Nicosan, also known as Hemoxin and Niprisan, previously Niprisan or Nix-0699, is a phytochemical (ethanol/water extract of Piper guineense seeds, Pterocarpus osum stem, Eugenia caryophyllus fruit, and Sorghum bicolor leaves) being tested for the treatment of Sickle-cell disease (SCD).
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Medical uses
There is tentative evidence that it may be useful in sickle-cell disease. It however does not appear to affect overall complications or rates of anemia.
The established drug hydroxyurea acts in SCD as an antisickling agent, however not all patients respond to this drug and some experience adverse effects, including myelosuppression. Nicosan with possibly less adverse effects also appears to work through "a strong antisickling effect" .
History
It was developed at the Nigerian National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) (U.S. Patent # 5,800,819 - September 1, 1998). NIPRD has already conducted Phase I, Phase IIa and IIb clinical trials and is currently conducting Phase III clinical trials in Nigeria.
In August 2002, the American company Xechem International with CEO Ramesh Pandey, acquired the exclusive world-wide rights to Niprisan (later renamed Nicosan/Hemoxin). On July 6, 2006 the drug was officially launched in Nigeria, with the President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, in attendance.