Tonix Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: TNXP) has announced the publication of a paper in the peer-reviewed journal Cancer Cell, presenting data demonstrating that treatment with murine TNX-1700 (mTNX-1700) increased survival and decreased metastases in animal models of gastric cancer.
The paper, titled “A CXCR4 Partial Agonist, Improves Immunotherapy by Targeting Immunosuppressive Neutrophils and Cancer-Driven Granulopoiesis”, represents a collaboration between scientists at Tonix and Columbia University’s Medical School.
Seth Lederman, MD, CEO of Tonix, commented, “Addressing the root causes of resistance to immunotherapy in solid tumors is a hurdle for the successful application of immuno-oncology to anti-PD-1 resistant cancers. The combination therapy of mTFF2-MSA with anti-PD1 treatment shows significant promise in reducing the ability of tumors to evade anti-PD-1 therapy in animal models. We believe the published data support further development of TNX-1700 as an approach to overcome resistance to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in the treatment of gastric cancer and other tumors.”
Dr. Lederman added, “The study showed that in several mouse models, mTNX-1700 plus anti-PD-1 shrank primary tumors, cut liver and lung metastases, and increased survival compared to anti-PD-1 alone. These data show that fine-tuned modulation of CXCR4 can dismantle neutrophil-driven immune suppression and revive checkpoint efficacy without compromising normal myelopoiesis. We are excited, through our collaboration with Columbia University, to continue studies to identify potential clinical biomarkers through preclinical models while enhancing our understanding of the relationship between the role of TFF2 in overcoming resistance to anti-PD1 therapy in the tumor microenvironment (TME).”
