Tonix Pharmaceuticals Announces FDA IND Clearance for Phase 2 Study of TNX-102 SL for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder

Core Insights - Tonix Pharmaceuticals has received FDA clearance for the IND application of TNX-102 SL, a sublingual tablet formulation for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults, with plans to initiate a pivotal Phase 2 HORIZON study in mid-2026 [1][2][4] Company Overview - Tonix Pharmaceuticals is a fully-integrated biotechnology company with a focus on central nervous system disorders, immunology, and infectious diseases, and markets FDA-approved products including TONMYA for fibromyalgia [7][8] - The company is developing TNX-102 SL not only for MDD but also for other indications such as Long COVID, PTSD, and agitation in Alzheimer's disease [5][7] Clinical Development - The Phase 2 HORIZON study will be a 6-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving approximately 360 patients across 30 U.S. sites, targeting adults aged 18 and older experiencing moderate to severe MDD [2][4] - The primary endpoint of the study is the change in MADRS total score from baseline at Week 6, with secondary endpoints including global impression scores and measures of sleep disturbance [2][4] Mechanism of Action - TNX-102 SL is designed to address disturbed sleep associated with depression, utilizing a novel mechanism of action that differentiates it from traditional antidepressants [3][5] - The formulation allows for rapid absorption and minimizes the production of the active metabolite, potentially reducing side effects commonly associated with traditional antidepressants [5][6] Market Need - Over 21 million adults in the U.S. experience a major depressive episode annually, highlighting the urgent need for effective and well-tolerated treatment options [4][5] - Many existing antidepressants are not adequately effective for all patients, and side effects often lead to discontinuation of treatment, underscoring the demand for innovative therapies [4][5]