosacea, onychomycosis, psoriasis & steroid-responsive dermatoses, pigmentary disorders, skin cancer and medical solutions for skin senescence. With approximately 19% of revenues invested each year to discover and develop new products and access innovative technologies, the company is one of the world's leading investors in dermatology R&D. Five state-of-the-art R&D centers and five manufacturing sites are dedicated to providing a wide range of innovative medical solutions which meet the highest standards of safety and efficacy. Strategic brands include Epiduo®, Oracea®, Clobex®, Differin®, Rozex®/MetroGel®, Silkis®/Vectical®, Tri-Luma®, Loceryl®, Cetaphil®, Metvix®, Azzalure®, Restylane® and Emervel®.

Forward-looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements and opinions, which are based upon management's current expectations, assumptions, estimates, projections and beliefs. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the possible outcomes of the new Phase 2b trial for impetigo. The words "expects", "is expected", and "likelihood of sucess" are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or achievements to be materially different and adverse from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties relating to difficulties or delays in development, clinical trial, regulatory approval, production and marketing of the company's product candidates, unexpected adverse side effects or inadequate therapeutic efficacy of the product candidates, the uncertainty of patent protection for the company's intellectual property or trade secrets, the company's ability to obtain additional financing as necessary and unanticipated research and development and other costs. Other risks relating to NovaBay, including risks that could cause results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements in this press release, are detailed in NovaBay's latest Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, especially under the heading "Risk Factors." 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.

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NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Contacts
Thomas J. Paulson
Chief Financial Officer
510-899-8809
Contact T. Paulson
 
Ana Kapor
Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
510-899-8889
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