Tonix Pharmaceuticals (TNXP) – Tonix Acquires Another Pipeline Product For Neuropathic Pain


Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Tonix is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, licensing, acquiring and developing therapeutics and diagnostics to treat and prevent human disease and alleviate suffering. Tonix’s portfolio is composed of immunology, rare disease, infectious disease, and central nervous system (CNS) product candidates. Tonix’s immunology portfolio includes biologics to address organ transplant rejection, autoimmunity and cancer, including TNX-15001 which is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD40-ligand being developed for the prevention of allograft and xenograft rejection and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. A Phase 1 study of TNX-1500 is expected to be initiated in the second half of 2022. Tonix’s rare disease portfolio includes TNX-29002 for the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome. TNX-2900 has been granted Orphan-Drug Designation by the FDA. Tonix’s infectious disease pipeline includes a vaccine in development to prevent smallpox and monkeypox called TNX-8013, next-generation vaccines to prevent COVID-19, and an antiviral to treat COVID-19. Tonix’s lead vaccine candidates for COVID-19 are TNX-1840 and TNX-18504, which are live virus vaccines based on Tonix’s recombinant pox vaccine (RPV) platform. TNX-35005 (sangivamycin, i.v. solution) is a small molecule antiviral drug to treat acute COVID-19 and is in the pre-IND stage of development. TNX-102 SL6, (cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablets), is a small molecule drug being developed to treat Long COVID, a chronic post-acute COVID-19 condition. Tonix expects to initiate a Phase 2 study in Long COVID in the second quarter of 2022. The Company’s CNS portfolio includes both small molecules and biologics to treat pain, neurologic, psychiatric and addiction conditions. Tonix’s lead CNS candidate, TNX-102 SL, is in mid-Phase 3 development for the management of fibromyalgia with a new Phase 3 study launched in the second quarter of 2022. Finally, TNX-13007 is a biologic designed to treat cocaine intoxication that is expected to start a Phase 2 trial in the second quarter of 2022. TNX-1300 has been granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation by the FDA.

Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Tonix Announced Acquisition of A Non-Opioid Pain Reliever. Tonix continues to build its neurological pain pipeline with the licensing of a Sigma-1 receptor antagonist for development in neuropathic pain relief. Published studies on the Sigma-1 receptor’s mechanism of action have shown activity in pain and several neurological diseases. We see this as an extension of the company’s product line in neurology, including products for fibromyalgia/pain, acute stress disorder, major depressive disorder, and migraine headache.

TNX-4900 Is Highly Selective For The Sigma-1 Receptor.  The new molecule, known as TNX-4900, is a small molecule developed to be highly selective for the Sigma-1 receptor, avoiding the Sigma-2 and other Sigma receptor-family members. It  has been tested in multiple models of pain and selected for its efficacy and safety profile. TNX-4900 has also shown ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, with favorable adsorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination (ADME) properties.


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Biotech M&A Activity Signals a Potential Turnaround for the Sector

After several challenging years marked by higher interest rates, tighter capital markets, and depressed valuations, signs are emerging that the biotech sector may be on the cusp of a meaningful turnaround. One of the clearest indicators is the renewed pickup in mergers and acquisitions activity across biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Historically, periods of rising M&A have often preceded broader recoveries in biotech equities, particularly among small- and mid-cap names that have been trading at discounted valuations.

Large pharmaceutical companies are once again stepping up as active acquirers. Many face looming patent expirations that threaten billions of dollars in revenue over the next several years, creating urgency to replenish drug pipelines. Rather than relying solely on in-house research and development, big pharma is increasingly turning to acquisitions and strategic partnerships with innovative biotech firms that already have promising assets in development. This dynamic disproportionately benefits smaller biotech companies, which often lack the capital to fully commercialize therapies on their own but possess highly valuable intellectual property.

The macroeconomic backdrop is also becoming more supportive. Expectations around interest rate cuts play a critical role in driving this renewed activity. Biotech companies are capital-intensive by nature, frequently operating for years without meaningful revenue while funding clinical trials and regulatory processes. When interest rates are high, the cost of capital rises, making financing more difficult and suppressing valuations. As rates begin to fall—or even as markets anticipate easing—capital becomes cheaper and more accessible, enabling both buyers and sellers to transact more confidently.

Lower interest rates also have a powerful effect on biotech valuations. Because many biotech companies derive much of their value from future potential cash flows rather than current earnings, they are particularly sensitive to discount rates used in valuation models. When rates decline, the present value of future earnings increases, supporting higher valuations across the sector. This dynamic can help reverse the multiple compression biotech stocks experienced during the tightening cycle.

