Tonix Pharmaceuticals initiates Phase 1 trial of TNX-1500

Tonix Pharmaceuticals announced the initiation of a Phase 1 single ascending dose escalation 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. TNX-1500 is in development for the prevention of kidney transplant rejection and other potential transplant and autoimmune disorder indications. Recent animal studies indicate that TNX-1500 prevents organ rejection and preserves graft function either as a single agent or in combination with other drugs. Eligible participants enrolled in the Phase 1 study will be evaluated regularly over a 120-day period after dosing. Target enrollment is 36 participants. Initiation of this first-in-human study is intended to support dosing in a planned Phase 2 trial in kidney transplant recipients. “Despite advancements in the field of solid organ transplantation, there remains a significant need for new treatments with improved activity and tolerability,” said Seth Lederman, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Tonix Pharmaceuticals. “TNX-1500 has demonstrated single agent activity for long-term organ acceptance and induction of tolerance in animals. Potentially related to its activity, in preclinical studies, TNX-1500 preserves T regulatory cells, or Tregs, which are key to maintaining tolerance to grafts as well as to self-antigens. We believe TNX-1500 has the potential to prevent organ transplant rejection and improve long-term graft survival with reduced long-term toxicity burden compared to current immunosuppressive regimens. In addition, TNX-1500 has the potential to address multiple indications, including a number of autoimmune diseases. The range of potential indications suggests ‘pipeline in a product’ potential.”