Tonix Pharmaceuticals Announces
Publication of Paper in Pharmaceutics on the Enhancing Effect That Magnesium
Contributes to in vivo Intranasal Oxytocin Analgesia

June 21, 2022 7:00am EDT

Intranasal Oxytocin with
Magnesium Demonstrated Augmented Craniofacial Analgesia in an Animal Model

Enhanced Effect of Mg²⁺ is the Core Patented Technology of TNX-1900 for Migraine

TNX-2900 Orphan Drug Designated
Product for Prader-Willi Syndrome Also Contains Mg²⁺

Issued Patents Expected to
Provide Exclusivity Until 2036

CHATHAM, N.J., June 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, announced the publication of a paper, entitled “Impact of Magnesium on Oxytocin Receptor Function,” in the journal 
Pharmaceutics, that described results from a research team led by Professor David Yeomans¹. The paper includes data showing the enhancing effects of magnesium (Mg²⁺) on the activity of intranasal oxytocin in an animal model of craniofacial pain. The Mg²⁺ enhanced formulation of intranasal oxytocin is the basis for the Company’s TNX-1900² drug candidate in development to prevent migraine headaches in chronic migraineurs, and TNX-2900² which is in development to treat hyperphagia (over-eating) in adolescent and young adult patients with Prader-Willi syndrome. Professor Yeomans was the scientific founder of Trigemina, Inc. from which Tonix acquired rights to the Mg²⁺enhanced oxytocin technology. Professor Yeomans is a consultant to Tonix and the research described in the paper was funded in part by Tonix.

“This new paper further evidences the important role Mg²⁺ plays in the effect of oxytocin on pain reduction both in vitro and in vivo in an animal model of head pain,” said Seth Lederman, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Tonix Pharmaceuticals. “Prior to this work, studies of intranasal oxytocin on pain yielded inconsistent results because the analgesic effect of oxytocin decreased with higher doses, a phenomenon called ‘high dose inhibition’ or colloquially, as an ‘inverted U’ shaped dose response. Professor Yeomans and his team have shown that adding Mg²⁺ to intranasal oxytocin reduces or eliminates the ‘high dose inhibition’, such that analgesia increases with higher doses of oxytocin. Consequently, we expect that the Mg²⁺ enhanced formulation of intranasal oxytocin in TNX-1900 and TNX-2900 may provide consistent effects to the extent that the Mg²⁺ component of the formulation reduces or eliminates the high dose inhibition and may also allow for using higher oxytocin doses.”

Professor Yeomans said, “Mg²⁺ levels modulate the affinity of oxytocin receptor for oxytocin 
in
vitro. We have now confirmed that at above physiological concentrations Mg²⁺ increases the activity of oxytocin for oxytocin receptor in vivo. Intranasal oxytocin with Mg²⁺ demonstrated augmented craniofacial analgesia in animal models. Critically, we have also demonstrated that, under test conditions, oxytocin has an ‘inverted U’ shaped dose response which Mg²⁺ can overcome, potentially allowing for the use of higher oxytocin doses. The potential clinical significance of these observations is that the formulation of oxytocin plus Mg²⁺ in Tonix’s TNX-1900 and TNX-2900 has the potential to enhance oxytocin efficacy for pain as well as for other uses.”

“Tonix is excited to develop Mg²⁺-enhanced formulation of intranasal oxytocin as a non-addictive treatment for migraine and craniofacial pain and for the treatment of Prader-Willi Syndrome,” added Dr. Lederman. “TNX-1900 will enter Phase 2 for prophylaxis of chronic migraine in the second half of 2022 and TNX-2900 is in development for treating hyperphagia in Prader Willi syndrome. The preclinical data that we have seen to date are promising and show that oxytocin, a natural hormone, is capable of blocking the release of the neurotransmitter calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the brain coverings and trigeminal ganglia, thus potentially modulating a key step in the causation of migraine. It has been shown that intranasally delivered oxytocin selectively reaches the trigeminal ganglia with low systemic absorption. Overall, we believe that TNX-1900 has the potential to be a non-addicting, non-constipating and easy to administer alternative to opioids to treat migraine and craniofacial pain. We believe targeted delivery of oxytocin could translate into selective blockade of CGRP release in the trigeminal ganglion and not throughout the body, which could be a potential safety advantage over systemic CGRP inhibition. In addition, daily dosing is more quickly reversible, in contrast to monthly or quarterly dosing, giving physicians and their patients greater control.”

About Intranasal Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a naturally occurring human hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. Oxytocin has no recognized addiction potential. Oxytocin is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as Pitocin^®3, an intravenous infusion or intramuscular injection drug, for use in pregnant women to induce labor.  An intranasal form of oxytocin was marketed in the U.S. by Novartis to assist in the production of breast milk as Syntocinon^®4 (oxytocin nasal 40 units/ml), but the product was discontinued, and the New Drug Application (NDA) has been withdrawn.