In addition, rate cuts tend to shift investor behavior toward a more “risk-on” environment. As yields on safer assets like bonds decline, investors are more inclined to seek growth opportunities in sectors such as biotech, where innovation and breakthrough therapies can drive outsized returns. Rising equity prices and improved sentiment, in turn, make biotech companies more attractive acquisition targets, reinforcing the M&A cycle.

For small-cap biotech investors, this combination of increased deal activity and improving macro conditions is particularly significant. M&A announcements often come with substantial acquisition premiums, providing immediate upside for shareholders and helping reprice comparable companies across the sector. Even firms that are not direct acquisition targets can benefit as investors reassess the strategic value of underappreciated pipelines and platforms.

While risks remain and selectivity is still critical, the resurgence of biotech M&A alongside a more favorable interest rate environment suggests that the sector’s prolonged downturn may be nearing its end. If rate cuts materialize and deal momentum continues, biotech—especially at the small-cap level—could be positioned for a sustained recovery rather than just a short-term bounce.

Take a moment to take a look at some emerging growth biotech companies by taking a look at Noble Capital Markets’ Research Analyst Robert LeBoyer’s coverage list.

MAIA Biotechnology (MAIA) – Phase 3 THIO-104 Begins, Capping Off A Significant Year


Tuesday, December 16, 2025

MAIA is a targeted therapy, immuno-oncology company focused on the development and commercialization of potential first-in-class drugs with novel mechanisms of action that are intended to meaningfully improve and extend the lives of people with cancer. Our lead program is THIO, a potential first-in-class cancer telomere targeting agent in clinical development for the treatment of NSCLC patients with telomerase-positive cancer cells. For more information, please visit www.maiabiotech.com.

Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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Phase 3 Trial Has Treated Its First Patient. MAIA has begun its pivotal Phase 3 trial for THIO in NSCLC (non-small cell Lung Cancer), meeting our expected timeframe. In October, the Phase 2 THIO-101 trial began its Part C and will continue as  the Phase 3 is running. These trials are the latest in a series of positive announcements for THIO (ateganosine) clinical development, keeping it on schedule for additional milestones in 2026.

Trial Design Can Lead To First Approval. The Phase 3 THIO-104 is an open-label trial is testing ateganosine in combination with an CPI (immune checkpoint inhibitor) as a third-line treatment in patients who are resistant to CPIs and chemotherapy. Patients who have failed two courses of chemotherapy including CPIs will be randomized into two groups to receive either the ateganosine/CPI combination or standard of care chemotherapy. The primary endpoint is Overall Survival (OS).


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*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

DLH Holdings (DLHC) – Looking Toward a Brighter Future


Monday, December 15, 2025

DLH delivers improved health and readiness solutions for federal programs through research, development, and innovative care processes. The Company’s experts in public health, performance evaluation, and health operations solve the complex problems faced by civilian and military customers alike, leveraging digital transformation, artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, cloud-based applications, telehealth systems, and more. With over 2,300 employees dedicated to the idea that “Your Mission is Our Passion,” DLH brings a unique combination of government sector experience, proven methodology, and unwavering commitment to public health to improve the lives of millions. For more information, visit www.DLHcorp.com.

Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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Overview. Fiscal 2025, and the start of fiscal 2026, continued the loss of contracts to small business set asides. While the loss of the Head Start contract and the expected eventual loss of all of the CMOP locations is impacting operating results today, we believe the resolution of these set aside contracts removes a big overhang from the business and enables the Company to grow from a solid base of higher value-added technology-powered applications business.

4Q25. Revenue fell 15.8% y-o-y to $81.2 million, driven by the loss of CMOP locations, as well as other set aside contracts. Gross margin fell to 17.1% from 19.9% a year ago. DLH reported a net loss of $920,000, or a loss of $0.06/sh., compared with net income of $2.3 million, or EPS of $0.16, in 4Q24. Adjusted EBITDA fell to $6.6 million from $10.7 million. We were at $83.5 million, $250,000, $0.02/sh., and $8.15 million, respectively.


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Superior Group of Companies (SGC) – Highlights From NobleCon21


Friday, December 12, 2025

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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NobleCon21. On December 3rd, management presented at NobleCon20 at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in Boca Raton, Florida. The presentation was conducted by Michael Benstock, Chairman & CEO, and Mike Koempel, CFO. The executives highlighted the company’s century-old operating history, its three diversified and profitable segments, branded products, healthcare apparel, nearshore contact centers, and a capital allocation strategy focused on shareholder returns. A replay of the presentation can be viewed here.

