New Monoclonal Antibody TNX-4800 Licensed for Lyme Disease Prevention

UMass Chan Medical School has licensed the worldwide rights to TNX-4800, a human monoclonal antibody designed to prevent Lyme disease, to Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp., based in Chatham, New Jersey. Mark Klempner, MD, who led the research team, emphasized the urgency of preventing Lyme disease, which is transmitted through infected deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis). TNX-4800 offers a significant advancement over traditional vaccine programs, as it requires only a single dose to provide immediate immunity against the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease.

UMass Chan licenses monoclonal antibody for seasonal prevention of Lyme disease to Tonix PharmaceuticalsThe Press DemocratShould Tennesseans still be concerned about ticks as fall approaches? What to knowAlert in California—the tick-borne disease that has already infected hundreds of dogs and could spread to humans without you noticing for up to 14 daysPsychology Today

TNX-4800 targets the outer-surface protein A (OspA) on Borrelia burgdorferi, effectively blocking the maturation of the bacteria within the tick before it can be transmitted to humans. This monoclonal antibody has an engineered extended half-life, allowing it to be administered once a year in early spring, ensuring protective antibody levels throughout the tick season.

UMass Chan licenses monoclonal antibody for seasonal prevention of Lyme disease to Tonix PharmaceuticalsPsychology TodayShould Tennesseans still be concerned about ticks as fall approaches? What to knowAlert in California—the tick-borne disease that has already infected hundreds of dogs and could spread to humans without you noticing for up to 14 days

Seth Lederman, MD, CEO of Tonix Pharmaceuticals, highlighted that Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne infection in the United States, with increasing incidence rates. The licensing of TNX-4800 expands Tonix's infectious disease pipeline and aims to transform prevention strategies for millions living in Lyme-endemic regions. Terence R. Flotte, MD, from UMass Chan, expressed pride in the collaboration, noting the urgent public health challenge posed by Lyme disease.

UMass Chan licenses monoclonal antibody for seasonal prevention of Lyme disease to Tonix PharmaceuticalsThe Press DemocratAlert in California—the tick-borne disease that has already infected hundreds of dogs and could spread to humans without you noticing for up to 14 daysShould Tennesseans still be concerned about ticks as fall approaches? What to know

While the development of TNX-4800 is promising, there are concerns regarding the reliance on monoclonal antibodies for disease prevention. Critics argue that the focus on such treatments may overshadow the importance of traditional preventive measures, such as public education on tick avoidance and the use of insect repellents.

UMass Chan licenses monoclonal antibody for seasonal prevention of Lyme disease to Tonix Pharmaceuticals

Mark Klempner stated, “Preventing Lyme disease is an urgent public health priority... monoclonal antibodies can be delivered safely and are effective in preventing infections.” Seth Lederman remarked, “We believe TNX-4800 can transform prevention for millions of people who live, work and vacation in regions endemic for Lyme disease.” Terence R. Flotte added that the partnership reflects UMass Chan’s commitment to addressing unmet medical needs.

UMass Chan licenses monoclonal antibody for seasonal prevention of Lyme disease to Tonix Pharmaceuticals

• “Preventing Lyme disease is an urgent public health priority and more than 30 years of clinical experience confirms that monoclonal antibodies can be delivered safely and are effective in preventing infections,” — Mark Klempner, MD, UMass Chan Medical School

UMass Chan licenses monoclonal antibody for seasonal prevention of Lyme disease to Tonix Pharmaceuticals

• “Lyme disease remains the most common vector-borne infection in the United States and its incidence is climbing each year,” — Seth Lederman, MD, Tonix Pharmaceuticals

UMass Chan licenses monoclonal antibody for seasonal prevention of Lyme disease to Tonix Pharmaceuticals

• “Chan School of Medicine, said, “We are proud to partner with Tonix Pharmaceuticals to advance the development of our novel monoclonal antibody as a prophylactic for Lyme disease, which is an urgent and growing public health challenge in the United States and around the world.” — Terence R. Flotte, MD, UMass Chan Medical School

UMass Chan licenses monoclonal antibody for seasonal prevention of Lyme disease to Tonix Pharmaceuticals

Tonix Pharmaceuticals plans to advance TNX-4800 through additional clinical trials, aiming for a Biologics Licensing Application submission. This initiative is part of a broader effort to combat Lyme disease and improve public health outcomes related to tick-borne illnesses.

UMass Chan licenses monoclonal antibody for seasonal prevention of Lyme disease to Tonix PharmaceuticalsShould Tennesseans still be concerned about ticks as fall approaches? What to knowThe Press DemocratAlert in California—the tick-borne disease that has already infected hundreds of dogs and could spread to humans without you noticing for up to 14 daysPsychology Today