Company Description
PTIXW represents the publicly traded warrants of Protagenic Therapeutics, Inc., a company whose common stock trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol PTIX. According to multiple company announcements and SEC filings, Protagenic Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing drug product candidates to treat stress-related neurologic and neuropsychiatric disorders. The company has highlighted depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addiction as key target indications for its lead programs.
Business focus and therapeutic area
Protagenic Therapeutics describes itself in its news releases as a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies to treat stress-related neurologic disorders. Its lead molecule, identified as PT00114, is being developed for the regulation of stress in patients with depression, PTSD, anxiety, and addiction. Company communications explain that PT00114 is known scientifically as teneurin C-terminal associated peptide (TCAP), a naturally occurring peptide involved in regulation of stress response in the brain. The company has organized scientific reviews and key opinion leader webinars to discuss the rationale, preclinical evidence, and planned clinical development for PT00114.
Pipeline evolution and strategic transactions
In an 8-K/A filing, Protagenic Therapeutics reported that on May 15, 2025, it entered into a Share Exchange Agreement with Alterola Biotech Inc., EMC2 Capital LLC, preferred stockholders of Phytanix Bio, and a seller representative, pursuant to which the company acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Phytanix Bio, a Nevada corporation. The filing describes this transaction as a combination and notes that Phytanix Bio is treated as the accounting acquirer in a reverse acquisition under ASC 805-40. As a result of this exchange agreement, Protagenic Therapeutics acquired five preclinical drug candidate assets (PHYX-001 through PHYX-005) and additional employees who had been working for or affiliated with Phytanix Bio.
The acquired programs, as described in the 8-K/A, extend the company’s activities into neurology, psychiatry, obesity, urology, and inflammatory indications. The filing states that these drug candidate assets are in preclinical development and are supported by an intellectual property portfolio, including patent families and applications in multiple jurisdictions. The company characterizes this acquisition as meaningfully broadening its product pipeline beyond the original target markets of PT00114.
Lead clinical program PT00114
Earlier news releases from 2021 indicate that Protagenic Therapeutics has been preparing PT00114 for clinical evaluation in stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders. The company reported hosting virtual science reviews and key opinion leader webinars to present the scientific rationale and evidence for PT00114 in depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. These communications noted plans for an investigational new drug (IND) application and a Phase I/IIa clinical study design, including multi-center clinical trial planning and discussion of how PT00114 may fit among available therapies for stress-related disorders and addiction withdrawal.
Later, in an 8-K filing dated August 13, 2025, the company reported that it is executing a Phase 2 clinical trial of PT00114 (described as a peptide analogue). In connection with a restructuring plan, the filing states that Protagenic intends to allocate available resources to efficiently execute this ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial and that the company is prioritizing its clinical-stage program or programs.
Preclinical programs from Phytanix Bio
The 8-K/A filing detailing the Phytanix transaction lists five preclinical programs acquired via the exchange agreement:
- PHYX-001, described as a Kv7.2/7.3 agonist for epilepsy and mood disorders.
- PHYX-002, described as a cannabinoid-based therapeutic program with potential applications in several therapeutic areas.
- PHYX-003, described as an anti-obesity candidate in preclinical development.
- PHYX-004, described as a cannabis-derived extract in preclinical development for bladder pain syndrome / interstitial cystitis.
- PHYX-005, described as a modified stilbenoid program for central nervous system and inflammatory indications, including treatment-resistant seizures.
The filing explains that these programs are at the preclinical stage and that the associated intellectual property includes patent families and applications covering composition-of-matter, therapeutic use, and related protections in various jurisdictions.
Restructuring and operating model
In an 8-K filed on August 13, 2025, Protagenic Therapeutics disclosed that its Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan to transition to a virtual operating model and concentrate capital on its highest-priority clinical program or programs. Under this plan, the company temporarily suspended expenditures related to its preclinical programs originating from Phytanix Bio (PHYX-001 through PHYX-005) and initiated a process to evaluate strategic alternatives for those programs, including partnerships and out-licensing. The filing states that the objective is to advance these assets with external funding while preserving cash for the company’s lead clinical assets. The company also reported workforce reductions and a focus on reducing operating expenses, overhead, and headcount primarily associated with preclinical activities.
Listing status and capital markets activity
Protagenic Therapeutics’ common stock and warrants began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market in April 2021, as described in a company news release announcing the closing of a public offering and uplisting. The common stock trades under the symbol PTIX and the warrants under PTIXW. The company reported that the offering consisted of units combining common stock and warrants, and that the securities were separated upon closing.
Subsequent SEC filings describe interactions with Nasdaq regarding listing requirements. An 8-K/A filing outlines a notice of deficiency received on July 24, 2024, for not meeting the minimum bid price requirement, the company’s efforts to regain compliance, and a reverse stock split authorized by shareholders to support bid price compliance. The filing also notes that on June 17, 2025, Nasdaq informed the company that it was in compliance with specified listing rules and would be subject to a one-year monitoring period.
Corporate information
SEC filings identify Protagenic Therapeutics, Inc. as the exact name of the registrant and list prior use of the name Atrinsic, Inc. in the context of registrant information. A Form 12b-25 filing provides a New York, New York location for the principal executive office, consistent with earlier news releases that identify the company as being based in New York. The filings also reference the company’s transition to a virtual operating model as part of its restructuring plan.
Understanding PTIXW warrants
PTIXW represents warrants originally issued in connection with a public offering of units consisting of one share of PTIX common stock and one warrant to purchase an additional share of common stock. The April 29, 2021 news release explains that each unit included one share of common stock and one warrant, and that the common stock and warrants separated upon closing and were issued separately. Investors considering PTIXW typically review the terms of the warrants, including exercise price and expiration, as described in the company’s registration statement and prospectus referenced in that news release.
Risk profile and development stage
Company filings and news releases consistently present Protagenic Therapeutics as a development-stage biopharmaceutical company. The financial statements included in its quarterly results announcements show research and development expenses, general and administrative expenses, and net losses, which is typical for companies investing in clinical and preclinical programs prior to generating product revenue. The 8-K/A discussing the Phytanix transaction notes that all five acquired assets remain at the preclinical stage and acknowledges the risks associated with early development, while also describing potential opportunities in multiple therapeutic areas.
How investors use information on PTIXW
Investors researching PTIXW often review Protagenic Therapeutics’ clinical plans for PT00114, the status of its restructuring and operating model, the strategic direction for its preclinical programs, and its ongoing compliance with Nasdaq listing requirements. SEC filings, including 8-K, 8-K/A, and Form 12b-25, provide detailed information on material events such as acquisitions, restructuring plans, auditor changes, listing notices, and late filing notifications. Company news releases add context regarding scientific presentations, clinical timelines, and capital markets transactions.