Oragenics, Inc. Preparing for Phase II Clinical Trials to Treat Concussion

Rhea-AI Summary

Oragenics, Inc. (OGEN) is preparing for a Phase II clinical trial for its lead drug candidate, ONP-002, designed to target the brain through intranasal delivery for the treatment of mild Traumatic Brain Injury. The drug has shown promise in animal models and is expected to have a large safety margin in the upcoming trial. With an estimated 69M concussions reported annually worldwide, the potential market for this treatment is significant.

Insights

Medical Research Analyst

The advancement from Phase I to Phase II clinical trials for Oragenics' ONP-002 represents a significant milestone in the drug development process. The safety and tolerability demonstrated in the initial 40-patient study are crucial, as these are primary concerns before increasing the scope and scale of testing. The neuroprotective profile of ONP-002, particularly its potential to improve memory and motor performance, is promising given the prevalence of concussion-related disabilities. The transition to Phase II trials suggests a potential for scalability and efficacy in a larger human population, which could have substantial implications for the company's valuation and future revenue streams.

Furthermore, the intranasal delivery system as a means to target the brain is a notable innovation. This method could offer advantages over traditional drug delivery systems, such as increased direct brain exposure and a potentially faster onset of action, which is critical in acute treatments. The unique delivery mechanism may also provide a competitive edge in the market, assuming successful trial outcomes.

Neurologist

Concussion management is a complex clinical challenge and the current standard of care often involves symptom management rather than direct therapeutic intervention. The development of ONP-002 as a new chemical entity (NCE) targeting the acute phase of mild Traumatic Brain Injury could revolutionize treatment protocols. The neuroprotective molecular profile of ONP-002 could mitigate the pathological cascade that follows a concussion, potentially reducing the incidence of post-concussion syndrome and long-term disability. This is particularly relevant given the high incidence of concussions and their link to other neurological disorders. If ONP-002 proves effective in Phase II trials, it could fulfill a significant unmet medical need and change the standard of care for concussion patients.

Market Research Analyst

With an estimated 69 million concussions reported annually worldwide, the market potential for an effective treatment is substantial. Oragenics' focus on intranasal nanoparticle pharmaceuticals positions the company within a niche yet potentially lucrative segment of the neurological disorder treatment market. The successful development of ONP-002 could not only lead to significant revenue for Oragenics but also attract partnership opportunities, licensing deals, or even acquisition interest from larger pharmaceutical companies. The link between concussions and other neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) further expands the potential application of ONP-002, which could have a ripple effect on the company's stock performance and investor interest.

SARASOTA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Oragenics, Inc. (NYSE American: OGEN), a company focused on developing unique, intranasal nanoparticle pharmaceuticals for the treatment of neurological disorders, today announced it is preparing for a Phase II clinical trial using its novel drug - device combination for the treatment of mild Traumatic Brain Injury, aka concussion. Oragenics’ lead drug candidate, ONP-002, is a new chemical entity (NCE) designed to target the brain through self-propelled powdered delivery into the nasal cavity. A 40-patient Phase I study showed ONP-002 to be safe and well-tolerated.

Oragenics has begun the final process of synthesizing and formulating the drug needed for its Phase II clinical trial. It is expected that enrolled patients will be in the acute phase following concussions, after diagnosis the patient will quickly receive their first dose intranasally.

“Concussion is a serious unmet medical need. An acute treatment that can mitigate the pathological cascade could help so many people. We are excited to get the Phase II clinical trials underway,” commented Dr. James “Jim” Kelly, Neurologist and Executive Director of the Marcus Institute of Brain Health and an advisor on the planned phase II trial.

ONP-002 has been shown to have a neuroprotective molecular profile and improve behavioral outcomes including memory and motor performance in animal models of brain injury. The drug has a large safety margin between dosages used in the animal toxicology program and those used in the Phase I study and planned for the upcoming Phase II clinical trial. Intranasal delivery of ONP-002 as a nanoparticle has been shown to enhance brain exposure in animals. “Intranasal delivery targeting the brain is our model for improving brain health while maintaining a strong safety margin,” commented Michael Redmond, President of Oragenics.

Concussion is an unmet medical need. There is an estimated 69M concussions annually reported worldwide. Common causes of concussion include falls, motor vehicle accidents and contact sports. Other neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) have been linked to concussion. Post concussion syndrome is linked to long term disability and occurs in as high as 20% of concussed patients.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including without limitation statements regarding the ability of the Company to timely and successfully undertake Phase II clinical trial using its novel drug - device combination for the treatment of mild Traumatic Brain Injury. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions and information currently available. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "project" and similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters identify forward-looking statements. Investors should be cautious in relying on forward-looking statements because they are subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: the Company’s ability to advance the development of its product candidates, including the neurology assets, under the timelines and in accord with the milestones it projects; the Company’s ability to raise capital and obtain funding, non-dilutive or otherwise, for the development of its product candidates; the regulatory application process, research and development stages, and future clinical data and analysis relating to its product candidates, including any meetings, decisions by regulatory authorities, such as the FDA and investigational review boards, whether favorable or unfavorable; the Company’s ability to obtain, maintain and enforce necessary patent and other intellectual property protection; the nature of competition and development relating to concussion treatments; the Company’s expectations as to the outcome of preclinical studies and clinical trials and the potential benefits, activity, effectiveness and safety of its product candidates including as to administration, transmission, manufacturing, storage and distribution; and general economic and market conditions and risks, as well as other uncertainties described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information set forth is as of the date hereof unless otherwise indicated. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included and not place undue reliance on such statements. We do not assume any obligation to publicly provide revisions or updates to any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240201607311/en/

Oragenics, Inc.

Janet Huffman, Chief Financial Officer

813-286-7900

jhuffman@oragenics.com



LHA Investor Relations

Tirth T. Patel

212-201-6614

tpatel@lhai.com

Source: Oragenics, Inc.

FAQ

What is Oragenics, Inc.'s ticker symbol?

Oragenics, Inc.'s ticker symbol is OGEN.

What is the purpose of the Phase II clinical trial announced by Oragenics, Inc.?

The Phase II clinical trial is for the evaluation of ONP-002, a drug designed to target the brain through intranasal delivery for the treatment of mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

What is the estimated number of concussions reported annually worldwide?

There is an estimated 69M concussions reported annually worldwide.

What are some common causes of concussion?

Common causes of concussion include falls, motor vehicle accidents, and contact sports.

What are some neurological disorders linked to concussion?

Neurological disorders linked to concussion include Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).