Tonix and Makana Partner on Xenotransplantation Research and Development

Tonix Pharmaceuticals and Makana Therapeutics announced that they will collaborate on preclinical xenotransplantation research and development. The companies will study Tonix’s TNX-1500, an anti-CD40 ligand monoclonal antibody candidate, along with Makana’s genetically engineered pig organs and cells.

TNX-1500 prevents allograft and xenograft rejection and will be used as part of an immunomodulatory regimen to reduce rejection of Makana’s genetically engineered pig organs in xenotransplantation. Makana began developing pigs for xenotransplantation in 2010, and 3 years later developed the triple knockout (TKO) pig, which lacks 3 key glycans responsible for organ rejection in humans. Today, TKO genetics are widely used in xenotransplantation.

The collaboration could span different programs, including kidney, heart, and islet cell transplantation. The goal is to produce data supporting an investigational new drug application with the FDA to allow for compassionate use in human transplant recipients.

Source: Press release