Healthcare. The healthcare apparel segment boasts multi-channel reach across retailers, e-commerce platforms, uniform stores, hospital systems, and specialty distributors. More than two million professionals wear the company’s brands, which includes Wink, Carhartt-branded scrubs, and Fashion Seal Healthcare. Notably, the company is well positioned for expansion supported by demographic aging and persistent healthcare labor shortages.


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Cadrenal Therapeutics (CVKD) – New Anticoagulant Acquired For Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia.


Friday, December 12, 2025

Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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Cadrenal Continues Build Its Anticoagulation Pipeline. Cadrenal has acquired VLX-1005, a platelet inhibitor from Veralox Therapeutics, adding another novel small-molecule anti-coagulant to its pipeline. VLX-1005 is a selective inhibitor of 12-LOX, an enzyme that initiates a signaling pathway for platelet-mediated inflammation and leads to heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). VLX-1005 has Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA and EMA.

VLX-1005 Has Completed A Phase 2 Clinical Trial. Two Phase 1 studies showed safety and tolerability, followed by a Phase 2 trial in patients with suspected heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Interim results to date showed reductions in thromboembolic events.


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Greenwich LifeSciences, Inc. (GLSI) – Phase 3 FLAMINGO-01 Trial Reaches Enrollment Milestones


Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Phase 3 FLAMINGO-01 Trial Reaches Enrollment Milestone. Greenwich Pharmaceuticals has completed enrollment in the open-label arm (non HLA-A*2 patients) in the Phase 3 FLAMINGO-01 trial, its trial testing GLSI-100 for prevention of breast cancer recurrence in high-risk patients. The patients are stratified according to their HLA (human leukocyte antigen) types, immune system characteristics that classify an individual’s potential response to antigens. Over 1,000 patients have been screened for the trial at over 140 clinical sites in the US and Europe.

Greenwich Pharmaceuticals Presented At the NobleCon21 Conference. CEO Snehal Patel spoke at the annual NobleCon21 conference. He presented a brief summary of GLSI-100 and the clinical trial, followed by a fireside chat discussion, and questions from the audience. To listen to the presentation, click here.


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NeuroSense Therapeutics Ltd. (NRSN) – Webinar Highlight Regulatory and Clinical Trial Progress


Tuesday, December 09, 2025

Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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Discussions Of Clinical Trials, Regulatory Developments, Partnerships. NeuroSense held a webinar to review recent regulatory developments related to its Phase 3 PARAGON trial, early approval for ALS in Canada, the Phase 2 study in Alzheimer’s Disease, and product partnerships. There was also a detailed discussion of the Phase 3 PARAGON trial design and milestones for the coming year.

Phase 3 PARAGON Trial Is Expected To Begin In Mid-2026. NeuroSense has received clearance from the FDA to begin the Phase 3 trial testing PrimeC in ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). The trial design is based on the data from the Phase 2b PARDIGM trial that showed improved survival with biomarkers correlating with slowing disease progression and reduction in markers of the disease process.


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*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Mirum Pharmaceuticals’ Acquisition of Bluejay Therapeutics Strengthens Its Global Rare Disease Leadership

Mirum Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: MIRM) has announced a definitive agreement to acquire privately held Bluejay Therapeutics in a transformative deal that expands Mirum’s leadership in rare liver diseases and adds a high-potential late-stage asset to its growing pipeline. The acquisition, valued at $620 million upfront in cash and stock — plus up to $200 million in milestone payments — brings worldwide rights to brelovitug, a fully human monoclonal antibody currently in Phase 3 development for chronic hepatitis delta virus (HDV).

For Mirum, a company already recognized for developing and commercializing rare disease therapies—including LIVMARLI, CHOLBAM and CTEXLI—the deal aligns directly with its strategic focus: advancing life-changing medicines for overlooked patient populations. HDV, the most severe form of viral hepatitis, represents a large, high unmet-need market with no FDA-approved treatments, affecting more than 230,000 people across the U.S. and Europe.

Brelovitug has already gained international attention. The therapy holds FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation and the European Medicines Agency’s PRIME and Orphan designations. In Phase 2 trials, it demonstrated strong antiviral activity and a 100% HDV RNA response rate, along with improvements in liver enzyme levels. Its safety profile has been favorable, with the most notable adverse event being injection-site reactions.

The drug is currently being evaluated in the global, registrational AZURE Phase 3 program, which is enrolling patients worldwide. Top-line results are expected in the second half of 2026, with a potential BLA submission and commercial launch in 2027. If approved, brelovitug could become the first widely available treatment for chronic HDV.

