Category: Healthcare

Research News and Market Data on TNXP

This post was written and published as a collaboration between the in-house editorial team at Benzinga and Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. with financial support from Tonix. The two organizations work to ensure that any and all information contained within is true and accurate as of the date hereof to the best of their knowledge and research. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice.

CHATHAM, NJ / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2024 / Following an upsurge of cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and several other countries in Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern on Aug. 14 – the second such declaration in two years. The WHO has called on vaccine manufacturers to step up efforts to curb the spread of a new, more deadly strain of the virus.

The WHO also is asking companies and organizations to bring in their vaccines, inviting developers of mpox vaccines to submit an Expression of Interest for Emergency Use Listing (EUL).

Amid this backdrop, Tonix Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:TNXP) is developing a vaccine candidate, called TNX-801, that could play a role in combating this escalating global health crisis. Tonix has successfully completed non-human primate studies showing protection from challenge with lethal doses of the Clade 1 monkeypox virus that is driving the new epidemic.

Clearly more testing is ahead for TNX-801, but the technology behind it is rooted in the science of Edward Jenner’s smallpox vaccine of the late 1700s, the only vaccine to successfully eradicate a contagious viral pathogen.

These credentials have earned the vaccine technology platform upon which TNX-801 is based a competitive spot in the NIH’s NextGen program for a more effective, single-dose COVID-19 vaccine to potentially provide durable protection instead of the every-six month booster strategy of mRNA vaccines.

Last month, another of Tonix’s technologies was awarded a contract for up to $34 million by the U.S. Department of Defense to develop a single broad spectrum antiviral that would work against multiple potential biowarfare agents.

An Historical Approach to Modern Challenges
The current mpox crisis can be traced back to a decision made in the 1970s to discontinue routine smallpox vaccinations after smallpox was successfully eradicated. Research shows that the smallpox vaccine also provided immunity against mpox. In retrospect, smallpox vaccination kept mpox out of the human population in Africa. So an unintended consequence of stopping vaccinations for smallpox meant that mpox, then known as monkeypox (which is still the name of the virus), was able to reemerge in the human population.

Tonix’s mpox vaccine is believed to be closely related to the original smallpox vaccine invented by British physician Edward Jenner in 1796. Jenner’s vaccine is credited with being the first and only vaccine to successfully eradicate a viral pathogen. This triumph depended on several important attributes of the vaccine, including that it was generally well-tolerated, provided long-term immunity with a single dose, prevented forward transmission and provided a simple biomarker confirmation of protective immunity known as a “take”.

TNX-801 is designed to have these same attributes; it is delivered in a single dose that provides protective immunity to animals that is marked by a “take”. It is believed to have a high likelihood of providing durable immunity and preventing forward transmission. Furthermore, unlike many other vaccines, TNX-801 does not require complex ultra cold-chain storage, making it a strong candidate for global distribution.

The Science Behind TNX-801
Unlike mRNA vaccines, which primarily elicit an antibody response that requires frequent booster shots, TNX-801 is designed to trigger a robust T-cell response. T-cells have the ability to recognize and remember internal parts of viral proteins, not just those on the surface. T-cell memory lasts for years – even decades – providing long-term immunity and potentially eliminating the need for repeated boosters.

In preclinical trials, Tonix says TNX-801 demonstrated the ability to prevent death, clinical disease and lesions caused by a lethal challenge of monkeypox virus in non-human primates. Similar to Jenner’s smallpox vaccine, TNX-801 also significantly reduced viral shedding, suggesting that it can block forward transmission,. Tonix is rushing to manufacture vaccine suitable for Phase 1 human trials.

Beyond Mpox: A Platform for Future Pandemics
The vaccine platform on which TNX-801 is based has potential applications beyond mpox. The company says the TNX-1800 version of the platform, for example, is designed to protect against COVID-19 and has shown promise in preclinical studies. The U.S. National Institute of Health has recognized the potential of Tonix’s platform by selecting it for Project NextGen, aimed at developing next-generation COVID-19 vaccines and pandemic platform technologies.

As the world faces the growing threat of mpox and other infectious diseases, Tonix Pharmaceuticals is not only attempting to address the current crisis with TNX-801, but also potentially contributing to a future where pandemics can be more predictably contained.

Featured photo by Gilnature on iStock.

This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice.

Click here for more information on Tonix Pharmaceuticals: https://redingtonvirtual.com/tnxp-aw-24082/

Investor Contact
Jessica Morris
Tonix Pharmaceuticals
investor.relations@tonixpharma.com
(862) 904-8182

SOURCE: Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.