About Migraine

Migraine is a neurological condition that manifests in throbbing headache, often on one side of the head, that lasts at least four hours. It can also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, and sensitivity to bright light, strong smells, and loud noises⁵. Epidemiological studies indicate that globally, approximately 1.2 billion individuals suffer from migraines annually.⁶ Approximately 39 million Americans suffer from migraines and among these individuals, approximately four million experience chronic migraines (15 or more headache days per month).⁶

About TNX-1900²

TNX-1900 (intranasal potentiated oxytocin) is a proprietary formulation of oxytocin and Mg²⁺ in development as a candidate for prophylaxis of chronic migraine and for the treatment of craniofacial pain, insulin resistance and related conditions. In 2020, TNX-1900 was acquired from Trigemina, Inc. TNX-1900 is a drug-device combination product, based on an intranasal actuator device that delivers oxytocin and Mg²⁺ into the nose. It has been observed that low oxytocin levels in the body can lead to increase in migraine headache frequency, and that increased oxytocin levels can relieve migraine headaches. Certain other chronic pain conditions are also associated with decreased oxytocin levels. Migraine attacks are caused, in part, by the activity of pain-sensing trigeminal nerve cells which, when activated, release of CGRP which binds to receptors on other nerve cells and starts a cascade of events that is believed to result in headache. Oxytocin when delivered via the nasal route, concentrates in the trigeminal system⁸ resulting in binding of oxytocin to receptors on neurons in the trigeminal system, inhibiting transmission of pain signals and the release of CGRP.⁹ Blocking CGRP release is a distinct mechanism compared with CGRP antagonist and anti-CGRP antibody drugs, which block the binding of CGRP to its receptor. With TNX-1900, the addition of magnesium to the oxytocin formulation enhances oxytocin receptor binding¹⁰ as well as its effects on trigeminal neurons and craniofacial analgesic effects in animal models¹. Intranasal oxytocin has been well tolerated in several clinical trials in both adults and children
¹¹. Targeted nasal delivery results in low systemic exposure and lower risk of non-nervous system, off-target effects which could potentially occur with systemic CGRP antagonists such as anti-CGRP antibodies¹². For example, CGRP has roles in dilating blood vessels in response to ischemia, including in the heart. Tonix has licensed technology from the University of Geneva to use TNX-1900 for the treatment of insulin resistance and related conditions.

About Prader
Willi Syndrome

Prader-Willi syndrome is a rare genetic disorder of failure to thrive in infancy and uncontrolled appetite and obesity in childhood and adulthood with no approved treatments available that occurs in approximately one in 15,000 births. Prader-Willi syndrome results in physical, mental and behavioral problems. A key feature of Prader-Willi syndrome in infants is a lack of suckling and poor muscle strength which leads to malnutrition and failure to thrive. However, paradoxically in children and adults, the key feature of Prader-Willi syndrome is a constant sense of hunger (hyperphagia), which leads to severe obesity. Intranasal oxytocin improves suckling in newborn animals but also suppresses feeding behaviors in adult animal models.  

About TNX-2900⁵

TNX-2900 (intranasal potentiated oxytocin) is a proprietary formulation of oxytocin and Mg²⁺ in development as a candidate for treatment of hyperphagia in Prader-Willi syndrome. TNX-2900 is a drug-device combination product, based on an intranasal actuator device that delivers oxytocin and Mg² into the nose. Tonix licensed technology to treat Prader Willi Syndrome and non-organic failure to thrive disease from Inserm (the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research). The licensing agreement was negotiated and signed by Inserm Transfert, the private subsidiary of Inserm, on behalf of Inserm, Aix-Marseille Université and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire of Toulouse. The co-exclusive license allows Tonix to expand its intranasal potentiated oxytocin development program to the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome. The patents covering the technology are expected to provide market exclusivity for the co-licensees in the U.S. and Europe through 2031, which exclusivity could be extended after marketing authorization by a Supplemental Protection Certificate in Europe or a Patent Term Extension in the U.S., independent of other Tonix-held patents covering the formulation and oxytocin potentiation technologies for intranasal administration.

¹Bharadwaj VN, et al., Pharmaceutics. 2022; 14(5):1105. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14051105
²TNX-1900 and TNX-2900 are investigational new drugs and have not been approved for any indication.

³Pitocin^® is a trademark of Par Pharmaceutical, Inc.
⁴Syntocinon^® is a trademark of BGP Products Operations GmbH.
⁵https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20360201
⁶Burch et al., Migraine:
Epidemiology, Burden, and Comorbidity, Neurol Clin 37 (2019) 631–649.