Mirum CEO Chris Peetz emphasized that the acquisition fits squarely within Mirum’s mission and capabilities. “Brelovitug in HDV leverages our deep expertise in rare liver disease and builds on the relationships we’ve established with key providers through the volixibat and LIVMARLI programs,” he said. Bluejay’s founder and CEO, Keting Chu, echoed that sentiment, noting that Mirum’s rare disease specialization makes it “the right company to carry this program forward globally.”

The acquisition will be funded through a combination of cash, Mirum common stock, and a concurrent $200 million private placement with healthcare investors. Proceeds from the placement will support both clinical development and future commercial activities. The deal not only adds a late-stage asset to Mirum’s portfolio but also positions the company for four potential registrational readouts within the next 18 months—an unusually rich pipeline for a rare-disease-focused biotech.

Implications for the Biotech Landscape

The acquisition underscores a broader trend in the biotechnology sector: rare disease companies with commercial infrastructure are increasingly seeking late-stage assets to accelerate revenue growth and expand global presence. For small and mid-cap biopharma firms, especially those with single or early-stage assets, partnerships or acquisitions by specialized players like Mirum remain attractive pathways to scale.

Bluejay itself represents a textbook example of a high-quality private biotech that rapidly advanced a novel therapy—from development candidate to global Phase 3 program in four years—making it an appealing target in a competitive rare-disease market.

Pending regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026. If successful, brelovitug could mark one of the most important therapeutic advancements in liver disease in decades—and a major milestone in Mirum’s evolution into a global leader in rare hepatology.

Transatlantic HCLS M&A: The Talent Integration Mandate

Bridging the Compensation, Culture, and Compliance Gaps for Value Realization in 2025

The Healthcare and Life Sciences (HCLS) sector continues to be a powerhouse for global Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) activity, driven by digitalization, specialized therapeutics, and the imperative for integrated care models. When European entities acquire US counterparts, the primary risk to deal value shifts from financial modeling to human capital integration. In 2025, transatlantic HCLS deals face an unprecedented trifecta of challenges: navigating the US’s competitive, burnout-driven talent market; identifying and realizing true operational synergies; and bridging the fundamental divide between US and EU compensation and benefits philosophies. Successfully integrating talent across these vastly different labor ecosystems is now the defining feature of deal success.

The Fierce Pursuit of Specialized US HCLS Talent

The US HCLS talent market in 2025 is defined by scarcity, rising costs, and high turnover – especially for highly specialized roles in advanced therapeutics, bioinformatics, and AI-driven diagnostics. Would-be European acquirers of US HCLS companies must move beyond reactive hiring to adopt future-ready strategies:

  • Skills-First & AI Operationalization: The industry is moving toward skills-based hiring, particularly for critical roles that drive transformation and innovation (e.g., Gene Editing, GenAI). While AI is being widely operationalized to streamline administrative burdens (scheduling, screening, drafting job descriptions), it has yet to be proven as a strategic tool for high-level talent strategy or predicting cultural fit. Smart integration plans, therefore, should prioritize leveraging AI to accelerate efficiency while reserving human expertise for assessment and strategic sourcing.
  • EVP and Retention over Recruitment: High turnover, burnout, and the rise of non-traditional healthcare employers (tech, consulting) have made retention the top priority. The Employer Value Proposition (EVP) must be hyper-personalized and focused on fostering Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EIB), shifting the focus from simply who is hired to who stays, grows, and thrives. Post-merger, US employees often prioritize clear career pathways, flexibility, and supportive management when choosing to remain with the combined entity.
  • Proactive Pipelining: Due to the shrinking talent pool, organizations might rely heavily on talent pipelining and targeted outbound campaigns, establishing relationships with specialized talent before roles are officially posted. Integration teams could leverage the European target’s existing academic partnerships or regional centers of excellence to feed into the US-side pipeline for highly technical roles.

Operational Synergies: A Shift to Scope and Capability

Transatlantic HCLS M&A is increasingly dominated by scope deals—acquisitions focused on new technology, market access, or specific clinical capabilities, rather than simple scale. Synergy capture in these deals is more complex and requires aggressive planning that goes beyond traditional cost-cutting:

  • Revenue Synergies in R&D and Market Access: The most significant value tends to be found in revenue synergies, such as combining the European acquirer’s innovative R&D capabilities and global footprint with the US target’s vast commercialization strength and specialized talent access. Due diligence must build complex synergy models to validate these revenue forecasts, which are inherently more difficult to predict than cost savings.
  • Consolidating Back-Office Functions: Classic operational synergies still apply, particularly in consolidating redundant non-patient-facing functions. Examples include streamlining financial administration, IT infrastructure, and back-office services like Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) or billing. This consolidation can lead to immediate cost savings and process standardization but must be executed early in the integration lifecycle to realize value.
  • Cultural Alignment as a Synergist: Synergy capture is often derailed by poor cultural alignment. Integration planning should prioritize blending cultural elements early on. For a European company acquiring a US firm, navigating different approaches to hierarchy, risk tolerance, and work-life balance will be crucial to retaining the very R&D or specialized operational talent the deal was meant to secure.

