Tiziana Life Sciences Chairman Wins Award for MS Research

Tiziana Life Sciences Ltd. (Nasdaq: TLSA), a biotechnology firm renowned for its innovative immunomodulation therapies, announced a significant accolade for Dr. Howard L. Weiner, Chairman of its Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Weiner, also co-director of the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases at Brigham and Women's Hospital, has been awarded the esteemed “Giants of MS” award. This honor recognizes his groundbreaking contributions to the field of multiple sclerosis (MS) research. The award ceremony is scheduled for May 30, 2024, at the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers’ annual meeting in Nashville, Tennessee.

Dr. Weiner's work in neurology and immunology has propelled forward our understanding of MS. His pioneering research has led to innovative treatments, including the development of intranasal foralumab, which holds promise for enhancing the lives of millions afflicted by this chronic autoimmune condition. Tiziana Life Sciences’ Chairman and acting CEO, Gabriele Cerrone, expressed his excitement over Dr. Weiner's recognition, highlighting his relentless pursuit of scientific excellence and dedication to improving patient outcomes. Cerrone emphasized that Dr. Weiner's contributions have significantly shaped MS treatment and inspired future researchers.

The “Giants of MS” award is an annual accolade presented by the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC), the largest North American organization committed to advancing MS patient care. The award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in MS research. Dr. Weiner's receipt of this prestigious award underscores his profound influence on understanding MS mechanisms and fostering therapeutic advancements.

Dr. Weiner expressed his deep gratitude for receiving the award, acknowledging the collective efforts of the research community in striving for deeper insights into MS and developing transformative therapies. He credited the support of colleagues, collaborators, and organizations like Tiziana Life Sciences for their dedication to MS treatment and scientific discovery.

Foralumab, a fully human anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody, has shown promise in stimulating T regulatory cells when administered intranasally. In an open-label intermediate-size Expanded Access (EA) Program, 10 patients with non-active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (na-SPMS) have received the treatment, with an additional 20 patients recently approved for the program by the FDA. All patients in the EA program have shown either improvement or stabilization, with 70% experiencing reduced fatigue after six months of treatment. Fatigue, a debilitating symptom for many MS patients, is measured by the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Importantly, none of the patients have shown declines in key clinical measures. Additionally, intranasal foralumab is being studied in a Phase 2a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, dose-ranging trial, with results expected in 2025.

The “Giants of MS” award, established in 2021, honors trailblazers and visionaries recognized by their peers for outstanding contributions to MS research. From numerous nominations, seven individuals have been selected for the 2024 honor roll.

Foralumab works by binding to the T cell receptor, modulating T cell function, and suppressing effector features in multiple immune cell subsets. This mechanism has demonstrated efficacy in patients with COVID-19, multiple sclerosis, and healthy subjects. The Phase 2 trial for non-active SPMS intranasal foralumab began patient screening in November 2023, marking a novel approach to treating neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions.

Tiziana Life Sciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing breakthrough therapies through transformational drug delivery technologies, including intranasal delivery. The company’s lead candidate, intranasal foralumab, the only fully human anti-CD3 mAb, shows promise in terms of safety and efficacy compared to intravenous delivery. Tiziana’s patented technology for alternative immunotherapy routes is expected to support a broad range of applications.