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Tiziana Life Sciences Announces Johns Hopkins University Commences Dosing Nasal Foralumab in Phase 2 Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Trial
Globenewswire· 2025-04-02 12:00
Core Viewpoint - Tiziana Life Sciences is advancing its Phase 2 trial of intranasal foralumab for treating non-active Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (na-SPMS), with dosing now initiated at Johns Hopkins University, marking a significant milestone in the company's clinical development efforts [1][3]. Group 1: Clinical Trial Details - The Phase 2 trial is randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled, focusing on the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of intranasal foralumab in na-SPMS patients, a form of multiple sclerosis characterized by progressive neurological decline without relapses [2][3]. - The trial includes multiple clinical sites, with Johns Hopkins University being the third site added, alongside Brigham and Women's Hospital and MS Center at Yale Medical Center [1][3]. - The blinded portion of the trial is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, followed by a six-month open-label extension period for all participants [3]. Group 2: Drug Candidate Information - Foralumab is a fully human anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody that stimulates T regulatory cells when administered intranasally, representing a novel approach to treating neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases [4][5]. - In an open-label intermediate-sized Expanded Access Program, 10 patients with na-SPMS have shown either improvement or stability of disease within six months [4]. - Foralumab is currently the only fully human anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody in clinical development, with its Phase 2 trial having begun patient screening in November 2023 [5]. Group 3: Company Commitment and Innovation - Tiziana Life Sciences emphasizes its commitment to innovation in treating neurodegenerative diseases, reinforced by the expansion of the trial to a major clinical site [4]. - The company believes that intranasal foralumab could represent a paradigm shift in addressing non-active Secondary Progressive MS, aiming to provide new hope for patients [4][6]. - Tiziana's innovative nasal drug delivery technology is expected to improve efficacy, safety, and tolerability compared to traditional intravenous delivery methods [6].
Nektar(NKTR) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-03-13 05:38
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended 2024 with $269.1 million in cash and investments, with no debt on the balance sheet [34] - Revenue for Q4 2024 was $29.2 million, and for the full year 2024, it was $98.4 million [35] - R&D expenses for Q4 were $28.7 million, totaling $120.9 million for the full year [35] - The net income for Q4 was $7.3 million, translating to $0.03 basic and diluted earnings per share, while the full year net loss was $119 million or $0.58 basic and diluted loss per share [35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company completed enrollment for its Phase IIb studies in atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata, with the RESOLVE AD trial enrolling 400 patients and the RESOLVE AA study enrolling 90 patients [6][7] - The RESOLVE AD study is designed to evaluate three different dosing regimens of Respegg, with a focus on pharmacodynamic profiles [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., over 15 million people suffer from moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, with less than 10% receiving biologic treatments [8] - The treatment market for alopecia areata is estimated to reach $5.2 billion in the U.S. and Europe by 2023 [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to provide a more durable treatment option for atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata through its novel immunomodulating mechanism, Respegg [10] - The company is expanding its preclinical pipeline in immunology and inflammation, including a novel TNFr2 agonist antibody program [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the upcoming data catalysts for Respegg in 2025, highlighting the enthusiasm from patients and physicians for its novel mechanism of action [6][7] - The company remains in a strong financial position, with a cash runway extending into Q4 2026 [13][36] Other Important Information - The company recognized a gain of $40.4 million from the sale of its Huntsville manufacturing facility [35] - The company plans to end 2025 with approximately $100 million in cash and investments [36] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for dose responses across the three dose arms? - The company designed the study with three cohorts to evaluate different dose levels and regimens, focusing on pharmacodynamic profiles [42][43] Question: What is the efficacy bar for advancing Respegg into pivotal development? - The company aims to replicate the Phase 1b results, with efficacy comparable to Dupixent being a successful outcome [48][51] Question: What updates are there on the interim PFS results from the Javelin bladder medley study? - Results are expected around the middle of the year, with the goal to improve PFS compared to single-agent Bavencio [66] Question: How does the company expect the patient baseline to compare to recent trials? - The company aims for baseline EASI scores in the range of 25 to 30 to minimize placebo response rates [71] Question: Can you elaborate on the escape arm structure in the protocol? - Patients not meeting EASI 50 criteria at the end of induction can enter an escape arm for additional treatment options [80]
aTyr Pharma Announces Publication Demonstrating Efzofitimod's Immunomodulatory Activity in Science Translational Medicine
GlobeNewswire News Room· 2025-03-12 20:00