⁷Yeomans, DC et al. 2017. US patent US2017368095.
⁸Yeomans DC, et al. Transl Psychiatry. 2021. 11(1):388.
⁹Tzabazis A, et al. Cephalalgia. 2016. 36(10):943-50.
¹⁰Antoni FA and Chadio SE. Biochem J. 1989. 257(2):611-4.

¹¹Cai Q, et al., Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2018. Mar;72(3):140-151.
¹²MaassenVanDenBrink A, et al. Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2016. 37(9):779-788.

About Tonix
Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.*

Tonix is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, licensing, acquiring and developing therapeutics to treat and prevent human disease and alleviate suffering. Tonix’s portfolio is composed of central nervous system (CNS), rare disease, immunology and infectious disease product candidates. Tonix’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 (cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablet), is in mid-Phase 3 development for the management of fibromyalgia with a new Phase 3 study launched in the second quarter of 2022 and interim data expected in the first quarter of 2023. TNX-102 SL is also 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 third quarter of 2022. TNX-1300 (cocaine esterase) is a biologic designed to treat cocaine intoxication that is Phase 2 ready and has been granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation by the FDA. TNX-1900 (intranasal potentiated oxytocin), a small molecule in development for chronic migraine, is expected to enter the clinic with a Phase 2 study in the second half of 2022. Tonix’s rare disease portfolio includes TNX-2900 (intranasal potentiated oxytocin) for the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome. TNX-2900 has been granted Orphan-Drug Designation by the FDA. Tonix’s immunology portfolio includes biologics to address organ transplant rejection, autoimmunity and cancer, including TNX-1500 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 infectious disease pipeline consists of a vaccine in development to prevent monkeypox and smallpox called TNX-801, next-generation vaccines to prevent COVID-19, and a platform to make fully human monoclonal antibodies to treat COVID-19. Tonix’s lead vaccine candidates for COVID-19 are TNX-1840 and TNX-1850, which are live virus vaccines based on Tonix’s recombinant pox vector (RPV) live virus vaccine platform.

^*All of Tonix’s product candidates are investigational new drugs
or biologics and none have been approved for any indication

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; delays and uncertainties caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic; 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, 2021, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 14, 2022, 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.

Contacts

Jessica Morris (corporate)
Tonix Pharmaceuticals
investor.relations@tonixpharma.com
(862) 799-8599

Olipriya Das, Ph.D. (media)
Russo Partners
Olipriya.Das@russopartnersllc.com
(646) 942-5588

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

OCUGEN ANNOUNCES PUBLICATION OF POSITIVE RESULTS OF COVID-19 VACCINE TRIAL FOR CHILDREN 2-18 IN THE LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES

June 21, 2022

Ocugen’s partner Bharat Biotech’s Phase 2/3 study of COVAXIN™ (BBV152) in 526 children showed safety, efficacy, and superior response to that shown in adults

Ocugen has North American commercialization rights for COVAXIN™

MALVERN, Pa., June 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ocugen, Inc. (NASDAQ: OCGN), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, biologicals, and vaccines, today announced the publication of positive pediatric Phase 2/3 study results in children aged 2–18 years for the COVID-19 vaccine COVAXIN™ (BBV152) in The Lancet Infectious Diseases (“The Lancet”). COVAXIN™ is developed and manufactured by Ocugen’s partner Bharat Biotech International Limited (“Bharat Biotech”), a global leader in vaccine innovation based in Hyderabad, India, and is under clinical investigation by Ocugen in the United States for use in adults aged 18 years and older.

The Lancet article, entitled “Immunogenicity and reactogenicity of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (BBV152) in children aged 2–18 years: interim data from an open-label, non-randomised, age de-escalation phase 2/3 study,” which was authored by Dr. Krishna Mohan Vadrevu, Siddharth Reddy, MSc, and others, was published on June 16, 2022.

Ocugen has commercial rights for COVAXIN™ throughout North America and COVAXIN™ has emergency use authorization in Mexico for adults. Ocugen is continuing to explore pediatric emergency use authorization in Mexico. This data demonstrates that the same dose is effective in both pediatrics and adults (ages two and older) and would be an ideal option as the majority of Americans are looking for traditional vaccine options. Ocugen is continuing its effort to bring this vaccine to the North American Market.

“We congratulate Bharat Biotech on the publication of the COVAXIN™ pediatric data in this prestigious peer-reviewed medical journal,” said Dr. Shankar Musunuri, Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder of Ocugen. “Not only is this a strong validation of the work they are doing, but it is a very encouraging development in the effort to contain this pandemic, which needs a greater variety of vaccine options to combat the multiple COVID-19 variants. We believe the distinct features of COVAXIN™ offer benefits that could help improve public health.”

