Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP) (Tonix or the
Company), a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company with
marketed products and a pipeline of development candidates, today
announced positive topline results from its Phase 1, single
ascending dose trial of TNX-1500 (Fc-modified humanized anti-CD40L
monoclonal antibody, or mAb)* in healthy participants. The
objectives of the Phase 1 trial were to assess the safety,
tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of intravenous
TNX-1500, as well as to support dosing in a planned Phase 2 trial
in kidney transplant recipients.
“There remains a significant need for new agents
with improved activity and safety to prevent transplant rejection
and treat autoimmune diseases,” said Seth Lederman, M.D., Chief
Executive Officer of Tonix Pharmaceuticals. “First generation
anti-CD40L mAb therapy, particularly ruplizumab (a.k.a., humanized
5c8 or BG9588) showed activity in modulating autoimmunity and
rejection in allo- and xeno-transplantation but was limited by an
increased risk of thrombosis.1-3 Tonix created TNX-1500, a next
generation anti-CD40L mAb, by reengineering the Fc region of
ruplizumab, to preserve activity with improved safety. The results
of the Phase 1 study indicate that TNX-1500 has met these design
objectives. We believe the results of this study and our prior
animal studies4,5 indicate that TNX-1500 is potentially
best-in-class among next-generation anti-CD40L mAbs in
development.”
Gregory Sullivan, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of
Tonix Pharmaceuticals said, “Topline results from the TNX-1500
Phase 1 study showed TNX-1500 at the 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg doses
blocked both the primary and secondary antibody responses to a test
antigen. The pharmacokinetic data support monthly dosing at doses
of 10 mg/kg or above. Based on these findings, we are eager to
advance this promising candidate into a Phase 2 efficacy study. We
believe TNX-1500 has the potential to prevent organ transplant
rejection and improve graft survival with reduced long-term
toxicity burden relative to current immunosuppressive
regimens.”
Methods and Topline Results
- Dosing: TNX-1500
solution was infused i.v. over a period of one hour to achieve
doses of 3 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 30 mg/kg. Participants were
observed in the clinic for one day and followed with periodic
clinic visits to Day 120.
- Keyhole Limpet
Hemocyanin (KLH) Challenge: To evaluate the immune modulation
potency of TNX-1500, participants received an antigen challenge
with KLH (Immucothel®) administered subcutaneously (SC) on Day 2
and Day 29 of the study.
- Disposition: A
total of 26 participants were enrolled in three Cohorts (3 mg/kg,
10 mg/kg, and 30 mg/kg). A total of 24 participants completed the
study and two discontinued early (one placebo participant was lost
to follow-up and one on TNX-1500 withdrew consent).
- Tolerability:
TNX-1500 was generally well-tolerated with a favorable safety and
tolerability profile. The only treatment-emergent adverse event
(TEAE) occurring in ≥ 3 participants among all TNX-1500 groups was
aphthous ulcer, occurring in one participant each in the 3 mg/kg,
10 mg/kg, and 30 mg/kg groups; all were rated as mild, possibly
related, and resolved in 2-10 days. There were no TEAEs assessed as
related to KLH administration. No TEAEs led to study
discontinuation and there were no serious adverse events. There
were no thromboembolic events, which were prespecified as TEAEs of
special interest.
-
Pharmacodynamics: TNX-1500 at 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg blocked both
the primary and secondary anti-KLH Ab responses, evidenced by the
mean Ab level at all sampled timepoints (through Day 120) being
below the lower limit of quantitation (400 µg/L). TNX-1500 at
3 mg/kg blocked the primary response to KLH Day 2 challenge and
reduced the peak secondary response to KLH Day 29 challenge by
approximately two thirds (69%) relative to the peak response to
placebo.
-
Pharmacokinetics: The mean (SD) half-life of TNX-1500 was: 3 mg/kg,
19.6 (9.29) days; 10 mg/kg, 37.8 (5.46) days; and 30 mg/kg, 33.7
(4.83) days.
Tonix plans to discuss these results with the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in an End-of-Phase 1
meeting. Pending alignment with the FDA, a Phase 2 study of
TNX-1500 in kidney transplant recipients will be pursued.