Research News and Market Data on TNXP

CATALYST is a Phase 2 single-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept study in patients presenting to the emergency department

More than 27,569 individuals in the U.S. died from drug overdose deaths involving cocaine in 2022; there is currently no FDA-approved product for cocaine intoxication

Topline results are expected in the first half of 2025

CHATHAM, N.J., Aug. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP), a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company with marketed products and a pipeline of development candidates, today announced the first patient has been dosed in the Phase 2, single-blind, placebo-controlled, proof of concept trial of TNX-1300 (double-mutant cocaine esterase 200 mg, i.v. solution) for the treatment of acute cocaine intoxication in the emergency department (ED). TNX-1300 is a recombinant enzyme that rapidly and efficiently degrades and metabolizes cocaine in cocaine users, as demonstrated in a prior Phase 2a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, laboratory-based clinical study, providing support for the use of TNX-1300 as a treatment for life-threatening cocaine intoxication.¹

Tonix has been awarded a Cooperative Agreement Grant from National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to support development of TNX-1300 for the treatment of cocaine intoxication. In addition, TNX-1300 has been granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“Cocaine abuse and dependence are major problems in the U.S. However, there is currently no FDA-approved treatment indicated for cocaine intoxication, a life-threatening state characterized by acute symptoms including agitation, hyperthermia, tachycardia, arrhythmias, hypertensive crisis, myocardial infarction, stroke, and seizures,” said Seth Lederman, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Tonix Pharmaceuticals. “In 2022, the number of overdose deaths involving cocaine reached 27,569 individuals.² With approximately 505,000 emergency room visits annually involving cocaine use and approximately 61,000 of the visits involving detox services to treat cocaine overdose,^3,4 we believe TNX-1300 has the potential to help address the morbidity and mortality caused by cocaine intoxication. By targeting the cause rather than the symptoms of cocaine intoxication, TNX-1300 may offer significant advantages to the current standard of care for cocaine overdose.”

The Phase 2 trial is a single-blind, open-label, placebo-controlled, randomized study comparing the safety of a single 200 mg dose of TNX-1300 to placebo injection plus standard of care alone for the treatment of signs and symptoms of acute cocaine intoxication. The study is being conducted in the EDs of six academic medical centers in the U.S. It will include approximately 60 subjects presenting to the ED with cocaine intoxication. During the treatment period, subjects randomized to receive TNX-1300 will receive a single i.v. injection of TNX-1300 administered over two minutes or less; whereas subjects randomized to receive standard of care alone will receive a single i.v. saline injection over two minutes or less. For both study arms, signs and symptoms of cocaine intoxication will be assessed at pre-determined time points after treatment. After randomization, blood samples will be drawn at specific time points to assess the pharmacokinetics of TNX-1300 and levels of cocaine and its metabolites in the plasma. The primary endpoint of the study is reduction of systolic blood pressure associated with acute cocaine intoxication identified at study baseline comparing TNX-1300 to placebo with standard of care after 60 minutes. A variety of secondary endpoints will be measured, including reduction of circulating cocaine and levels of its metabolites at multiple post-baseline timepoints.

For more information, see ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06045793

About TNX-1300

TNX-1300 (T172R/G173Q double-mutant cocaine esterase 200 mg, i.v. solution) is being developed under an Investigational New Drug application (IND) for the treatment of cocaine intoxication.  TNX-1300 is a recombinant protein enzyme produced through recombinant DNA technology in a non-disease-producing strain of E. coli bacteria. Cocaine esterase (CocE) was identified in bacteria (Rhodococcus) that uses cocaine as its sole source of carbon and nitrogen and that grows in soil surrounding coca plants.⁵ The gene encoding CocE was identified and the protein was extensively characterized.^5–8 CocE catalyzes the breakdown of cocaine into metabolite ecgonine methyl ester and benzoic acid.  Wild-type CocE is unstable at human body temperature, so targeted mutations were introduced in the CocE gene and resulted in the T172R/G173Q double-mutant CocE, which is active for approximately 6 hours at body temperature.⁸  In a Phase 2 laboratory-based study in volunteers who use cocaine, TNX-1300, at 100 mg or 200 mg i.v. doses, was well tolerated and rapidly reduced cocaine effects after cocaine 50 mg i.v. challenge.¹

About Cocaine Intoxication and Overdose

Cocaine is an illicit recreational drug which is taken for its pleasurable effects and associated euphoria. In 2022, over 5 million individuals in the U.S. reported current cocaine use, almost 2% of the population.⁹ Pharmacologically, cocaine blocks the reuptake of the neurotransmitter dopamine from central nervous system synapses, resulting in the accumulation of dopamine within the synapse and an amplification of dopamine signaling and its capacity to produce euphoric mood states. With the continued use of cocaine, however, intense cocaine cravings occur resulting in a high potential for abuse and addiction (dependence), as well as the risk of acute cocaine intoxication. Cocaine intoxication refers to the deleterious effects on several body systems, especially those involving the cardiovascular system. Common symptoms of cocaine intoxication include tachyarrhythmias and elevated blood pressure, either of which can be life-threatening. As a result, individuals with known or suspected cocaine intoxication are sent immediately to the emergency department (ED), preferably by ambulance in case cardiac arrest occurs during transit. The standard of care for treating cocaine intoxication in the ED focuses on symptom management, preventing complications, and supporting cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological function, e.g. benzodiazepines for agitation, seizures, and sympathetic overdrive; antihypertensives for extremely elevated blood pressure; aspirin and nitroglycerine for cardiac ischemia. There are approximately 505,000 emergency room visits for cocaine abuse each year in the U.S., of which 61,000 require detoxification services.^3,4 According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in 2022 the number of overdose death involving cocaine reached 27,569 individuals.² In 2019, Black Americans experienced the highest death rate for overdoses involving cocaine, at 10.7 per 100,000.¹⁰

