Biopharm Group To Distribute NovaBay's NeutroPhase Anti-Infective In Middle East

NovaBay Pharmaceuticals has partnered with Biopharm Group, headquartered in Cairo, Egypt, to distribute NovaBay’s NeutroPhase anti-infective in the Middle East. The companies announced the deal in a press release, stating that Biopharm will market the agent in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Sudan, and Libya. NovaBay states that Saudi Arabia is an especially attractive market due to its high per capita income and prevalence of diseases such as diabetic ulcers and wounds. Dr. Ron Najafi, Chairman and CEO of NovaBay, said, “NeutroPhase can make a major difference to patients in countries like Saudi Arabia. With the help of Biopharm’s experienced team, we will be able to reach those patients and their doctors.”

Biopharm and NovaBay Agreement

The agreement with Biopharm is part of NovaBay’s strategy to make its products available in the U.S. and in international markets. Under the terms of the exclusive distribution agreement between Biopharm and NovaBay, Biopharm will market NeutroPhase in the selected countries. Of particular interest is making the medication available to treat diabetic ulcers in Saudi Arabia, due to the number of lower limb amputations there. Dr. Osama Kandil, Chairman and CEO of Biopharm, also commented on the new partnership, “We are pleased to partner with NovaBay because we believe that NeutroPhase can enhance management of chronic wounds, especially diabetic foot ulcers, prevalent in Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Middle East, North Africa region.” The companies did not release financial details.

NeutroPhase

NeutroPhase is a skin and wound care product that contains Neutrox, pure hypochlorous acid (HOCl). The agent is chemically identical to a substance secreted by the white blood cells that fights infection. NovaBay has protected its product with patents and received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to market the agent in 2007. Healthcare professionals use the product to clean wounds, to moisten and debride skin, and to act as an anti-infective. NovaBay states that studies have shown that the agent is effective even without negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT).

NovaBay has also demonstrated efficacy of the agent in treating necrotizing fasciitis, commonly known as flesh-eating disease. The study titled, “Treatment of Acute Necrotizing Fasciitis Using Negative Pressure Wound Therapy and Adjunctive NeutroPhase Irrigation Under the Foam,” was published in the Wound journal in October 2013.