Navigating the Transatlantic Compensation & Benefits Chasm

The starkest challenge in harmonizing US and EU operations lies in aligning compensation, benefits, and labor practices, which reflect fundamentally different societal models:

  • The Salary and Contribution Divide: US salaries are generally higher, often dramatically so for specialized roles (e.g., mid-level tech salaries can show a 30–50% gap). However, the underlying employer cost structure differs significantly. US employers bear steep costs for private, market-driven healthcare ($8,000 to $16,000+ per employee annually), while EU employers bear heavy social charges and payroll contributions that fund state-backed universal healthcare and pensions. Integration teams should employ dual benchmarks, modeling both equal salaries (for equity assessment) and market-specific total compensation (for budget control).
  • Mandated Benefits and Labor Law: Europe offers generous, often legally mandated benefits, including a minimum of 20+ paid vacation days, comprehensive parental leave, and stricter labor protections regarding notice periods and dismissal costs. In contrast, US benefits are a competitive tool, varying widely by state and company size. Attempting to impose a US-centric “low vacation, high private insurance” model on EU operations could result in catastrophic talent loss and non-compliance with local labor law.
  • Compliance Complexity: The US operates under a fragmented legal structure of both federal (e.g., ACA and COBRA and state-specific laws (sick leave, minimum wage, worker classification), whereas the EU operates under centralized directives, but implementation varies across 27 Member States (e.g., Spain and Portugal requiring 14-month salaries). HR teams must deploy local expertise to avoid compliance pitfalls, particularly around worker classification and termination processes.

In conclusion, successful transatlantic HCLS M&A requires HR integration teams to treat human capital as a strategic asset, not just a line item. Value is realized when the best of both labor ecosystems is preserved, harmonizing compensation and benefits while leveraging the combined entity’s specialized talent pools through proactive, skills-focused strategies.

In the next installment of our Europe-US Cross-Border HCLS M&A series, we move from people to data, tackling the ultimate transatlantic compliance hurdle: the clash between GDPR and HIPAA. Learn how European acquirers can avoid major fines and deal breaks by meticulously auditing and integrating data governance across two radically different legal frameworks.


About the Authors:

Nathan Cali is a Managing Partner at Noble Capital Markets with more than 18 years of Capital Markets experience. He has been a lead Managing Director/Head of the Healthcare and Life Sciences Investment Banking and Advisory franchise at NOBLE since 2017 and was previously a sell-side equity analyst for 9 years. Nathan is a Board Member of Precise Bio, a tissue engineering, biomaterials, and cell technologies company, including cardiology, orthopedics, and dermatology. He was previously a board observer of Eledon Pharmaceuticals (ELDN:NASDAQ, f.k.n.a. Anelixis Therapeutics, Inc.), a phase II biotechnology company. Prior to joining NOBLE, Nathan gained investment experience as a portfolio account analyst/manager at Franklin Templeton Investments. Nathan also currently holds series 7, 79, 86, and 87 FINRA designations.

Hinesh Patel, MCMI ChMC is a Partner in CNM LLP’s Los Angeles Office with over 20 years of experience in accounting. He leads and oversees the firm’s Accounting and Transaction Advisory practice. He brings a vast knowledge of US GAAP, technical accounting, and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) reporting requirements to his role at CNM. Hinesh primarily focuses on technical accounting, IPO readiness, SEC reporting, and mergers and acquisitions. Prior to joining CNM, Hinesh worked as a Senior Manager at Deloitte with a primary focus in the technology, manufacturing, consumer business and entertainment industries for both public and private companies. He has assisted various companies through the IPO process and advised on a range of accounting services including technical accounting, financial reporting, and new business processes requirements.

