TEL AVIV, Israel, June 9, 2026
Nasus Pharma announced positive results from a preclinical pharmacokinetic (PK) and safety study of NS003, its proprietary intranasal powder formulation of ondansetron being developed for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced and post-operative nausea and vomiting. The study demonstrated that NS003 achieved a pharmacokinetic profile comparable to intravenous (IV) ondansetron, while separate toxicology testing showed a favorable safety profile with no adverse effects observed. Based on these findings, the company plans to initiate a first-in-human PK study in the third quarter of 2026.
Preclinical Study Demonstrates Comparable Exposure to IV Ondansetron
The animal study evaluated NS003 against the standard intravenous formulation of ondansetron, one of the most widely prescribed anti-nausea therapies globally. Results showed that NS003 achieved similar time to maximum concentration (Tmax) and area under the curve (AUC) measurements compared with IV administration, suggesting rapid absorption and systemic exposure through the nasal route. These findings support the potential of NS003 to provide fast-acting relief without requiring intravenous treatment.
Safety Evaluation Supports Advancement to Human Testing
In a separate toxicology assessment, NS003 demonstrated a favorable safety profile at doses up to four times the intended test dose. No treatment-related adverse effects were observed during the study, providing important safety evidence as the program advances toward clinical development. The positive PK and safety data collectively support the transition of NS003 into human studies and represent a significant development milestone for Nasus Pharma’s intranasal product pipeline.
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Intranasal Therapy Targets Unmet Need in Nausea Management
Ondansetron remains a cornerstone treatment for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, with millions of prescriptions dispensed annually. Despite existing oral therapies, many cancer patients continue to experience breakthrough nausea and vomiting requiring additional medical intervention. Nasus Pharma believes NS003 could offer a convenient, needle-free, fast-onset alternative that may reduce the need for clinic visits and intravenous treatment, particularly for patients undergoing highly or moderately emetogenic chemotherapy regimens or radiotherapy.
Nasax Platform Continues to Expand Clinical Pipeline
NS003 is being developed using Nasus Pharma’s proprietary Nasax™ powder-based intranasal delivery platform, which is designed to provide rapid and reliable drug absorption through the highly vascularized nasal cavity. The company plans to begin the first-in-human pharmacokinetic study in Q3 2026, while also preparing to launch a pivotal study of NS002, its intranasal epinephrine candidate for anaphylaxis, in Q4 2026. These programs reflect Nasus Pharma’s strategy to develop needle-free therapies for acute medical conditions requiring rapid treatment.
Source: Nasus Pharma press release