Core Insights - The publication validates the unique anti-inflammatory mechanism of action of efzofitimod through the neuropilin-2 (NRP2) receptor, supporting its clinical program for interstitial lung disease (ILD) [1][3][4] Company Overview - aTyr Pharma, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing first-in-class medicines from its proprietary tRNA synthetase platform [2][7] - The lead therapeutic candidate, efzofitimod, is in clinical development for treating ILD, specifically targeting inflammation and fibrosis in the lungs [5][7] Mechanism of Action - Efzofitimod is derived from a splice variant of histidyl-tRNA synthetase (HARS) and selectively binds to NRP2, which is highly expressed in myeloid cells at inflammation sites [3][4] - This binding inhibits pro-inflammatory receptors and cytokines, downregulating inflammatory pathways in macrophages, potentially disrupting chronic inflammation and fibrosis cycles [3][4] Clinical Development - Efzofitimod is currently being investigated in the Phase 3 EFZO-FIT™ study for pulmonary sarcoidosis and the Phase 2 EFZO-CONNECT™ study for systemic sclerosis-related ILD [4][5] - The drug has received orphan drug designation in the U.S., E.U., and Japan for sarcoidosis, as well as Fast Track designation in the U.S. for both pulmonary sarcoidosis and systemic sclerosis-related ILD [4][5] Scientific Validation - The peer-reviewed publication in Science Translational Medicine provides extensive preclinical data supporting efzofitimod's immunomodulatory activity and its potential application in chronic inflammatory conditions [3][4]
Tiziana Life Sciences Files Investigational New Drug Application with FDA for ALS Phase 2 Clinical Trial
Newsfilter· 2025-03-04 13:00
Core Viewpoint - Tiziana Life Sciences has submitted an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the FDA for a phase 2 clinical trial of intranasal foralumab in treating Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), marking a significant advancement in the company's commitment to developing new treatment approaches for this disease [1][4]. Company Developments - The IND filing follows a grant awarded to Tiziana as part of the Hoffman ALS Clinical Trial Awards Program from the ALS Association, which supports the company's focus on three neurodegenerative diseases: ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease [2]. - Tiziana plans to initiate a 20-patient clinical trial to evaluate the safety and early-stage parameters of disease improvement in ALS upon FDA clearance of the IND application [4]. Product Information - Foralumab is a fully human anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody that stimulates T regulatory cells when administered intranasally, showing potential in treating neurodegenerative diseases [5][6]. - The drug has been previously tested in patients with Non-Active Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (na-SPMS), with all 10 patients showing either improvement or stability of disease within six months [5]. Industry Context - ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with limited treatment options, emphasizing the importance of advancing research efforts like those undertaken by Tiziana Life Sciences [3]. - Tiziana's innovative nasal delivery approach aims to improve efficacy, safety, and tolerability compared to traditional intravenous delivery methods [7][8].
Tiziana Life Sciences Announces Groundbreaking Study Published in Nature Neuroscience Demonstrating Positive Results for Nasal Anti-CD3 Therapy in Traumatic Brain Injury
Globenewswire· 2025-02-27 13:00
Core Viewpoint - Tiziana Life Sciences has announced a significant study demonstrating that its intranasal anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody, foralumab, effectively reduces neuroinflammation and improves recovery in traumatic brain injury (TBI) models, indicating a promising therapeutic approach for TBI patients [1][3]. Group 1: Study Findings - The landmark study published in Nature Neuroscience shows that nasal administration of foralumab significantly reduces neuroinflammation and correlates with improved neurological outcomes, including reduced anxiety, cognitive decline, and enhanced motor skills in preclinical TBI models [1][2]. - The therapy induces IL-10 producing regulatory T cells (Tregs) that migrate to the brain, modulating microglia activity and reducing chronic inflammation, which is crucial for mitigating CNS damage and behavioral deficits associated with TBI [2][3]. - Blocking the IL-10 receptor negated the benefits of nasal anti-CD3 therapy, confirming IL-10's critical role in the therapeutic effect, while the adoptive transfer of IL-10 producing Tregs restored the benefits, validating the mechanism of action [3]. Group 2: Implications for Treatment - The positive results support advancing foralumab as a novel treatment for TBI, with potential applications in various settings, including hospitals and emergency situations [4]. - Tiziana's proprietary nasal anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody platform has shown potential in treating multiple neuroinflammatory and autoimmune diseases, reinforcing the commitment to develop transformative therapies for conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and ALS [4][9]. - The company believes that nasal foralumab could be a game-changer in addressing the critical unmet medical need for effective TBI treatments [4][9]. Group 3: Company Overview - Tiziana Life Sciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies using alternative drug delivery technologies, particularly through nasal administration, which may enhance efficacy and safety compared to traditional intravenous methods [9]. - Foralumab is the only fully human anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody currently in clinical development, demonstrating a favorable safety profile and clinical response in ongoing studies [9].