Tonix Pharmaceuticals is collaborating with Makana Therapeutics on a groundbreaking project involving genetically engineered pigs for organ transplants. The aim is to prevent transplant rejection using their monoclonal antibody, TNX-1500, which boasts superior pharmacokinetics with a half-life of 36 days. This collaboration focuses on both allogeneic and xenogeneic transplants, with promising pre-clinical results.
Makana’s pigs are genetically modified to resemble human organ compatibility, reducing genes that could cause rejection in human recipients. Unique to Makana’s technology are a higher birth rate for viable organ donor pigs and the elimination of swine leukocyte antigen D.R., marking a significant engineering advancement.
The program will initially test combining their antibody with pig organs in animals, aiming for FDA approval for compassionate use in human trials. This pioneering work aspires to revolutionize organ transplantation by increasing the availability and compatibility of donor organs.
