auriclosene

Auriclosene (NVC-422) is a synthetic, stable analog of N-chlorotaurine, a naturally occurring antimicrobial molecule produced by neutrophils during the oxidative burst. Developed by NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, it belongs to a class of compounds known as Aganocides. Auriclosene exerts broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria (including multi-drug resistant strains), viruses, and fungi by inducing oxidative damage to essential microbial proteins and nucleic acids. Its mechanism involves the rapid transfer of chlorine to thiol and amino groups, leading to irreversible inactivation of microbial enzymes and structural proteins. Although it was investigated in Phase 2 clinical trials for indications such as adenoviral conjunctivitis, impetigo, and catheter-associated urinary tract infections, development was largely discontinued after failing to meet primary endpoints in late-stage trials.

Brand names

Aganocide

Other names

N,N-dichloro-2,2-dimethyltaurine