Dr. Krishna Ella, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech, said, “We are glad to have Ocugen as a valuable partner to help bring COVAXIN™ to North America. Safety of the vaccine is critical for children, and we are glad to share that COVAXIN™ has proven data for safety and immunogenicity in children. We have now achieved our goal of developing a safe and efficacious COVID-19 vaccine for adults and children, for primary immunization and booster doses, making COVAXIN™ a universal vaccine. It has proven to be a highly safe vaccine based on data from more than 50 million doses administered to children in India.”

The low reactogenicity might make COVAXIN™ more acceptable in pediatric populations than the more reactogenic mRNA vaccines as Bharat Biotech’s pediatric Phase 2/3 study had no serious adverse events, deaths, or withdrawals due to an adverse event including no cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome, thromboembolic events, myocarditis, or pericarditis, or other adverse events of special interest being observed to date. We believe COVAXIN™ will be a valuable tool in the global immunization effort as it can be stored at 2–8°C, which is standard vaccine storage conditions. Follow-up studies to assess pediatric effectiveness are underway, but this study suggests that similar efficacy, measured by the ability of a vaccine to prevent disease, might be anticipated in children based on the observation of superior immunogenicity, measured by the ability of a vaccine to produce an immune response, as compared to adults.

The open-label, non-randomized study was conducted in six hospitals in India and included 526 healthy children. Two doses of COVAXIN™ were administered 28 days apart in three groups according to their ages, two to six years, six to 12 years, and 12 to 18 years. The results were compared with those from adults who participated in a previously reported Phase 2 study. The study is registered with the Clinical Trials Registry, India (CTRI/2021/05/033752) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04918797).

About COVAXIN™ (BBV152)
The COVID-19 vaccine candidate BBV152, known as COVAXIN™ outside the United States, is a whole-virion inactivated COVID-19 vaccine candidate that applies the same Vero cell manufacturing platform, which has been used in the production of polio vaccines for decades. COVAXIN™ was co-developed with Ocugen’s partner, Bharat Biotech, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research – National Institute of Virology. COVAXIN™ has been granted Emergency Use Listing by the World Health Organization based on a submission by Bharat Biotech. COVAXIN™ is formulated uniquely such that the same dosage can be administered to adults and children alike, making it truly a universal vaccine. COVAXIN™ is a ready to use liquid vaccine stored at 2-8°C with a 12-month shelf life and multi dose vial policy.

About Ocugen, Inc.
Ocugen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, biologicals, and vaccines that improve health and offer hope for people and global communities. We are making an impact through courageous innovation, taking science in new directions in service of patients. Our breakthrough modifier gene therapy platform has the potential to treat multiple diseases with one drug and we are advancing research in other therapeutic areas to offer new options for people with unmet medical needs. Discover more at www.ocugen.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. We may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “proposed,” “continue,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should,” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about COVAXIN™ efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity in children aged 2-18 years, Ocugen’s ability to expand emergency use authorization for COVAXIN™ in Mexico to include children aged 2-18 years, Ocugen’s intention to continue its effort to bring COVAXIN™ to the North American Market, and the potential advantages of COVAXIN™ over other vaccines. Such statements are subject to numerous important factors, risks, and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from our current expectations. These and other risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including the risk factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the quarterly and annual reports that we file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements that we make in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, after the date of this press release.

Contacts:
Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc.
Jonathan Nugent / Daniel Kontoh-Boateng (Investor Relations)
jnugent@tiberend.com
dboateng@tiberend.com

Bill Borden (Media)
bborden@tiberend.com

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Avivagen Inc. (VIVXF)
Waiting for Upturn in End Markets

Avivagen is a life sciences corporation focused on developing and commercializing products for livestock, companion animal and human applications that, by safely supporting immune function, promote general health and performance. It is a public corporation traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol VIV and is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, based in partnership facilities of the National Research Council of Canada. For more information, visit www.avivagen.com. The contents of the website are expressly not incorporated by reference in this press release.

Joe Gomes, Senior Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Q2 Results. Avivagen reported revenue of $88,438 (all figures are in Canadian $), down from $159,614 the prior year and below our estimate of $400,000. Net loss for the quarter was at $1.3 million or $0.02 per share, an increase over the prior year’s $2.2 million or $0.04 per share, and better than our estimate of a loss of $1.4 million or $0.03 per share. The decrease in revenue was due to lower sales of OxC-Beta, with the net loss decrease due to an adjustment on the Company’s ACOA liabilities.

Modest OxC-beta Sales. During 2Q22, Avivagen sold just 925 kilograms of OxC-beta Livestock, down from 2,550 kg in 1Q22. Nearly half, or 400 kgs, was sold in Brazil, Other sales were made in Thailand, 150 kgs, Taiwan, 350 kgs, and Mexico, 25 kgs. The average price of OxC-Beta per kilogram was $102.27 in the quarter from a previous $106.33 in 1Q22….

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*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.