Tiziana Life Sciences Ltd (NASDAQ:TLSA) announced that its intranasal anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody, foralumab, has demonstrated the ability to mitigate the side effects associated with the discontinuation of GLP-1 agonists, medicines used to manage Type 2 diabetes and obesity.
GLP-1 agonists, such as semaglutide marketed under brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy, are integral in treating metabolic disorders but often lead to side effects including sarcopenia and bone density loss. These adverse effects can force patients to discontinue therapy, undoing its benefits on tissue homeostasis.
Tiziana said in a statement that its nasal anti-CD3 therapy has shown the potential to sustain the positive effects of GLP-1 agonists even after discontinuation, a significant advancement in addressing these challenges.
“One of the key challenges with GLP-1 drugs is their lack of tolerability over time, which can lead to adverse effects like muscle and bone loss,” Dr Howard Weiner, chairman of Tiziana’s Scientific Advisory Board.
“Our research demonstrates that nasal anti-CD3 not only amplifies the beneficial effects of GLP-1 agonists but now also would potentially sustains these benefits even after discontinuation, providing a novel and non-toxic approach to maintaining tissue homeostasis and improving patient outcomes.”
Researcher, Dr Selma Boulenouar, highlighted the significant of the therapy sustaining tissue homeostasis and mitigates inflammation in key organs, including adipose tissue, liver, kidneys, and brain even when patients are on a high-fat diet.
“Importantly, the prolonged effects of nasal anti-CD3 are independent of dietary changes, making it a robust and versatile therapy for long-term metabolic health,” Boulenouar said.
Ivor Elrifi, Tiziana’s CEO, described the findings as a “pivotal step forward” in treating metabolic disorders and age-related diseases.
“Nasal anti-CD3 provides a unique opportunity to maximize and sustain the therapeutic benefits of GLP-1 drugs while mitigating their associated risks, ensuring long-term health and improved outcomes for patients,” Elrifi said.
Shares of Tiziana were boosted by the news, adding 12.8% at $0.83 in early trade on Friday.