Fast Company ranks NovaBay 7th in biotech industry in 2011 annual list of world's most innovative companies

NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE Amex:NBY), a clinical stage biotechnology company developing first-in-class, anti-infective compounds for the treatment and prevention of antibiotic-resistant infections, has been ranked seventh in the biotech industry in Fast Company's annual list of the world's most innovative companies in 2011.

The magazine praises NovaBay "for antibiotic-like compounds that fight their battles by mimicking the human immune system" in a list appearing on page 126 of the March 2011 issue of Fast Company. The article may also be accessed on the Fast Company website at: http://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/2011/top-10-biotech.html.

Commenting on how the selection process was conducted, Fast Company editors stated, "Our search for creative thinking, ingenious processes, and intelligent products took us deep into more than two dozen sectors and around the world. Our findings remind us of two things. First, that innovation can be found everywhere. And second, that some of the best ideas transcend sectors."

NovaBay's Aganocide^® compounds are novel, synthetic N-chlorinated antimicrobial molecules specifically designed and developed to mimic the body's natural defense against infection. The Aganocide compounds maintain biological activities while demonstrating improved stability over the naturally occurring N-chlorinated antimicrobial molecules. In a clinical study of 129 patients, NovaBay's Aganocide compounds have been shown to be highly effective against bacteria, including some multi-drug resistant strains (such as MRSA), viruses and fungi. These compounds for topical treatment have the potential to deliver the same or better efficacy than antibiotics, and to address the growing problem of antibiotic resistance by employing a novel mechanism of action.  

Dr. Ron Najafi, Chairman and CEO of NovaBay, said, "This high-profile recognition of our efforts is sincerely appreciated. There is a substantial need for new solutions to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, and innovative thinking is required for progress. We are proud that Fast Company has honored us in this way, and in doing so, it has shone a spotlight on our ongoing activities."