References

¹ Nasser et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of RBP-8000 in cocaine abusers: pharmacokinetic profile of rbp-8000 and cocaine and effects of RBP-8000 on cocaine-induced physiological effects. J Addict Dis. 2014;33(4):289-302.

² https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates; August 18, 2024

³ Substance Mental Health Services Administration, Drug Abuse Warning Network, 2011: National Estimates of Drug- Related Emergency Department Visits. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 13-4760, DAWN Series D-39. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2013.

⁴ Drug Abuse Warning Network, 2011: Selected Tables of National Estimates of Drug-Related Emergency Department Visits. Rockville, MD: Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, SAMHSA, 2013.

⁵ Bresler, et al. Gene cloning and nucleotide sequencing and properties of a cocaine esterase from Rhodococcus sp. strain MB1. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2000. 66(3):904-8.

⁶ Larsen, et al. Crystal structure of a bacterial cocaine esterase. Nat Struct Biol. 2002. 9(1):17-21.

⁷ Turner, et al. Biochemical characterization and structural analysis of a highly proficient cocaine esterase. Biochemistry. 2002. 41(41):12297-307.

⁸ Gao, et al. Thermostable variants of cocaine esterase for long-time protection against cocaine toxicity. Mol Pharmacol. 2009. 75(2):318-23.

⁹ https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/deaths/other-drugs.html; accessed August 18, 2024

¹⁰ Kariisa, et al. Drug overdose deaths involving cocaine and psychostimulants with abuse potential among racial and ethnic groups – United States, 2004-2019. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2021. 1;227:109001.

Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.^*

Tonix is a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on transforming therapies for pain management and modernizing solutions for public health challenges. Tonix’s development portfolio is focused on central nervous system (CNS) disorders, and its priority is to submit a New Drug Application (NDA) to the FDA in the second half of 2024 for TNX-102 SL, a product candidate for which two statistically significant Phase 3 studies have been completed for the management of fibromyalgia. The FDA has 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. Tonix’s CNS portfolio includes TNX-1300 (cocaine esterase), a biologic in Phase 2 development designed to treat cocaine intoxication that has Breakthrough Therapy designation. Tonix’s immunology development portfolio consists of biologics to address organ transplant rejection, autoimmunity and cancer, including TNX-1500, which is a 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 the areas of rare disease, including TNX-2900 for Prader-Willi syndrome, and infectious disease, including a vaccine for mpox, TNX-801. Tonix recently announced the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) awarded it a contract for up to $34 million over five years in an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) 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, instrumental in progressing this development. 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 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 Morris
Tonix Pharmaceuticals
investor.relations@tonixpharma.com
(862) 904-8182

Peter Vozzo
ICR Westwicke
peter.vozzo@westwicke.com
(443) 213-0505

Media Contact

Ray Jordan
Putnam Insights
ray@putnaminsights.com
(949) 245-5432

Source: Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.

Released August 20, 2024

Research News and Market Data on TNXP

On track to submit NDA in second half 2024 for TNX-102 SL for fibromyalgia; completed successful pre-NDA meetings with FDA in second quarter 2024

FDA granted Fast Track designation for TNX-102 SL for fibromyalgia

Commercial planning continues for U.S. launch of TNX-102 SL, a potential new first-line, centrally-acting, non-opioid analgesic for the management of fibromyalgia

U.S. Department of Defense contract awarded for up to $34 million over 5 years to develop a broad-spectrum antiviral drug

World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared spread of mpox in multiple African countries a public health emergency of international concern – Tonix’s TNX-801 is an mpox vaccine in development which protects animals against lethal challenge of monkeypox virus

CHATHAM, N.J., Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 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 financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024, and provided an overview of recent operational highlights.

“In the second quarter of 2024, we made significant progress advancing our New Drug Application (NDA) and market access strategy for TNX-102 SL (cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablets),” said Seth Lederman, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Tonix. “We are working diligently on the regulatory submission and are pleased to have been granted Fast Track designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and to be in alignment with the agency regarding the content of our proposed NDA package. Fast Track is designed to facilitate the development and expedite FDA review of important new drugs to treat serious conditions and fill an unmet medical need. We are hopeful that TNX-102 SL can be the first new drug to treat fibromyalgia in more than 15 years.”

