NCX1022 is a NO-releasing derivative of Hydrocortisone. It is the most widely used anti-inflammatory drug for the treatment of skin inflammation.

NCX1022 is obviously more effective than Hydrocortisone in reducing contact dermatitis-induced leukocyte adhesion, particularly at the early time points. NCX1022, but not Hydrocortisone, obviously inhibits granulocyte recruitment. Topical pre- and post-treatment with NCX1022 (3 nmol) in C57BL6 mice not only reduces ear oedema formation in a dose-dependent manner but also is significantly more effective than the parent compound during the initial stages of inflammation (from 1 to 5 h). Post-treatment with Hydrocortisone does not modify the increased granulocyte infiltration induced by benzalkonium application, but NCX1022 reduces by 63% the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, producing a maximum effect at the dose of 3 nmol per ear. Histological samples of mouse ears treated with NCX1022 display a significant reduction in both the number of infiltrated cells and disruption of the tissue architecture compared to Hydrocortisone-treated tissues .