Tonix’s TNX-1700 Reverses Aged Gastric Tumors, TNX-4700 Shows Potent BTLA Antagonism
TNX-1700 reversed aging-associated gastric inflammation and significantly reduced tumor progression in murine models while exhibiting dose-independent, linear pharmacokinetics in non-human primates and transgenic mice. Tonix’s anti-BTLA candidate TNX-4700 demonstrated potent, high-affinity binding and functional antagonism in vitro, supporting its potential for multiple cancer indications.
1. Preclinical Efficacy of TNX-1700
TNX-1700, a TFF2-albumin fusion protein, reversed aging-associated gastric inflammation by reducing IL-1β levels and modulating myeloid-derived suppressor cell activity. In aged murine models, treatment with TNX-1700 attenuated tumor progression in the gastric microenvironment, demonstrating its potential to counter immunosenescence-driven cancer growth.
2. TNX-1700 Pharmacokinetic Profile
In pharmacokinetic studies involving human FcRn/albumin transgenic mice and non-human primates, TNX-1700 exhibited dose-independent, linear kinetics with comparable systemic exposure across species. The fusion protein extended TFF2 half-life without significant weight loss or adverse clinical signs, indicating durable therapeutic levels.
3. In Vitro Characterization of TNX-4700
TNX-4700, a fully human anti-BTLA monoclonal antibody, showed high-affinity binding and effective antagonism of BTLA in cell-based assays. Variants engineered to minimize FcγRI and FcγRIIB interactions may reduce the risk of cytokine release and other immune-mediated toxicities.
4. Development and Next Steps
Tonix is advancing TNX-1700 toward IND filing for combination therapy with PD-1 inhibitors in gastric and colorectal cancers. Parallel in-licensing and preclinical IND-enabling studies for TNX-4700 aim to position the antibody for multiple solid tumor indications.