Dr. Lederman continued, “Additionally, we continue to advance other key pipeline candidates through a capital efficient strategy, including TNX-4200, our broad-spectrum antiviral program for which we were awarded up to $34 million over five years from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to advance its development.”

Recent Highlights – Key Product Candidates*

Central Nervous System (CNS) Pipeline

TNX-102 SL (cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablets): a centrally-acting, non-opioid, analgesic taken once-daily at bedtime for the management of fibromyalgia.

• In July 2024, the FDA granted Fast Track designation to TNX-102 SL for the management of fibromyalgia. The designation validates that fibromyalgia is a serious condition and that TNX-102 SL has the potential to address this unmet medical need. The Company continues to guide for submission of the NDA for TNX-102 SL in the second half of 2024 which would allow for a potential FDA approval in 2025.
• In July 2024, Tonix announced that, based on the new definition of Long COVID by the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM), fibromyalgia is a ‘diagnosable condition’ in people suffering from Long COVID. The Company believes that diagnosing fibromyalgia in Long COVID patients will increase the potential market for TNX-102 SL following approval as compared to market estimates from before the COVID-19 pandemic.
• During the second quarter, Tonix successfully completed two positive pre-NDA meetings with the FDA for TNX-102 SL for the management of fibromyalgia. The first, with minutes announced in June 2024, was a Type B Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) meeting to seek alignment and agreement with the FDA on key CMC topics to support the planned NDA submission for TNX-102 SL. Based on formal meeting minutes, the Company believes it is aligned with the FDA on proposed drug substance and drug product commercial specifications, shelf life assignment, manufacturing and commercial drug packaging. At the second pre-NDA meeting announced in July 2024, the Company and the FDA aligned on nonclinical, clinical pharmacology and clinical matters and agreed that the proposed data package is sufficient to support the NDA submission.
• In June 2024, at the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology (ASCP) meeting the Company presented new, additional data on TNX-102 SL, highlighting improvement in depressive symptoms as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) as well as improvements in anxiety, memory and energy items on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire-Revised (FIQR). Depression was frequent among patients enrolled in the Phase 3 RESILIENT study, as ~47% reported experiencing depression within the past six months upon fibromyalgia diagnosis and ~25% of the intent-to-treat (ITT) population had experienced a lifetime major depressive episode (MDE). However, by Week 14 of the trial, the total BDI-II score in the TNX-102 SL group improved over placebo with a nominal p-value of 0.005 and an effect size of 0.27. On the FIQR, exploratory analyses uncorrected for multiplicity demonstrated improvement in the TNX-102 SL group over placebo in depression (p < 0.001), anxiety (p = 0.001), sensitivity (p = 0.020), memory problems (p = 0.001) and energy (p < 0.001). TNX-102 SL was well tolerated and the most common adverse events were transient sensations in the mouth corresponding with the disintegration of the tablet under the tongue. Together these findings provide further support that TNX-102 SL has broad-spectrum activity against fibromyalgia symptoms and may improve fibromyalgia at the syndromal level.
• EVERSANA® Life Science Services, LLC, a leading provider of commercialization services to the global life sciences industry, completed the initial phase of an assessment of the U.S market opportunity for TNX-102 SL. Tonix had previously announced that EVERSANA was selected to support the launch strategy and commercial planning of TNX-102 SL. Specifically, EVERSANA is working with Tonix to assess the fibromyalgia landscape and help plan an efficient go-to-market strategy. EVERSANA conducted primary research, analyzed potential market size, surveyed currently marketed treatment options and their market shares and interviewed physicians for feedback regarding the currently prescribed treatments and their interest in TNX-102 SL as a potential new treatment option. This physician feedback demonstrated high levels of dissatisfaction with currently prescribed drugs, a high unmet need for their fibromyalgia patients, and high levels of interest in TNX-102 SL’s favorable activity and tolerability profile. Further analysis showed that addictive opioids are prescribed more frequently than the currently approved drugs following fibromyalgia diagnosis. Physicians also indicated they would intend to use TNX-102 SL in 40% of their fibromyalgia patients.¹

TNX-102 SL for the treatment of acute stress reaction (ASR) and acute stress disorder (ASD), and prophylaxis against development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• In May 2024, Tonix announced a plan for a Phase 2, investigator-initiated OASIS trial, designed to examine the safety and efficacy of TNX-102 SL in treating Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) after motor vehicle collision. The trial is sponsored by the University of North Carolina Institute for Trauma Recovery and supported by a $3 million contract from the DoD, which was awarded in September 2023.   TNX-102 SL will be evaluated for the reduction in severity of acute stress reaction (ASR) and the frequency of acute stress disorder (ASD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in civilians after a motor vehicle collision. Previous trials of TNX-102 SL showed that it reduced military PTSD symptoms within two weeks while evidencing similar favorable tolerability as in fibromyalgia patients.
• Tonix expects to enroll the first patient in the Phase 2 OASIS trial in the third quarter of 2024.