Matthew (Matt) Podowitz is the founder and Principal Consultant of Pathfinder Advisors LLC, bringing experience on 400+ global M&A engagements to his clients. He specializes in the critical operational and technology aspects of M&A transactions, providing due diligence, carve-out, integration, and value creation services. Known for practical, actionable advice derived from extensive hands-on experience with healthcare and life sciences transactions, Matt helps companies, investment banks, and private equity firms navigate complex cross-border HCLS M&A through every step of the transaction lifecycle. Leveraging his perspective as a dual US/EU citizen, he provides seamless support for transactions in both markets. His background includes leadership roles at firms like Ernst & Young, Grant Thornton, and CFGI.

Chris Raphaely is the Co-Chair of Cozen O’Connor’s Health Care & Life Sciences Practice where he provides sophisticated transactional and regulatory counsel to an array of health care providers and investors in the health care industry. His practice focuses on mergers, acquisitions, and divestiture transactions for health care clients and the comprehensive regulatory schemes requisite to doing business in the health care space. Chris routinely handles matters involving payer negotiations, payment disputes and contract enforcement, accountable care organizations, management services organization, clinically integrated networks, value based payment arrangements, pharmacy benefit management and third party administrator contracts for self-insured employers, digital health, organizational and governance structures, HIPAA, information privacy and security, tax exemption, Stark Law, fraud and abuse matters, clinical integration, medical staff relations, facility and professional licensing, Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Act, and general compliance. Prior to joining the firm, Chris served as the deputy general counsel to Jefferson Health System and general counsel to the system’s accountable care organization and captive professional liability insurance companies.

Eli Lilly Becomes the First $1 Trillion Drugmaker as Weight-Loss Boom Reshapes Big Pharma

Eli Lilly has officially crossed the $1 trillion valuation mark, becoming the first pharmaceutical company in history to join a market-cap club previously dominated almost entirely by technology giants. The milestone reflects a dramatic reshaping of the healthcare landscape, driven by surging global demand for next-generation weight-loss and metabolic health treatments.

Lilly’s rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. The company’s stock has rallied more than 35% this year alone, fueled largely by explosive growth in the obesity-drug category. Over the past two years, new and highly effective treatments have transformed weight-loss medicine into one of the most profitable segments in all of healthcare. What was once a niche market is now a multibillion-dollar engine attracting unprecedented consumer, medical, and investor interest.

At the center of Lilly’s success are two blockbuster drugs: tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes and Zepbound for obesity. Together, they have rapidly climbed to the top of global pharmaceutical sales charts, surpassing even Merck’s cancer drug Keytruda — long considered untouchable as the world’s best-selling medication.

Although rival Novo Nordisk pioneered the modern obesity-drug movement with Wegovy, Lilly seized momentum after early supply shortages hampered Wegovy’s rollout. Stronger clinical results, faster manufacturing scale-up, and broader distribution helped Lilly pull ahead in prescriptions and capture the spotlight as the dominant player in the sector.

The company’s latest quarterly results underscore that shift. Lilly generated more than $10 billion in revenue from its obesity and diabetes medicines—over half of its total $17.6 billion in quarterly sales. Investors now value the company at nearly 50 times its expected earnings, signaling confidence that demand for metabolic-health treatments will remain powerful for years.

The broader market seems convinced as well. Since Zepbound’s launch in late 2023, Lilly shares have surged more than 75%, outpacing the S&P 500’s impressive run. Wall Street analysts estimate the global weight-loss drug market could reach $150 billion by 2030, with Lilly and Novo Nordisk expected to control the vast majority of those sales.

Looking ahead, investors are closely watching Lilly’s upcoming oral obesity drug, orforglipron, which could receive approval as early as next year. Analysts expect it to extend the company’s dominance by offering a pill-based alternative to injectable GLP-1 medications—an option that could unlock even wider adoption.

Beyond drug development, Lilly’s growth is poised to benefit from planned U.S. manufacturing expansions and a federal pricing agreement that is expected to increase patient access. Although the deal may reduce short-term revenue per dose, analysts believe the expanded eligibility—potentially adding tens of millions of U.S. patients—will dramatically enlarge the long-term market.

With its market cap now rivaling major tech players, Lilly is increasingly being viewed as a “Magnificent Seven-style” stock again—an alternative for investors seeking high-growth prospects outside AI and digital infrastructure. Still, challenges remain, including pricing pressure and the need to sustain manufacturing capacity at unprecedented scale.

For now, Lilly’s ascent to the $1 trillion tier signals a new era in which metabolic-health innovation, not just technology, can redefine global market leadership.

Release – Tonix Pharmaceuticals Announces U.S. Commercial Availability of TONMYA™ (cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablets) as a First-in-Class Fibromyalgia Treatment

November 17, 2025 7:00am EST

CHATHAM, N.J., Nov. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP) (“Tonix” or the “Company”), a fully integrated, commercial biotechnology company, announced today that TONMYATM (cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablets) is now commercially available at pharmacies by prescription in the United States. TONMYA is a first-in-class treatment for fibromyalgia in adults as a non-opioid analgesic taken once daily at bedtime.

