Nitric oxide (NO) is a nano-molecule naturally produced in the body. Since 1999, the medical community has used gaseous NO, delivered via large gas cylinders in conjunction with a ventilator, to treat respiratory failure in premature babies. While numerous clinical studies had also shown NO to be a potent antimicrobial against viruses, bacteria, and fungi, delivering gaseous NO through cylinders is impractical for treating many infectious diseases, especially topical ones.

SaNOtize’s key innovation is the development of a proprietary liquid formulation that releases NO gas in therapeutic concentrations. This patented platform – known as Nitric Oxide Releasing Solution or NORS^TM – is a practical delivery system that can be adapted across applications while controlling the dose of NO released. It allows NO to be used as an antimicrobial for the first time. .

The company’s lead therapy, Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (NONS^TM), is currently available to a quarter of the world’s population. A landmark regulatory approval occurred in 2022, when NONS was approved in India for early treatment of COVID-19 in high-risk individuals – this marked the first-ever regulatory drug approval of NO to treat an infection. SaNOtize believes this event may pave the way for additional approvals of NO for the treatment of other types of microbial infection. .

In the span of a few short years, SaNOtize developed a new end-to-end anti-infective treatment and prevention paradigm, secured the necessary funding, and built the manufacturing and logistics to support its roll-out. SaNOtize’s formulation, novel delivery device, and the fill-finish manufacturing machines that produce the product were fully designed and developed by the company.

SaNOtize maintains an assertive patent development strategy, focused on expanding the portfolio and therapeutic opportunities. The portfolio includes multiple foundational NORS^TM patents, and has weathered the rigor of FTO/defensibility as well as independent investors and partner due diligence. It includes prosecution of patents specifically expanding on the formulation, delivery methods, and methods for dose verification. SaNOtize possesses many years of know-how, developed by using our formulations and verifying effective doses.

NORS^TM is being studied across several applications to treat skin, nail, and respiratory infections. In addition to SaNOtize’s lead product (NONS^TM), the company’s full pipeline has the potential to have a significant impact on global health and equitable access to infection care. Importantly, as a non-antibiotic antimicrobial, NORS^TM may reduce the use of antibiotics and allow them to be reserved for more severe infections. Reducing overuse of antibiotics can help slow the development of antimicrobial resistance, which is a significant global concern. Additionally, NORS^TM can help serve populations around the world who lack adequate access to care for common topical bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.