Tonix Pharmaceuticals Announces First Patient Dosed in Phase 2 OASIS Study of TNX-102 SL for Reduction of Acute Stress Reaction

Rhea-AI Summary

Tonix Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: TNXP) has initiated dosing in the Phase 2 OASIS study evaluating TNX-102 SL for reducing acute stress reaction (ASR) severity and acute stress disorder (ASD) frequency. The investigator-initiated trial, sponsored by the University of North Carolina and supported by a $3 million DoD grant, will enroll approximately 180 motor vehicle collision survivors. The study will randomize participants to receive either TNX-102 SL 5.6 mg or placebo for two weeks. The trial builds on TNX-102 SL's previous success in improving sleep quality in PTSD patients. The study leverages UNC's $40 million AURORA initiative infrastructure and aims to address a significant unmet need, as no medication currently exists for immediate post-trauma treatment. Topline results are expected in the second half of 2026.

Positive

• Trial is supported by a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense
• Builds upon UNC's established $40 million AURORA initiative infrastructure
• Addresses large market opportunity with 40-50 million trauma-related ED visits per year in the US
• Previous trials showed promising activity on sleep and stress-related symptoms

Negative

• Topline results not expected until second half of 2026
• Relatively small trial size of 180 participants
• No current FDA-approved treatments, which may present regulatory challenges

Insights

Clinical Research Analyst

Tonix advances TNX-102 SL to Phase 2 testing for acute stress reactions with DoD backing, but results won't come until late 2026.

Tonix Pharmaceuticals has dosed the first patient in the OASIS Phase 2 trial evaluating TNX-102 SL for reducing acute stress reaction (ASR) severity and acute stress disorder (ASD) frequency. This investigator-initiated trial is sponsored by UNC's Institute for Trauma Recovery with $3 million in Department of Defense funding - not directly by Tonix itself, which is an important distinction.

The scientific rationale appears sound - TNX-102 SL has previously demonstrated sleep quality improvements in PTSD patients, with effects observed in the first several weeks of treatment. This timing aligns well with the acute intervention window needed for ASR and ASD, conditions that can develop immediately following traumatic events like motor vehicle collisions.

The OASIS trial will enroll approximately 180 motor vehicle collision survivors through emergency departments across the US. Participants will receive either TNX-102 SL (5.6 mg) or placebo for just two weeks - a notably short treatment duration compared to typical psychiatric drug trials. The study leverages infrastructure from the larger AURORA initiative, a $40 million research program investigating trauma recovery.

The market potential here is substantial. No medications are currently approved for immediate post-trauma treatment to prevent progression to more serious conditions. With trauma accounting for 33% of emergency department visits (40-50 million patients annually) and high rates of trauma exposure in military populations, successful development could address a significant unmet need.

However, investors should note the lengthy timeline - topline results aren't expected until the second half of 2026, meaning any revenue impact is years away. This trial also doesn't appear to be part of a formal FDA approval pathway yet, but rather an exploratory study that could inform future pivotal trials.

Investigator-initiated Phase 2 trial to evaluate TNX-102 SL’s potential to reduce severity of acute stress reaction (ASR) and frequency of acute stress disorder (ASD)

Trial is sponsored by the University of North Carolina (UNC) and supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Defense

Topline results from the trial are expected in the second half of 2026

CHATHAM, N.J., May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP), a fully-integrated biotechnology company with marketed products and a pipeline of development candidates, today announced the first patient has been dosed in the Phase 2, investigator-initiated OASIS trial to evaluate TNX-102 SL in reducing the severity of acute stress reaction (ASR) and the frequency of acute stress disorder (ASD). The trial is sponsored by the University of North Carolina (UNC) Institute for Trauma Recovery and supported by a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).

