MannKind Extends Collaboration With Thirona Bio on Fibrotic Lung Diseases
January 05 2022 - 6:05AM
MannKind Corporation (Nasdaq: MNKD), a company
focused on the development and commercialization of inhaled
therapeutic products for patients with endocrine and orphan lung
diseases, announced that has extended its collaboration with
Thirona Bio, Inc. (“Thirona”) with the purchase of a second
convertible note issued by Thirona, and the appointment of Michael
Castagna, PharmD as a member of the Thirona board of directors.
Under the terms of the collaboration, which began in June 2021,
the companies are evaluating the therapeutic potential of Thirona’s
locally acting TGF-β inhibitor, FBM5712, for the treatment of
pulmonary fibrosis. MannKind is developing MNKD-501, a dry
powder inhaled formulation of FBM5712, which is advancing to a
nonclinical pharmacodynamics (PD) study with key results
anticipated in 2Q 2022. 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. FBM5712 is a novel small molecule
inhibitor of ALK-5 kinase (the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)
receptor kinase), which is also being developed by Thirona as a
topical product intended to prevent and/or reduce skin
fibrosis.
“Our preliminary prototype powders utilized in a pharmacokinetic
study in rats produced concentrations in the lungs that appear to
persist long enough to suggest that the drug could perform as
hoped,” said Thomas Hofmann, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer
of MannKind Corporation. “These early positive signals warrant
further evaluation and if successful, will trigger IND-enabling
toxicology work for the compound.”
Dr. Gordon Foulkes, Thirona Bio’s Founder and Chief Executive
Officer, added, “We are pleased to progress our collaboration with
further investment and guidance from the team at MannKind. We’re
thrilled with the momentum since last summer and look forward to
advancing a promising new formulation of FBM5712 for fibrotic lung
diseases.”
About MannKind CorporationMannKind 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 located in Danbury,
Conn., and Westlake Village, Calif. The Company also employs field
sales and medical representatives across the U.S. Please visit
mannkindcorp.com to learn more.
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 toxicity. The company is
headquartered in San Diego, California. More information can be
found at www.thironabio.com.
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.
AFREZZA is a registered trademark of MannKind Corporation.
For MannKind:
Christie Iacangelo, Corporate Communications
(818) 292-3500
Email: media@mannkindcorp.com
For Thirona Bio:
Amy Conrad
(858) 914-1962
Email: amy@juniper-point.com
Rose Alinaya, Investor Relations
(818) 661-5000
Email: ir@mannkindcorp.com
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