About TNX-1500
TNX-1500 (Fc-modified humanized anti-CD40L mAb)
is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds and functionally
inhibits the CD40-ligand (CD40L), also known as CD154. TNX-1500 is
being developed for the prevention of allograft and xenograft
rejection, for the prevention of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD)
after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) and for the
treatment of autoimmune diseases. Two published articles in the
American Journal of Transplantation demonstrate TNX-1500 prevents
rejection, prolongs survival and preserves graft function as a
single agent or in combination with other drugs in non-human
primate renal and heart allografts. 4,5
*TNX-1500 is an investigational new biologic and
is not approved for any indication
Citations
- Lederman S, et al, J Exp Med.
1992;175(4):1091-101. doi: 10.1084/jem.175.4.1091. PMID: 1348081;
PMCID: PMC2119166.
- Boumpas DT, et. al. Arthritis Rheum.
2003;48(3):719-27. doi: 10.1002/art.10856. PMID: 12632425.
- Pierson RN 3rd, et al.
Transplantation. 1999;68(11):1800-5. doi:
10.1097/00007890-199912150-00026. PMID: 10609959.
- Lassiter G, et al. Am J Transplant.
2023;23(8):1171-1181. doi: 10.1016/j.ajt.2023.03.022.
- Miura S, et al. Am J Transplant.
2023;23(8):1182-1193. doi: 10.1016/j.ajt.2023.03.025.
Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding
Corp.*
Tonix is a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical
company focused on transforming therapies for pain management and
vaccines for public health challenges. Tonix’s development
portfolio is focused on central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
Tonix’s priority is to advance TNX-102 SL, a product candidate for
the management of fibromyalgia, for which an NDA was submitted
based on two statistically significant Phase 3 studies for the
management of fibromyalgia and for which a PDUFA (Prescription Drug
User Fee act) goal date of August 15, 2025 has been assigned for a
decision on marketing authorization. The FDA has also granted Fast
Track designation to TNX-102 SL for the management of fibromyalgia.
TNX-102 SL is also being developed to treat acute stress reaction
and acute stress disorder under a Physician-Initiated IND at the
University of North Carolina in the OASIS study funded by the U.S.
Department of Defense (DoD). Tonix’s CNS portfolio includes
TNX-1300 (cocaine esterase), a biologic in Phase 2 development
designed to treat cocaine intoxication that has FDA Breakthrough
Therapy designation, and its development is supported by a grant
from the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Tonix’s immunology
development portfolio consists of biologics to address organ
transplant rejection, autoimmunity and cancer, including TNX-1500,
which is an Fc-modified humanized monoclonal antibody targeting
CD40-ligand (CD40L or CD154) being developed for the prevention of
allograft rejection and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Tonix also has product candidates in development in infectious
disease, including a vaccine for mpox, TNX-801. Tonix recently
announced a contract with the U.S. DoD’s Defense Threat Reduction
Agency (DTRA) for up to $34 million over five years to develop
TNX-4200, small molecule broad-spectrum antiviral agents targeting
CD45 for the prevention or treatment of infections to improve the
medical readiness of military personnel in biological threat
environments. Tonix owns and operates a state-of-the art infectious
disease research facility in Frederick, Md. Tonix Medicines, our
commercial subsidiary, markets Zembrace® SymTouch® (sumatriptan
injection) 3 mg and Tosymra® (sumatriptan nasal spray) 10 mg for
the treatment of acute migraine with or without aura in adults.
* Tonix’s product development candidates are
investigational new drugs or biologics; their efficacy and safety
have not been established and have not been approved for any
indication.
Zembrace SymTouch and Tosymra are registered
trademarks of Tonix Medicines. All other marks are property of
their respective owners.
This press release and further information about
Tonix can be found at www.tonixpharma.com.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are
forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified
by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,”
“believe,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “expect,” and “intend,” among
others. These forward-looking statements are based on Tonix's
current expectations and actual results could differ materially.
There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to
differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking
statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, risks
related to the failure to obtain FDA clearances or approvals and
noncompliance with FDA regulations; risks related to the failure to
successfully market any of our products; risks related to the
timing and progress of clinical development of our product
candidates; our need for additional financing; uncertainties of
patent protection and litigation; uncertainties of government or
third party payor reimbursement; limited research and development
efforts and dependence upon third parties; and substantial
competition. As with any pharmaceutical under development, there
are significant risks in the development, regulatory approval and
commercialization of new products. Tonix does not undertake an
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.
Investors should read the risk factors set forth in the Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on April 1,
2024, and periodic reports filed with the SEC on or after the date
thereof. All of Tonix's forward-looking statements are expressly
qualified by all such risk factors and other cautionary statements.
The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date
thereof.