“The availability of TONMYA is a momentous day for Tonix, providing the estimated 10 million people living with fibromyalgia a novel treatment that has been shown to address the debilitating, core symptom of this disease, widespread pain,” said Seth Lederman, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Tonix Pharmaceuticals. “After more than 15 years without innovation for this disease, we are honored to bring this new treatment option to patients in partnership with the full fibromyalgia community including researchers, patients, and investigators. We are excited and motivated to make TONMYA accessible to as many patients as possible.”

The latest Phase 3 trial, RESILIENT, was published in Pain Medicine with data on primary endpoints measuring pain, and secondary endpoints measuring patient’s global impression of change, patient-reported symptoms and function, sleep disturbance, and fatigue.

“For years, fibromyalgia patients have struggled with limited treatment options that often fall short. The availability of TONMYA marks a meaningful advancement by targeting neurotransmitters thought to be involved in fibromyalgia,” said Andrea L. Chadwick, M.D., MSc, FASA, Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine at The University of Kansas Health System.

“We’re truly excited about this new option for people living with fibromyalgia,” said Sharon Waldrop, a person with lived experience and founder of the Fibromyalgia Association. “The availability of TONMYA provides new hope for our community and represents a crucial step forward in fibromyalgia treatment.”

TONMYA was approved by the FDA on August 15, 2025.

The approval incorporated efficacy from two double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, Phase 3 clinical trials of nearly 1,000 patients in total that evaluated TONMYA as a bedtime treatment for fibromyalgia. Across both Phase 3 trials, TONMYA significantly reduced daily pain scores compared to placebo at 14 weeks, the primary endpoint. Additionally, a greater percentage of study participants taking TONMYA experienced a clinically meaningful (≥30%) improvement in their pain after three months, compared to placebo.

Across three Phase 3 clinical trials with over 1,400 patients evaluated, TONMYA was generally well tolerated. The most common adverse events (incidence ≥2% and at a higher incidence in TONMYA-treated patients compared to placebo-treated patients) included oral hypoesthesia (numbness in the mouth), oral discomfort, abnormal product taste, somnolence (drowsiness), oral paresthesia (tingling, pricking or burning in the mouth), oral pain, fatigue, dry mouth, and aphthous ulcer (canker sore).

For more information, visit TonmyaHCP.com

About Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that is understood to result from amplified sensory and pain signaling within the central nervous system. Fibromyalgia afflicts an estimated 10 million adults in the U.S., approximately 80% of whom are women. Symptoms of fibromyalgia include chronic widespread pain, nonrestorative sleep (waking up tired and unrefreshed), fatigue, and morning stiffness. Other associated symptoms include cognitive dysfunction and mood disturbances, including anxiety and depression. Individuals suffering from fibromyalgia struggle with their daily activities, have impaired quality of life, and frequently are disabled. Patients with fibromyalgia have double the medical costs compared to the general population in the U.S.

About TONMYATM (cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablets)
TONMYA, which was investigated as TNX-102 SL, is a patented sublingual tablet formulation of cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride, which provides rapid transmucosal absorption and reduced production of a long half-life active metabolite, norcyclobenzaprine, due to bypass of first-pass hepatic metabolism. As a tertiary amine tricyclic (TAT) and multifunctional agent with potent binding and antagonist activities at the 5-HT2A serotonergic, α1-adrenergic, H1-histaminergic, and M1-muscarinic receptors, TONMYA is now commercially available as a once-daily bedtime treatment for fibromyalgia in adults. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued United States Patent No. 9636408 in May 2017, Patent No. 9956188 in May 2018, Patent No. 10117936 in November 2018, Patent No. 10357465 in July 2019, and Patent No. 10736859 in August 2020. The Protectic™ protective eutectic and Angstro-Technology™ formulation claimed in the patent are important elements of Tonix’s proprietary composition. These patents are expected to provide TONMYA with U.S. market exclusivity until 2034. Pending patent applications related to method of use could extend exclusivity until 2044.