TNX-1300 (recombinant double mutant cocaine esterase): biologic for life-threatening cocaine intoxication

• Tonix expects to initiate a Phase 2 clinical study of TNX-1300 for the treatment of cocaine intoxication in emergency rooms in the third quarter of 2024. In 2022, Tonix was awarded a Cooperative Agreement grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)’s National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) to support development of TNX-1300.
• TNX-1300 has been granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the FDA.  

TNX-1900 (intranasal potentiated oxytocin): small peptide in development through investigator-initiated studies for adolescent obesity, binge eating disorder (BED), bone health in autism and social anxiety disorder (SAD).

• TNX-1900 continues to be studied in four ongoing investigator-initiated Phase 2 studies. There are three studies at Massachusetts General Hospital: the POWER study for the treatment of adolescent obesity, the STROBE study for the treatment of BED, and the BOX study for the treatment of bone health in pediatric autism. In addition, Tonix is conducting an investigator-initiated study of TNX-1900 for the treatment of SAD at the University of Washington.

Rare Disease Pipeline

TNX-2900 (intranasal potentiated oxytocin): small peptide for the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS)

• In March 2024, Tonix announced that it received Rare Pediatric Disease designation from the FDA for TNX-2900 for the treatment of PWS. Tonix has an investigational new drug (IND) to support clinical development of TNX-2900 to treat PWS in children and adolescents, including a planned Phase 2, dose-finding study involving approximately 36 PWS patients. TNX-2900 for the treatment of PWS was granted Orphan Drug designation by the FDA in 2022. PWS is a rare genetic disorder which causes cognitive and behavioral symptoms including pathological over-eating in childhood, which leads to severe metabolic sequelae in adolescence and adulthood.

Immunology Pipeline

TNX-1500 (anti-CD40L Fc-modified humanized monoclonal antibody): third generation anti-CD40L monoclonal antibody for prophylaxis of organ transplant rejection and treatment of autoimmune disorders.

• The first proposed indication for TNX-1500 is prophylaxis of organ rejection in adult patients receiving a kidney transplant; but multiple additional indications are possible, including autoimmune diseases. Preclinical studies have shown that TNX-1500 maintains the activity of first-generation monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), yet with reduced risk of thrombotic complications.^2-4 Modeling studies from animal pharmacokinetic data² predict a half-life of greater than three weeks for TNX-1500 in humans, which supports a monthly i.v. dosing regimen^5,6. This analysis together with TNX-1500’s activity and tolerability in animals, suggests that the protein engineering of TNX-1500’s Fc region has achieved its design goals.
• In June 2024, at the American Transplant Congress 2024, Tonix announced data demonstrating the combined use of TNX-1500 and anti-CD28 monoclonal antibody, VEL-101 is associated with durable protection and graft survival and function in a nonhuman primate model. Further data demonstrated that TNX-1500 has promise to prevent rejection of 9-, or 10-gene-edited (GE) pig hearts.^7,8 All research has been directed by the faculty of the Center for Transplantation Sciences at Massachusetts General Hospital.
• Tonix completed the clinical stage of its Phase 1 single ascending dose study of TNX-1500 in healthy volunteers. The primary objectives of the study are to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravenous TNX-1500. This first-in-human study is intended to support dosing in a planned Phase 2 trial in kidney transplant recipients.

Infectious Disease Pipeline

TNX-4200 (orally available CD45 antagonist), TNX-3900 (cathepsin inhibitor), TNX-4000 (glycan-targeted biologic)

• Tonix is developing potential broad-spectrum antiviral drugs in three programs: CD45-targeted therapeutics (TNX-4200), cathepsin inhibitors (TNX-3900) and viral glycan-targeted engineered biologics (TNX-4000).
• In July 2024, the Company announced that the DoD’s Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) awarded it a contract for up to $34 million over five years in an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA). The objective of the contract is to develop small molecule broad-spectrum antiviral agents for the prevention or treatment of infections to improve the medical readiness of military personnel in biological threat environments. The $34 million five-year contract will help fund and accelerate the development of Tonix’s broad-spectrum antiviral program, which has the potential to reduce viral load and allow the adaptive immune system to alert the other arms of the immune system to mount a protective response. The Company’s program will focus on optimization and development of its TNX-4200 program, to develop an orally available CD45 antagonist, with broad-spectrum efficacy against a range of viral families through preclinical evaluation. The program is expected to establish physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetics, and safety attributes to support an IND submission and to fund a first-in-human Phase 1 clinical study.

TNX-801 (recombinant horsepox virus, live vaccine): potential vaccine to protect against mpox disease and smallpox.