Investor Contact
Jessica MorrisTonix
Pharmaceuticalsinvestor.relations@tonixpharma.com (862)
904-8182
Peter VozzoICR Healthcarepeter.vozzo@icrhealthcare.com (443)
213-0505
Media Contact
Ray JordanPutnam Insightsray@putnaminsights.com(949)
245-5432
Indication and Usage
Zembrace® SymTouch® (sumatriptan succinate) injection (Zembrace)
and Tosymra® (sumatriptan) nasal spray are prescription medicines
used to treat acute migraine headaches with or without aura in
adults who have been diagnosed with migraine.
Zembrace and Tosymra are not used to prevent migraines. It is
not known if Zembrace or Tosymra are safe and effective in children
under 18 years of age.
Important Safety Information
Zembrace and Tosymra can cause serious side effects,
including heart attack and other heart problems, which may lead to
death. Stop use and get emergency help if you have any signs of a
heart attack:
- discomfort in the center of your
chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes
back
- severe tightness, pain, pressure, or
heaviness in your chest, throat, neck, or jaw
- pain or discomfort in your arms,
back, neck, jaw or stomach
- shortness of breath with or without
chest discomfort
- breaking out in a cold sweat
- nausea or vomiting
- feeling lightheaded
Zembrace and Tosymra are not for people with risk factors for
heart disease (high blood pressure or cholesterol, smoking,
overweight, diabetes, family history of heart disease) unless a
heart exam shows no problem.
Do not use Zembrace or Tosymra if you have:
- history of heart problems
- narrowing of blood vessels to your
legs, arms, stomach, or kidney (peripheral vascular disease)
- uncontrolled high blood
pressure
- hemiplegic or basilar migraines. If
you are not sure if you have these, ask your provider.
- had a stroke, transient ischemic
attacks (TIAs), or problems with blood circulation
- severe liver problems
- taken any of the following medicines
in the last 24 hours: almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan,
naratriptan, rizatriptan, ergotamines, or dihydroergotamine. Ask
your provider for a list of these medicines if you are not
sure.
- are taking certain antidepressants,
known as monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A inhibitors or it has been 2
weeks or less since you stopped taking a MAO-A inhibitor. Ask your
provider for a list of these medicines if you are not sure.
- an allergy to sumatriptan or any of
the components of Zembrace or Tosymra
Tell your provider about all of your medical conditions and
medicines you take, including vitamins and supplements.
Zembrace and Tosymra can cause dizziness, weakness, or
drowsiness. If so, do not drive a car, use machinery, or do
anything where you need to be alert.
Zembrace and Tosymra may cause serious side effects
including:
- changes in color or sensation in
your fingers and toes
- sudden or severe stomach pain,
stomach pain after meals, weight loss, nausea or vomiting,
constipation or diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, fever
- cramping and pain in your legs or
hips; feeling of heaviness or tightness in your leg muscles;
burning or aching pain in your feet or toes while resting;
numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs; cold feeling or color
changes in one or both legs or feet
- increased blood pressure including a
sudden severe increase even if you have no history of high blood
pressure
- medication overuse headaches from
using migraine medicine for 10 or more days each month. If your
headaches get worse, call your provider.
- serotonin syndrome, a rare but
serious problem that can happen in people using Zembrace or
Tosymra, especially when used with anti-depressant medicines called
SSRIs or SNRIs. Call your provider right away if you have: mental
changes such as seeing things that are not there (hallucinations),
agitation, or coma; fast heartbeat; changes in blood pressure; high
body temperature; tight muscles; or trouble walking.
- hives (itchy bumps); swelling of
your tongue, mouth, or throat
- seizures even in people who have
never had seizures before
The most common side effects of Zembrace and Tosymra include:
pain and redness at injection site (Zembrance only); tingling or
numbness in your fingers or toes; dizziness; warm, hot, burning
feeling to your face (flushing); discomfort or stiffness in your
neck; feeling weak, drowsy, or tired; application site (nasal)
reactions (Tosymra only) and throat irritation (Tosymra only).
Tell your provider if you have any side effect that bothers you
or does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of
Zembrace and Tosymra. For more information, ask your provider.
This is the most important information to know about Zembrace
and Tosymra but is not comprehensive. For more information, talk to
your provider and read the Patient Information and Instructions for
Use. You can also visit https://www.tonixpharma.com or call
1-888-869-7633.
You are encouraged to report adverse effects of prescription
drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call
1-800-FDA-1088.
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