“TNX-102 SL has been shown to improve sleep quality in PTSD, and previous trials of TNX-102 SL suggested activity on sleep and stress-related symptoms in the first several weeks of treatment,” said Seth Lederman, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Tonix Pharmaceuticals. “Addressing sleep disturbances is crucial in managing ASR, as poor sleep can exacerbate other symptoms and hinder recovery. There is a significant unmet need for treating ASR after traumatic events, such as civilian motor vehicle collisions or warfighter experiences in forward bases or in theater. We are encouraged by the support of TNX-102 SL’s prior data improving PTSD symptomatology in the first several weeks of treatment, which may be crucial to reducing ASR symptoms and their sequalae. We look forward to topline results in the second half of 2026.”

The Optimizing Acute Stress Reaction Interventions with TNX-102 SL (OASIS) trial will examine the safety and efficacy of TNX-102 SL to reduce adverse posttraumatic neuropsychiatric sequelae among patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) after a motor vehicle collision (MVC). The trial plans to enroll approximately 180 MVC-trauma survivors at ED study sites around the U.S. Participants will be randomized in the ED to receive a two-week course of either TNX-102 SL 5.6 mg or placebo.

The OASIS trial will build upon a foundation of knowledge and infrastructure developed through the UNC-led, $40 million AURORA initiative. AURORA is a major national research initiative to improve the understanding, prevention and recovery of individuals who experience a traumatic event. AURORA is supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), leading brain health nonprofit One Mind, private foundations, and partnerships with leading tech companies, such as Mindstrong Health and Verily Life Sciences, the healthcare arm of Alphabet, the parent company of Google.

Acute and chronic stress disorders can affect both civilian and military populations. According to the National Center for PTSD, in the U.S. about 60% of men and 50% of women experience at least one trauma in their lives In the U.S. alone, one-third of ED visits (40-50 million patients per year) involve evaluation after trauma exposures, and in a 2014 study involving 3,157 US veterans, 87% reported exposure to at least one potentially traumatic event during their service. Moreover, as many as 500,000 U.S. troops who served in wars between 2001 and 2015 were diagnosed with PTSD. Currently, no medication is available in the immediate aftermath of traumatic events to treat the initial reaction and support long term health via a post-trauma clinical trajectory that prevents development or worsening of ASD, thereby also preventing PTSD.

For more information, see ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06636786

About TNX-102 SL

TNX-102 SL is a centrally acting, non-opioid investigational drug, designed for chronic use. The tablet is a patented sublingual formulation of cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride developed for bedtime dosing for the management of fibromyalgia. Cyclobenzaprine potently binds and acts as an antagonist at four different post-synaptic neuroreceptor subtypes: serotonergic-5-HT2A, adrenergic-α1, histaminergic-H1, and muscarinic-M1-cholinergic receptors. Together, these interactions are believed to target the non-restorative sleep characteristic of fibromyalgia identified by Professor Harvey Moldofsky in 1975. Cyclobenzaprine is not associated with risk of addiction or dependence. The TNX-102 SL tablet is based on a eutectic formulation of cyclobenzaprine HCl and mannitol that provides a stable product which dissolves rapidly and delivers cyclobenzaprine by the transmucosal route efficiently into the bloodstream. The eutectic protects cyclobenzaprine HCl from interacting with the basifying agent that is also part of the formulation and required for efficient transmucosal absorption. Patents based on TNX-102 SL’s eutectic composition and its properties have issued in the U.S., E.U., Japan, China and many other jurisdictions around the world and provide market protection into 2034. The European Patent Office’s Opposition Division maintained Tonix’s European Patent EP 2 968 992 in unamended form after an Opposition was filed against it by a Sandoz subsidiary, Hexal AG. Hexal AG did not appeal that decision. The formulation of TNX-102 SL was designed specifically for sublingual administration and transmucosal absorption for bedtime dosing to target disturbed sleep, while reducing the risk of daytime somnolence. Clinical pharmacokinetic studies indicated that relative to oral cyclobenzaprine, TNX-102 SL results in higher levels of exposure during the first 2 hours after dosing and in deceased levels of the long-lived active metabolite, norcyclobenzaprine in both single dose and multiple dose studies, consistent with bypassing first pass hepatic metabolism. At steady state after 20 days of dosing TNX-102 SL, the dynamic peak level of cyclobenzaprine is higher than the background level of norcyclobenzaprine. In contrast, after 20 days of dosing oral cyclobenzaprine, the simulated peak level of cyclobenzaprine is lower than the simulated background level of norcyclobenzaprine.

Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.^*

Tonix is a fully integrated biotech company focused on transforming therapies for pain management and vaccines for public health challenges. Tonix’s development portfolio is focused on central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Tonix’s priority is to advance TNX-102 SL, a product candidate for the management of fibromyalgia, for which an NDA was submitted based on two statistically significant Phase 3 studies for the management of fibromyalgia and for which a PDUFA (Prescription Drug User Fee act) goal date of August 15, 2025 has been assigned for a decision on marketing authorization. The FDA has also granted Fast Track designation to TNX-102 SL for the management of fibromyalgia. TNX-102 SL is also being developed to treat acute stress reaction and acute stress disorder under a Physician-Initiated IND at the University of North Carolina in the OASIS study funded by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Tonix’s immunology development portfolio consists of biologics to address organ transplant rejection, autoimmunity and cancer, including TNX-1500, which is an Fc-modified humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD40-ligand (CD40L or CD154) being developed for the prevention of allograft rejection and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Tonix’s infectious disease portfolio includes TNX-801, a vaccine in development for mpox and smallpox, as well as TNX-4200 for which Tonix has a contract with the U.S. DoD’s Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) for up to $34 million over five years. TNX-4200 is a small molecule broad-spectrum antiviral agent targeting CD45 for the prevention or treatment of infections to improve the medical readiness of military personnel in biological threat environments. Tonix owns and operates a state-of-the art infectious disease research facility in Frederick, Md. Tonix Medicines, our commercial subsidiary, markets Zembrace® SymTouch® (sumatriptan injection) 3 mg and Tosymra® (sumatriptan nasal spray) 10 mg for the treatment of acute migraine with or without aura in adults.

* Tonix’s product development candidates are investigational new drugs or biologics; their efficacy and safety have not been established and have not been approved for any indication.

Zembrace SymTouch and Tosymra are registered trademarks of Tonix Medicines. All other marks are property of their respective owners.

This press release and further information about Tonix can be found at www.tonixpharma.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “expect,” and “intend,” among others. These forward-looking statements are based on Tonix's current expectations and actual results could differ materially. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, risks related to the failure to obtain FDA clearances or approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations; risks related to the failure to successfully market any of our products; risks related to the timing and progress of clinical development of our product candidates; our need for additional financing; uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; uncertainties of government or third party payor reimbursement; limited research and development efforts and dependence upon third parties; and substantial competition. As with any pharmaceutical under development, there are significant risks in the development, regulatory approval and commercialization of new products. Tonix does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Investors should read the risk factors set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 18, 2025, and periodic reports filed with the SEC on or after the date thereof. All of Tonix's forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by all such risk factors and other cautionary statements. The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date thereof.

Investor Contact

Jessica Morris
Tonix Pharmaceuticals
investor.relations@tonixpharma.com
(862) 799-8599

Peter Vozzo
ICR Healthcare
peter.vozzo@icrhealthcare.com
(443) 213-0505

Media Contact

Ray Jordan
Putnam Insights
ray@putnaminsights.com
(949) 245-5432

Indication and Usage

Zembrace® SymTouch® (sumatriptan succinate) injection (Zembrace) and Tosymra® (sumatriptan) nasal spray are prescription medicines used to treat acute migraine headaches with or without aura in adults who have been diagnosed with migraine.

Zembrace and Tosymra are not used to prevent migraines. It is not known if Zembrace or Tosymra are safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.

Important Safety Information

Zembrace and Tosymra can cause serious side effects, including heart attack and other heart problems, which may lead to death. Stop use and get emergency help if you have any signs of a heart attack:

• discomfort in the center of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back
• severe tightness, pain, pressure, or heaviness in your chest, throat, neck, or jaw
• pain or discomfort in your arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
• shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
• breaking out in a cold sweat
• nausea or vomiting
• feeling lightheaded
  
  

Zembrace and Tosymra are not for people with risk factors for heart disease (high blood pressure or cholesterol, smoking, overweight, diabetes, family history of heart disease) unless a heart exam shows no problem.