• In June 2024, Tonix announced data at an oral keynote presentation at the Vaccine Congress 2024, detailing the company vaccine platform, including TNX-801 (horsepox, live virus) vaccine for preventing mpox (formerly known as monkeypox). TNX-801 is a live replicating attenuated vaccine based on horsepox that is believed to provide immune protection with better tolerability than modern vaccinia viruses. In the data, Tonix highlighted positive preclinical efficacy, demonstrating that TNX-801 protected non-human primates against lethal challenge with intratracheal Clade 1 monkeypox virus.9 After a single dose vaccination, TNX-801 prevented clinical disease and lesions and also decreased shedding in the mouth and lungs of non-human primates. These findings are consistent with mucosal immunity and suggest the ability to block forward transmission.  
• The WHO determined that the upsurge of mpox in a growing number of countries in Africa constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, the second such declaration in the past two years called in response to transmission of the virus.
• Mpox is epidemic in Central Africa and experts fear the new Clade 1 strain may spread to the U.S.
• The company’s Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-capable advanced manufacturing facility in Dartmouth, MA was purpose-built to manufacture TNX-801 and the GMP suites are ready to be reactivated in case of a national or international emergency.

TNX-1800 (modified recombinant horsepox virus, live vaccine): potential vaccine to protect against COVID-19 designed to express the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein

• In June 2024, the Company announced preclinical data, demonstrating immunity and tolerability, during an oral keynote talk at the Vaccine Congress 2024.^10,11 Like TNX-801, TNX-1800 is a live replicating attenuated vaccine based on horsepox that is believed to provide immune protection with better tolerability than modern vaccinia viruses. TNX-1800 was selected by the NIH’s Project NextGen for inclusion in clinical trials as part of a select group of next generation COVID-19 vaccine candidates with the intent to identify promising vaccine platforms. NIH plans to conduct a Phase 1 trial and cover the full cost, while Tonix provides the vaccine candidate.

Marketed Products – Recent Highlights

• As of April 1, 2024, Tonix completed the transition to becoming a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company. Tonix Pharmaceuticals has implemented personnel, systems and contracts required to support a commercial organization and has assumed responsibility for distribution, selling and marketing of Zembrace SymTouch® and Tosymra®, as well as supply chain, regulatory and quality control of the two products.
• In June 2024, the Company presented data at the 66^th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Headache Society (AHS) comparing real-world data with real-world usage of non-oral migraine products with the most recent AHS consensus statement. This data stressed the need for customizing treatment of migraine headaches to the needs of patients. Thus far, real world data show that conformity with the guidelines and the consensus statement have yet to be achieved but has the potential to be increased. The data show the use of non-oral drugs for treating an acute migraine attack was only 7% in 2012 and has decreased to below 4% in 2023, when the potential need for such drugs is anticipated to be a more substantial percentage of migraineurs based on epidemiological data.

TNX-102 SL has not been approved for any indication.

¹EVERSANA primary physician research, May 2024; commissioned by Tonix

²Lassiter G., et al. Am J Transplantation. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajt.2023.03.022

³Miura S., et al. Am J Transplantation. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajt.2023.03.025

⁴Anand RP., et al. Nature. 2023:622, 393–401. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06594-4

⁵Deng R., et al. Mabs. 2011. https://doi.org/10.4161/mabs.3.1.13799

⁶Tonix Pharmaceuticals – Data on File

⁷Revivicor 9-GE pigs: GalKO.β4GalNT2KO.GHRKO.hCD46.hCD55.hTBM.hEPCR.hCD47.hHO-1

⁸ Revivicor 10-GE pigs: GalKO.β4GalNT2KO.CMAHKO.GHRKO.hCD46.CD55.hTBM.hEPCR.hCD47.hHO-1.

⁹Noyce RS, et al. Viruses. 2023;15(2):356. doi:10.3390/v15020356.

¹⁰Awasthi M., et al. Viruses. 2023;15(10):2131. doi:10.3390/v15102131.

¹¹Awasthi M., et al. Vaccines (Basel). 2023;11(11):1682. doi:10.3390/vaccines11111682.

      Recent Highlights – Financial

As of June 30, 2024, Tonix had $4.2 million of cash and cash equivalents, compared to $24.9 million as of December 31, 2023. Net cash used in operations was approximately $30.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to $56.3 million for the same period in 2023.

Subsequent to the quarter ending June 30, 2024, Tonix received net proceeds of approximately $3.5 million in a securities purchase agreement with certain institutional and retail investors, and sold 0.8 million shares of common stock under the ATM Sales Agreement, for net proceeds of approximately $0.4 million.

Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Net product revenue for the second quarter 2024 was approximately $2.2 million. Net product revenue consisted of combined net sales of Zembrace® SymTouch® and Tosymra®, which were acquired from Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC on June 30, 2023. Cost of Sales for the second quarter 2024 was approximately $3.4 million, which included a write-down related to Tosymra and Zembrace finished goods inventory of approximately $1.7 million based on an assessment of inventory on hand and projected sales prior to the respective expiration dates.