About the Phase 3 Clinical Trials: RELIEF and RESILIENT
The RELIEF and RESILIENT studies were double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TONMYATM (cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride sublingual tablets) for the treatment of fibromyalgia. RELIEF and RESILIENT were two-arm trials that enrolled 503 and 457 adults with fibromyalgia across 40 and 33 United States sites, respectively. In both trials, the first two weeks of treatment consisted of a run-in period in which participants started on TONMYA 2.8 mg (1 tablet) or placebo. Thereafter, all participants increased their dose to TONMYA 5.6 mg (2 x 2.8 mg tablets) or two placebo tablets for the remaining 12 weeks. The primary endpoint across both trials was the daily diary pain intensity score change (TONMYA 5.6 mg vs. placebo) from baseline to Week 14 (using the weekly averages of the daily numerical rating scale scores). Additional details on RELIEF (NCT04172831) and RESILIENT (NCT05273749) are available on clinicaltrials.gov.

RALLY was a replicate Phase 3 trial to RELIEF and RESILIENT that demonstrated greater but non-significant treatment effect with TONMYA compared to placebo and demonstrated consistent safety. Results of this trial may not have been generalizable due to the presence of factors outside the conduct of the study. Additional details are available on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04508621).

Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.
Tonix is a fully integrated, commercial-stage biotechnology company. Tonix’s development portfolio is focused on central nervous system (CNS) disorders, immunology, immuno-oncology, infectious and rare diseases. Tonix owns and operates a state-of-the art infectious disease research facility in Frederick, MD. Tonix Medicines, Inc., a wholly owned commercial subsidiary, markets treatments for fibromyalgia and acute migraine.

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 successfully launch and commercialize TONMYA and any of our approved products; risks related to the failure to obtain FDA clearances or approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations; 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, 2024, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 18, 2025, 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 Contacts
Mary Ann Ondish
Tonix Pharmaceuticals
(862) 799-8599
investor.relations@tonixpharma.com

Brian Korb
astr partners
(917) 653-5122
brian.korb@astrpartners.com

Media Contact
Meagen Hagans
Weber Shandwick
(757)358-2033
MHagans@webershandwick.com

Merck to Acquire Cidara Therapeutics in $9.2 Billion Deal, Strengthening Its Antiviral Pipeline

Merck has announced a major expansion of its infectious disease portfolio with a definitive agreement to acquire Cidara Therapeutics, Inc. for approximately $9.2 billion. The all-cash transaction, valued at $221.50 per share, brings Cidara’s late-stage antiviral candidate CD388 directly into Merck’s pipeline as the company seeks to diversify its portfolio with innovative, long-acting preventative treatments.

The acquisition represents a strategic move for Merck, aligning with its long-standing approach of targeting high-impact scientific assets backed by strong development data. CD388, Cidara’s lead candidate, is considered one of the most promising antiviral innovations currently in development. Designed as a long-acting, strain-agnostic agent, CD388 aims to prevent infection from both influenza A and B, a significant advantage over seasonal vaccines that must be reformulated each year to match circulating strains.

CD388 combines a small-molecule neuraminidase inhibitor with Cidara’s proprietary drug-Fc conjugate (DFC) platform. This design is intended to provide durable protection against symptomatic influenza, particularly in groups most vulnerable to severe complications, such as older adults, cancer patients, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

The therapy is currently in the Phase 3 ANCHOR trial, following strong Phase 2b data in the NAVIGATE study, which demonstrated its effectiveness in preventing symptomatic, laboratory-confirmed influenza among unvaccinated adults. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recognized its potential through both Fast Track and Breakthrough Therapy designations, signaling the agency’s acknowledgment of the urgent need for more effective flu-prevention options.

For Merck, adding CD388 to its pipeline complements its existing respiratory portfolio and fills a critical unmet need at a time when influenza continues to cause significant global health burdens. Seasonal influenza leads to millions of infections each year and disproportionately affects high-risk populations. As viral strains evolve and vaccine hesitancy persists, demand for alternative prevention strategies continues to grow.

Cidara leadership characterized the acquisition as a transformative milestone. The company has dedicated its efforts to advancing DFC therapeutics and redefining how influenza can be prevented beyond traditional vaccines. With Merck’s global scale, regulatory strength, and commercial infrastructure, CD388 is positioned to reach markets internationally once approved.

The transaction has been unanimously approved by the boards of both companies. It will be executed through a tender offer by a Merck subsidiary, followed by a merger to acquire all outstanding Cidara shares. Completion of the deal remains subject to customary closing conditions, including clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. Merck expects the acquisition to close in the first quarter of 2026, accounting for it as an asset acquisition on its financial statements.

With this deal, Merck reinforces its commitment to science-driven expansion and long-term growth, while Cidara gains the resources necessary to bring its innovative antiviral approach to patients worldwide. If successful, CD388 could become one of the most significant advancements in influenza prevention in more than a decade.