Department of Defense Awards Grant to Advance Tiziana Life Sciences Intranasal Anti-CD3 Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury

Core Viewpoint - Tiziana Life Sciences has received a research grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to study intranasal anti-CD3 therapy for traumatic spinal cord injury, expanding its therapeutic potential into significant neurological conditions [1][2][3]. Group 1: Research and Development - The DoD grant will fund a three-year study focusing on the acute phase of spinal cord injury, targeting patients who arrive at the hospital immediately after injury [2]. - A complementary two-year Stepping Strong Breakthrough Award will investigate the chronic phase of spinal cord injury, concentrating on patients with ongoing neurological deficits [2]. - Tiziana's lead candidate, intranasal foralumab, is a fully human anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody that has shown promise in stimulating T regulatory cells and improving disease stability in patients with non-active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis [6][7]. Group 2: Market Opportunity - Traumatic spinal cord injury affects nearly 300,000 Americans with permanent disabilities and sees over 17,000 new injuries each year, representing a significant unmet medical need [3]. - Current treatments are primarily supportive, with no approved therapies that enhance neurological recovery or prevent chronic complications from spinal cord inflammation, indicating a substantial commercial opportunity for Tiziana [3]. Group 3: Mechanism and Benefits - Intranasal anti-CD3 therapy aims to rebalance the immune system, reduce inflammation in the injured spinal cord, and support functional recovery, potentially benefiting other acute central nervous system injuries [4][5]. - Preclinical results have indicated that this non-invasive therapy could improve motor outcomes, enhancing independence and quality of life for patients [4].