BioPharmX To Present Data On New Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy to Measure How Effectively Topically Applied Minocycline Reaches Targets in Skin

MENLO PARK, Calif., Jan. 26, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- BioPharmX Corporation (NYSE American: BPMX), a specialty pharmaceutical company developing dermatology products, today announced that a revolutionary technique to measure how effectively a single dose of topically applied minocycline reached the epidermis and pilosebaceous unit of human facial skin may potentially explain early onset of efficacy observed in two investigational BioPharmX drugs.

The measurement was accomplished using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) to visualize the delivery of BPX-01¹ for acne and BPX-04¹ for rosacea. The specificity and sensitivity of the technique enabled researchers to begin quantifying the local distribution of minocycline in a given layer of skin. This research may open doors to using FLIM technology to predict the efficacy of certain drugs and their delivery early in the development process. 

"This application of FLIM gives us the ability to assess the effectiveness of drug delivery systems, introducing a new way of carrying out pharmacokinetic studies." said Conor L. Evans, PhD, an Assistant Professor at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School. "This approach could significantly expand the utility of FLIM in the development of new drugs."

Evans led one of the research teams presenting findings at SPIE Photonics West, the world's largest multidisciplinary event for photonics, Jan. 27 to Feb. 1 in San Francisco.

"Innovative approaches such as the use of FLIM and other nonlinear imaging microscopy could aid in advancing the understanding of drug delivery, distribution, and metabolism, and spur the development of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic tomography," said Kin F. Chan, PhD, Executive VP of R&D at BioPharmX, Inc.

Research will be presented at three sessions:

• "Effects of endogenous fluorescence from ex vivo human facial skin specimens in the pharmacokinetic study of a topical minocycline gel using two-photon excitation fluorescence (2PEF) and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM)," paper 10475-16, being presented at "Visualizing and Quantifying Drug Distribution in Tissue II," on Jan. 27, from 3 p.m. to 3:20 p.m.
• "Phasor approach to fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy for visualization and quantification of drug distribution of a topical minocycline gel in human facial skin," paper 10475-17, being presented on Jan. 27, from 3:50 p.m. to 4:20 p.m.
• "Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) for visualization of targeted drug delivery and local distribution in skin of a single daily dose of topical minocycline gel: an update on translational research from preclinical to clinical," paper 10467-15, being presented at "Photonics in Dermatology and Plastic Surgery 2018," on Jan. 28, from 9 a.m. to 9:20 a.m.

BPX-01 is BioPharmX's investigational product for the treatment of acne. It has successfully completed its phase 2b studies. BPX-04 is the company's investigational product for the treatment of rosacea. It will begin phase 2 studies soon. Both products share a novel delivery system to carry a minocycline gel to the target area in the skin.

About BioPharmX Corporation
BioPharmX Corporation (NYSE American: BPMX) is a Silicon Valley-based specialty pharmaceutical company, which seeks to provide products through proprietary platform technologies for prescription, over-the-counter (OTC), and supplement applications in the health and wellness markets, including dermatology and women's health. To learn more about BioPharmX, visit www.BioPharmX.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
The information in this press release contains forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are subject to the "safe harbor" created by those sections. This press release contains forward-looking statements about the company's expectations, plans, intentions, and strategies, including, but not limited to, statements regarding strategic partnering alternatives, the safety and medical effects of BPX-04 and BPX-01, the effect BPX-04 and BPX-01 may have on the treatment of rosacea and acne, respectively, the commencement and results of future trials of BPX-04 and BPX-01 and the size of such trials, continued and consistent results in future tests of BPX-04 and BPX-01, absence of side effects of future use of BPX-04 and BPX-01 and ability to advance BPX-04 and BPX-01 through a successful NDA submission and commercialization. These forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "plan," "expect," "anticipate," "believe" or similar expressions that are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions, which, if they do not fully materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties include those described in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our annual report on Form 10-K for the period ended Jan. 31, 2017 and our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 31, 2017. Given these risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities law.

¹ Caution: BPX-01 and BPX-04 are new drugs limited by U.S. law to investigational use.

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SOURCE BioPharmX Corporation