Do not use Zembrace or Tosymra if you have:

• history of heart problems
• narrowing of blood vessels to your legs, arms, stomach, or kidney (peripheral vascular disease)
• uncontrolled high blood pressure
• hemiplegic or basilar migraines. If you are not sure if you have these, ask your provider.
• had a stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), or problems with blood circulation
• severe liver problems
• taken any of the following medicines in the last 24 hours: almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, ergotamines, or dihydroergotamine. Ask your provider for a list of these medicines if you are not sure.
• are taking certain antidepressants, known as monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A inhibitors or it has been 2 weeks or less since you stopped taking a MAO-A inhibitor. Ask your provider for a list of these medicines if you are not sure.
• an allergy to sumatriptan or any of the components of Zembrace or Tosymra
  
  

Tell your provider about all of your medical conditions and medicines you take, including vitamins and supplements.

Zembrace and Tosymra can cause dizziness, weakness, or drowsiness. If so, do not drive a car, use machinery, or do anything where you need to be alert.

Zembrace and Tosymra may cause serious side effects including:

• changes in color or sensation in your fingers and toes
• sudden or severe stomach pain, stomach pain after meals, weight loss, nausea or vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, fever
• cramping and pain in your legs or hips; feeling of heaviness or tightness in your leg muscles; burning or aching pain in your feet or toes while resting; numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs; cold feeling or color changes in one or both legs or feet
• increased blood pressure including a sudden severe increase even if you have no history of high blood pressure
• medication overuse headaches from using migraine medicine for 10 or more days each month. If your headaches get worse, call your provider.
• serotonin syndrome, a rare but serious problem that can happen in people using Zembrace or Tosymra, especially when used with anti-depressant medicines called SSRIs or SNRIs. Call your provider right away if you have: mental changes such as seeing things that are not there (hallucinations), agitation, or coma; fast heartbeat; changes in blood pressure; high body temperature; tight muscles; or trouble walking.
• hives (itchy bumps); swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
• seizures even in people who have never had seizures before

The most common side effects of Zembrace and Tosymra include: pain and redness at injection site (Zembrace only); tingling or numbness in your fingers or toes; dizziness; warm, hot, burning feeling to your face (flushing); discomfort or stiffness in your neck; feeling weak, drowsy, or tired; application site (nasal) reactions (Tosymra only) and throat irritation (Tosymra only).

Tell your provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of Zembrace and Tosymra. For more information, ask your provider.

This is the most important information to know about Zembrace and Tosymra but is not comprehensive. For more information, talk to your provider and read the Patient Information and Instructions for Use. You can also visit https://www.tonixpharma.com or call 1-888-869-7633.

You are encouraged to report adverse effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

FAQ

What is the purpose of TNXP's OASIS Phase 2 trial?

The OASIS trial aims to evaluate TNX-102 SL's effectiveness in reducing the severity of acute stress reaction (ASR) and the frequency of acute stress disorder (ASD) in trauma survivors, specifically focusing on motor vehicle collision survivors.

How many patients will be enrolled in Tonix Pharmaceuticals' OASIS trial?

The Phase 2 OASIS trial plans to enroll approximately 180 motor vehicle collision trauma survivors at emergency department study sites across the United States.

When will TNXP release results from the OASIS Phase 2 trial?

Tonix Pharmaceuticals expects to release topline results from the OASIS Phase 2 trial in the second half of 2026.

Who is funding the TNXP OASIS trial?

The trial is sponsored by the University of North Carolina (UNC) Institute for Trauma Recovery and supported by a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).

What is the dosing regimen for TNX-102 SL in the OASIS trial?

Participants will receive a two-week course of either TNX-102 SL 5.6 mg or placebo, randomized in the emergency department following motor vehicle collision trauma.