Research and development expenses for the second quarter 2024 were $9.7 million, compared to $22.0 million for the same period in 2023. This decrease is predominantly due to decreased clinical, non-clinical and manufacturing expenses aligned with the Company’s capital efficient strategy.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the second quarter 2024 were $7.5 million, compared to $7.0 million for the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily due to sales and marketing and the transition services expenses associated with the Company’s recently acquired marketed products offset by a decrease in financial reporting expenses.

Net loss available to common stockholders was $78.8 million, or $19.28 per share, basic and diluted, for the second quarter 2024, compared to net loss of $28.4 million, or $49.23 per share, basic and diluted, for the same period in 2023. Included in the net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2024, are non-cash asset impairment charges totaling $58.9 million. The basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for the second quarter 2024 was 4,085,132 compared to 576,047 shares for the same period in 2023.

The impairment of the Tosymra and Zembrace inventory, intangibles and goodwill was driven by our delayed investment in the sales personnel required to drive growth in the business as we are focusing our cash resources to further our efforts to bring TNX-102 SL through the FDA approval process and to market. However, we believe that the benefits and long-term value proposition of the 2023 acquisition of Tosymra and Zembrace remain, in that we now have the infrastructure to be ready to manufacture and sell TNX-102 SL under an expedited timeline pending FDA approval for which we expect an FDA decision in 2025.

Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.^*

Tonix is a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on transforming therapies for pain management and modernizing solutions for public health challenges. Tonix’s development portfolio is focused on central nervous system (CNS) disorders, and its priority is to submit a New Drug Application (NDA) to the FDA in the second half of 2024 for TNX-102 SL, a product candidate for which two statistically significant Phase 3 studies have been completed for the management of fibromyalgia. The FDA has 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. Tonix’s CNS portfolio includes TNX-1300 (cocaine esterase), a biologic designed to treat cocaine intoxication that has Breakthrough Therapy designation. Tonix’s immunology development portfolio consists of biologics to address organ transplant rejection, autoimmunity and cancer, including TNX-1500, which is a 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 the areas of rare disease and infectious disease. Tonix recently announced the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) awarded it a contract for up to $34 million over five years in an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) 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, instrumental in progressing this development. 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 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.

Click here for full report

Research News and Market Data on TNXP

World Health Organization (WHO) has declared spread of mpox in multiple African countries a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) ¹

Tonix’s live virus vaccine candidate, TNX-801, is designed to provide long-term protection from mpox and smallpox with one dose

TNX-801 vaccination demonstrated efficacy in protecting animals from lethal challenge with intratracheal monkeypox virus

Clade II mpox is now endemic in the U.S. with >30,000 cases reported since May 2022² and Clade I mpox is endemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo³

Tonix’s vaccine platform has been selected by NIH’s Project NextGen for clinical testing

CHATHAM, N.J., Aug. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP) (Tonix or the Company), a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company with marketed products and a pipeline of development candidates, has reiterated its commitment to advance development of its live attenuated virus vaccine, TNX-801 (recombinant horsepox virus), for preventing mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) and other infectious diseases. On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) determined that the upsurge of mpox in a growing number of countries in Africa constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, the second such declaration in the past two years called in response to an mpox outbreak. The current outbreak was caused by Clade 1 monkeypox virus, while the 2022 outbreak was Clade 2 monkeypox virus.

TNX-801 is a live replicating attenuated vaccine candidate based on horsepox that is believed to provide immune protection with better tolerability than 20^th century vaccinia viruses. The same vaccine platform upon which TNX-801 is based was selected by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) for Project NextGen for an engineered version that expresses the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2.

As previously disclosed, TNX-801 protected animals against lethal challenge with intratracheal Clade 1 monkeypox virus⁴. After a single-dose vaccination, TNX-801 prevented clinical disease and lesions and also decreased shedding in the mouth and lungs of non-human primates⁴. These findings are consistent with mucosal immunity and suggest the ability to block forward transmission, similar to Dr. Edward Jenner’s vaccinia vaccine, which eradicated smallpox and kept mpox out of the human population.

“The recent WHO declaration underscores the urgent need for additional treatments to stop these outbreaks and save lives,” said Seth Lederman, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Tonix. “We are motivated to advance development for our mpox vaccine with urgency given the global public health emergency. Preclinical trials demonstrate that TNX-801 combines immune protection with improved tolerability and safety compared to other vaccines based on orthopoxviruses, and is administered with a single dose which has advantages over two-dose regimens. The durability of protection from 19^th century live virus vaccinia vaccines suggests that our attenuated TNX-801 will not require multiple repeated doses at six-month intervals like mRNA vaccines. Also, the stability of live virus vaccines eliminates the need for ultra-cold storage which complicates the widespread use of mRNA vaccines in Africa, where they are needed most right now.”

