Tiziana's Intranasal Foralumab Reduces Neuroinflammation and Restores Memory in Long COVID Mice
Tiziana Life Sciences published preclinical data showing intranasal foralumab reduced neuroinflammation, boosted brain FoxP3+ IL-10+ T regulatory cells, normalized CCL11 levels and restored hippocampal neurogenesis to rescue cognitive deficits in a Long COVID mouse model. These results strengthen mechanistic rationale for ongoing non-active SPMS Phase 2a trial and broader pipeline.
1. Preclinical Data Demonstrates Neuroinflammation Reduction
Researchers administered intranasal foralumab to a respiratory-restricted mild SARS-CoV-2 mouse model replicating Long COVID neurological features. Treatment reduced gliosis in white matter and hippocampus, normalized CCL11 chemokine levels and rescued short-term memory deficits observed after infection.
2. Mechanistic Insights via Regulatory T Cells
Nasal foralumab dosing significantly increased brain FoxP3+ IL-10+ T regulatory cells and reprogrammed microglia from pro-inflammatory to regulatory phenotypes. Restoration of hippocampal neurogenic niches accompanied reduced astrocyte and microglial activation, underscoring the antibody’s immunomodulatory mechanism.
3. Implications for Clinical Development
These findings bolster the mechanistic rationale for ongoing Phase 2a non-active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis trials and support expansion into neuroinflammatory conditions such as Long COVID “brain fog.” Intranasal delivery’s favorable safety profile may accelerate regulatory review and broaden pipeline applications.