MannKind and Thirona Bio Join Forces to Evaluate Potential Inhaled Therapy for Fibrotic Lung Diseases
June 10 2021 - 6:15AM
MannKind Corporation (Nasdaq: MNKD) and Thirona Bio, Inc. today
announced that they have entered into a transaction that is
intended to advance the development of a novel compound with
potential for multiple indications.
FBM5712 is a novel small molecule inhibitor of the
ALK-5 kinase (the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) receptor
kinase), which is being developed by Thirona as a topical product
intended to prevent and/or reduce skin fibrosis. “TGF-β is
also implicated in lung fibrotic diseases and ALK-5 has been
validated as a potential target for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis,”
said Thomas Hofmann, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of
MannKind Corporation.
Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, the
companies will evaluate the therapeutic potential of Thirona’s
locally acting TGF-β inhibitor for the treatment of pulmonary
fibrosis. MannKind will formulate FBM5712 as a dry powder
formulation. If initial studies are promising, MannKind can
exercise certain rights to seek a full license to the compound for
clinical development and commercialization for the treatment of
fibrotic pulmonary diseases.
In addition to the collaboration agreement, the
companies entered into a convertible promissory note purchase
agreement to support Thirona’s Series A financing.
“This collaboration with MannKind gives Thirona the
opportunity to potentially expand the development of FBM5712 into
fibrotic lung diseases with a new formulation,” said Dr. Gordon
Foulkes, Thirona Bio’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “We
remain focused on the dermatological applications of this drug –
targeting scleroderma, keloid scars and certain cancers – and now
look forward to exploring lung indications with the experienced
MannKind team.”
“We recently announced our goal of launching a new
product from our pipeline every year between 2025 and 2030,” said
Michael Castagna, PharmD, Chief Executive Officer of MannKind
Corporation. “We are excited by the opportunity to evaluate FBM5712
and to assess its potential to support our pipeline ambitions.”
About Thirona BioThirona Bio is
focused on the development of drugs for fibrotic diseases. Target
indications include scleroderma, keloid scars and certain cancers
where there are no effective therapies. The Company’s unique
approach uses a potent, topically applied drug to inhibit TGF-β
“locally”, thereby minimizing the potential risk of systemic
exposure. The Company is headquartered in San Diego, California.
More information can be found at www.thirona.bio.com.
About MannKind Corporation
MannKind Corporation (Nasdaq: MNKD) focuses on the development and
commercialization of inhaled therapeutic products for patients with
endocrine and orphan lung diseases. MannKind is currently
commercializing Afrezza® (insulin human) Inhalation Powder, the
Company’s first FDA-approved product and the only inhaled ultra
rapid-acting mealtime insulin in the United States, where it is
available by prescription from pharmacies nationwide. Afrezza is
also available by prescription in Brazil, where it is
commercialized by the Company’s partner Biomm SA. MannKind was
established in 1991, and is headquartered in Westlake Village,
Calif. with a manufacturing and R&D facility based in Danbury,
Conn. The Company also employs field sales and medical
representatives across the U.S. Please visit mannkindcorp.com to
learn more.
Forward-Looking StatementsThis
press release contains forward-looking statements that involve
risks and uncertainties. Words such as "believes," "anticipates,"
"plans," "expects," "intends," "will," "goal," "potential" and
similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking
statements. These forward-looking statements are based
upon MannKind's current expectations. Actual results and
the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated
in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and
uncertainties, which include, without limitation, the risks that
MannKind may not obtain a satisfactory return (or any return) on
its investment in Thirona and that testing a product candidate may
not yield successful results or results that are consistent with
earlier testing. For a discussion of additional factors, please
refer to MannKind’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2020 as well as MannKind’s other filings with the SEC.
You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this
press release. All forward-looking statements are qualified in
their entirety by this cautionary statement, and MannKind
undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking
statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of
this press release.
MANNKIND CONTACTS:
Rose Alinaya, Investor Relations
(818) 661-5000
Email: ir@mannkindcorp.com
Christie Iacangelo, Corporate Communications
(818) 292-3500
Email: media@mannkindcorp.com
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