The global mpox outbreak, which commenced in 2022, has affected over 90,000 persons in countries where mpox had previously not been endemic, including Europe and the U.S. The spread of Clade IIb strain mpox in 2022 underscores the pandemic potential of mpox. Unlike Clade IIb mpox, the Clade I strain of mpox appears to be spreading to countries neighboring the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Clade I mpox is typically associated with approximately 20 times the case fatality rates than Clade IIb mpox in Africa. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other experts, there is a significant risk that the deadlier Clade I strain may appear in the U.S.^2,8

Further, the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense recently highlighted the renewed dual threats of a more virulent mpox epidemic and a smallpox re-introduction from lab accidents or bad actors⁹. The National Academies of Science, in its review of smallpox preparedness, highlighted the need for new single dose vaccines, like TNX-801 against smallpox¹⁰.

About TNX-801* and Tonix’s RPV Platform

TNX-801 (recombinant horsepox virus) is a live virus vaccine for percutaneous administration that is being developed to target smallpox, and mpox (monkeypox). TNX-801 is also the basis of the RPV platform based on a horsepox vector, which is being adapted as a COVID-19 vaccine, term TNX-1800*. Horsepox is a live replicating, attenuated virus that has been shown to be >1,000-fold more attenuated than 20^th century vaccinia (VACV) strains in immunocompromised mice. Horsepox and the vaccinia vaccine viruses are closely related orthopoxviruses that are believed to share a common ancestor. Molecular analysis shows that horsepox is closer than modern vaccinia vaccines in DNA sequence to the vaccine discovered and disseminated by Dr. Edward Jenner. Live replicating orthopoxviruses, like vaccinia or horsepox, can be engineered to express foreign genes and have been explored as platforms for vaccine development because they possess; (1) large packaging capacity for exogenous DNA inserts, (2) precise virus-specific control of exogenous gene insert expression, (3) lack of persistence or genomic integration in the host, (4) strong immunogenicity as a vaccine, (5) ability to rapidly generate vector/insert constructs, (6) readily manufacturable at scale, and (7) ability to provide direct antigen presentation. Relative to vaccinia, horsepox has substantially decreased virulence in mice. The current formulation is a frozen liquid, but we believe that future lyophilized versions can be stored and shipped at standard refrigeration. Horsepox-based vaccines are designed to be single dose, vial-sparing vaccines that can be administered without sterile injection, manufactured using conventional cell culture systems with the potential for mass scale production, and packaged in multi-dose vials.

Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.^*

Tonix is a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on developing, licensing and commercializing therapeutics to treat and prevent human disease and alleviate suffering. Tonix recently announced the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) awarded it a contract for up to $34 million over five years in an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) 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. The company’s Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-capable advanced manufacturing facility in Dartmouth, MA was purpose-built to manufacture TNX-801 and the GMP suites are ready to be reactivated in case of a national or international emergency. Tonix’s development portfolio is focused on central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Tonix’s priority is to submit a New Drug Application (NDA) to the FDA in the second half of 2024 for TNX-102 SL, a product candidate for which two statistically significant Phase 3 studies have been completed for the management of fibromyalgia. The FDA has 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. Tonix’s CNS portfolio includes TNX-1300 (cocaine esterase), a biologic designed to treat cocaine intoxication that has Breakthrough Therapy designation. Tonix’s immunology development portfolio consists of biologics to address organ transplant rejection, autoimmunity and cancer, including TNX-1500, which is a 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 the areas of rare disease and infectious disease. 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 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.

¹WHO Press Release August 14, 2024. “WHO Director-General declares mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern”. URL: www.who.int/news/item/14-08-2024-who-director-general-declares-mpox-outbreak-a-public-health-emergency-of-international-concern (accessed 8-15-24)
²McQuiston JH, et al. U.S. Preparedness and Response to Increasing Clade I Mpox Cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2024, MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep: United States. p. 435-440
³CDC. 2022-2023 Mpox: US Map and Case Count. https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/response/2022/us-map.html
⁴Noyce RS, et al. Viruses. 2023 Jan 26;15(2):356. doi: 10.3390/v15020356
⁵Trefry, SV et al. bioRxiv 2023.10.25.564033; https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.10.25.564033
⁶Awasthi M, et al. Viruses. 2023 Oct 21;15(10):2131. doi: 10.3390/v15102131.
⁷Awashti M et al Vaccines (Basel). 2023 Nov 2;11(11):1682. doi:10.3390/vaccines11111682.
⁸World Health Organization SAGE meeting highlights on updated mpox vaccine recommendations. 2024, March
⁹Bipartisan Commission on Biofense. Box the Pox: Reducing the risk of Smallpox and Other Orthopoxviruses, Washington: 2024
¹⁰U.S. National Academies of Science. Future State of Smallpox Medical Countermeasures. Washington: 2024

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 Morris
Tonix Pharmaceuticals
investor.relations@tonixpharma.com
(862) 904-8182

Peter Vozzo
ICR Westwicke
peter.vozzo@westwicke.com
(443) 213-0505

Media Contact

Lisa DeScenza
LaVoieHealthScience
ldescenza@lavoiehealthscience.com
(617) 351-0243

Source: Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.

Released August 16, 2024