INNOVATION HIGHLIGHTS
Italian Innovations In Different Therapies
Ophthalmology “A recent program we are working on is antibiotic resistance, as inspired by the large-scale WHO program. NTC has worked intensively to identify antibiotics with the lowest level of resistance, with a broad spectrum of action on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. We have combined these products with anti-inflammatory drugs that are commonly used in ophthalmology and explored new therapeutic indications. For example, we developed the first fixed combination in eye drops for the treatment of post-cataract patients to be used for only one week after the intervention compared to other options on the market that require two weeks’ administration. By reducing this timeframe, we also reduce patients’ exposure to antibiotics, we improve compliance and simplicity in drops intake.”
Riccardo Carbucicchio, CEO, NTC Pharma
Aesthetics “The patented Hyaluromimethic® technology allows the modified hyaluronic acid (HA) to persist more in the body because the body takes longer to recognize it and dissolve it; this will last up to five times longer than regular HA. In addition, lipoic acid present in some formulations based on our technology stimulates collagen and elastin, enhancing a natural biological effect. The modified HA will be used in aesthetics and osteoarthritis, in both injection and topical form. Aesthetics is a US$20 billion market registering double-digit growth, so this is where we see the greatest opportunity for escalated growth.”
Marco Mastrodonato, Founder and CEO, BMG Pharma
Dermatology “Many of our products contain nicotinamide, a water-soluble amide form of niacin or vitamin B3, which is found in fish, eggs, poultry and cereal grains. This molecule stands at the basis of many of our formulations and medical devices but is also used in sunscreen products; the presence of nicotinamide creates a value-added element and a differentiating point for our products. Nicotinamide has a soothing and therapeutic effect on the skin, helping with conditions like acne, rosacea, blistering, or atopic dermatitis.”
Massimo Montironi, CEO, IDI Farmaceutici
Anti-inflammatory “We launched a patented diclofenac mouthwash indicated for sore throat and gingivitis, which is both our strongest prospect and greatest success story to date. Diclofenac is the single most-prescribed anti-inflammatory agent in the world, and is currently available in virtually every possible form except as a mouthwash, as this API is absolutely insoluble and strongly bitter. These two technical problems are overcome by our patent, which allows both crystal-clear solubilization and perfect palatability; also, solubilization is attained without alcohol. Hence, our mouthwash is not only the only one with diclofenac, but also the only anti-inflammatory solution without alcohol, two striking USPs that place our technology a cut above competitors. Last but not least, the approved OTC indications are quite ample: sore throat, gingivitis and pain related to dental procedures.”
Alessandro Casero, CEO, Farmaka
Background image courtesy of Alfasigma
