Novan is kicking off a two-year program to support the pharmaceutical development of Nitric Oxide Advanced Healing (NOAH) technology, including formulation work, nonclinical toxicology, and proof of concept studies in models of deep partial-thickness and full-thickness thermal injuries.

The company has developed a proprietary platform technology that enables the stable storage and release of nitric oxide in a variety of dosage forms and is currently developing first-in-class therapies for dermatology and wound care. During the second quarter, Novan announced results from a Phase 1 clinical trial demonstrating Novan's nitric oxide-releasing drug candidate SB204 is currently being examined in a Phase 2 study for the treatment of acne, with results expected early in 2014. In 2013, the company released data showing the SB204 reduced colonization of Propionibacterium acnes in the skin of healthy volunteers; previous studies showed the agent affected sebum production.

Having been awarded a $7.8 million contract with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) in August, Novan has now been awarded total government funding of more than $15 million to date.