Tiziana Life Sciences Ltd (NASDAQ:TLSA) has announced the publication of a review article in Nature Reviews Neurology that examines the potential of its lead therapeutic candidate intranasal foralumab in treating various neurodegenerative diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, and Parkinson’s disease.
The article, titled “Immune mechanisms and shared immune targets in neurodegenerative diseases,” emphasizes the immune system's role as a primary driver in diseases like MS or an amplifying factor in conditions such as Alzheimer’s, ALS, and Parkinson’s.
It highlights the growing focus on immunotherapeutic approaches targeting shared elements like microglia, monocytes, and T cells across these diseases.
Intranasal foralumab, a fully human anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody, has shown promise in modulating immune responses.
Specifically, it has been noted for its ability to stimulate regulatory T cells and reduce microglia activation in MS, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits in other neurological conditions.
The article also explores the emerging role of the microbiome in modulating immune function and its implications for treatment.
It was authored by Dr Howard Weiner, Tiziana Scientific Advisory Board chairman and co-director of the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
“The intranasal delivery of foralumab represents one of the most promising approaches for the treatment of several of the most important neurodegenerative diseases including MS, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS and Parkinson’s disease,” Weiner said in a statement.
“This novel approach acts by dampening microglial activation, a key driver of disease in all these neurologic conditions. Furthermore, intranasal Foralumab acts without apparent side effects and is easily administered. It is a promising therapeutic avenue for patients with neurologic diseases that have limited treatment options.”
Ivor Elrifi, Tiziana’s CEO, added that the article underscores foralumab’s potential as a groundbreaking therapy for neurodegenerative diseases.
“At Tiziana, we are committed to advancing innovative treatments that address significant unmet medical needs, and this publication reinforces our dedication to improving patient outcomes in progressive MS and other neurological diseases,” Elrifi said.
Currently, intranasal foralumab is under investigation in an open-label Expanded Access (EA) Program for patients with non-active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (na-SPMS).
Preliminary results from 10 patients indicate disease stability or improvement within six months of treatment. The program has recently received FDA approval to expand enrollment to an additional 20 patients.
Meanwhile, a Phase 2a randomized, placebo-controlled trial is underway to further evaluate its efficacy in na-SPMS.