Tonix Pharmaceuticals Partners with X-Chem for AI-Driven Antiviral Development

Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. has announced a significant AI and ML research collaboration with X-Chem, Inc. to advance the development of its oral broad-spectrum antivirals. This initiative is part of Tonix's TNX-4200 program, which aims to develop oral CD45 phosphatase inhibitors with broad-spectrum activity against various viral families. The collaboration seeks to optimize drug properties such as physicochemical attributes, pharmacokinetics, and safety.

Tonix's TNX-4200 program is designed to create antiviral drugs that can enhance the immune response against a wide range of viruses. The goal is to reduce viral load and enable the adaptive immune system to trigger protective responses. The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) has awarded Tonix a contract worth up to $34 million to accelerate the development of this antiviral program, including an IND submission and a first-in-human Phase 1 clinical study.

The collaboration with X-Chem, a leader in small molecule drug discovery, leverages their AI/ML technology and drug discovery expertise. X-Chem's proprietary AI technology and computational sciences are expected to aid in the optimization of Tonix's drug candidates, enhancing their effectiveness and safety. X-Chem's Chief Technology Officer, Erin Davis, highlighted the importance of integrating laboratory and in silico technology to drive AI drug discovery and produce high-quality data for target-specific therapies.

Tonix's research and development capabilities are bolstered by its state-of-the-art facilities, including a Biosafety Level 3 and an Animal Biosafety Level 3 lab at its research center in Frederick, Maryland. This location is strategically situated within Maryland's 'I-270 biotech corridor,' close to the U.S. biodefense research community, providing an ideal environment for advanced biopharmaceutical research.

X-Chem, Inc. is renowned for its small molecule drug discovery services, particularly its DNA-encoded chemical library (DEL) technology integrated with AI technology and computational sciences. This combination accelerates the drug discovery process, from target selection to the delivery of clinical candidates. X-Chem's approach enables the creation of novel small molecule leads against challenging therapeutic targets, facilitating the development of new drugs with high therapeutic value.

Tonix Pharmaceuticals is a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing therapeutics for human diseases. Among its development projects is TNX-102 SL, a product candidate for managing fibromyalgia that has completed two statistically significant Phase 3 studies. The FDA has granted Fast Track designation to TNX-102 SL for fibromyalgia management, and it is also being developed to treat acute stress reaction.

The company's portfolio includes treatments for central nervous system disorders, rare diseases, and infectious diseases. Tonix is also engaged in immunology development, working on biologics for organ transplant rejection, autoimmunity, and cancer. Notably, TNX-1500 is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD40-ligand, under development for preventing allograft rejection and treating autoimmune diseases.

Tonix operates a cutting-edge infectious disease research facility in Frederick, Maryland, and has a Good Manufacturing Practice-capable facility in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, ready to be activated in case of national or international emergencies. The company also markets commercial products for acute migraine treatment.

This collaboration with X-Chem is expected to enhance Tonix's capabilities in drug discovery and development, potentially leading to significant advancements in antiviral therapies.