Hovione starts clinical trial of its proprietary minocycline sterile ointment to treat a subset of anterior ocular inflammation

First clinical study using a patent protected minocycline API and formulation developed by Hovione.

Carla Vozone, Vice President of Product Development and Licensing (PDL) at Hovione, expressed enthusiasm for Hovione’s first clinical study using a patent protected minocycline API and formulation developed by Hovione. “Hovione has been a leader in tetracycline manufacturing for over 30 years. It is rewarding to take minocycline, known systemically for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits, and apply it locally to the site of action in these patients with significant disease. Moreover, we believe that local delivery will increase exposure to the affected area without the negative adverse events associated with oral delivery.”

Oral tetracyclines have been used extensively and effectively in combating diseases with profound contributions of inflammatory reactions such as papulo-pustular acne or rosacea. Tetracyclines’ non-antimicrobial bioactivity is known to be associated with the drug’s ability to inhibit Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs), specifically MMP-9. Minocycline is believed to have a superior anti-inflammatory effect due to its increased lipophilicity compared to other tetracyclines. This led Hovione to begin testing their novel ophthalmic product in this new indication.

“Ophthalmologists and optometrists have respected the numerous beneficial effects of tetracycline class agents upon the ocular surface, the corneal epithelium and stroma, the Meibomian glands, the lid margins, and the peri-ocular skin. Despite systemic side effects, oral doxycycline and minocycline are commonly prescribed for a wide variety ocular and cutaneous diseases,” stated Dr John Sheppard, Clinical Investigator for Hovione’s Phase I trial. “Ancillary anti-collagenolytic, anti-MMP9, anti-inflammatory, and lipolytic activities of this antibiotic class have proven beneficial for literally millions of patients. The prospect of an effective topical agent like minocycline is truly exciting, and will provide safer access to this highly respected and understandably underutilized therapeutic agent.”

Hovione’s minocycline sterile ointment is a proprietary formulation of crystalline minocycline base and oil-based excipients. Hovione has applied for and been granted issued patents for both the API and the drug product. This granted patent portfolio covers both the US and the EU, with other patent applications expected to be granted, expanding the portfolio throughout the world. With the current granted patents, Hovione has exclusivity through 2033.