Tonix Pharmaceuticals Presented Data Comparing Real-World Treatment of Migraine with Industry Guidelines for Non-Oral Products at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Headache Society (AHS)
Tonix Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: TNXP) presented a poster at the 66th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Headache Society, highlighting a gap between the real-world use and the guidelines for non-oral migraine treatments. Their FDA-approved products, Zembrace SymTouch and Tosymra, are underutilized according to the data, with usage dropping from 7% in 2012 to below 4% in 2023. The poster stresses the need for personalized migraine treatments and the potential for increased usage of non-oral medications. Zembrace SymTouch offers rapid onset of pain relief in as few as 10 minutes and is the only actively promoted sumatriptan autoinjector in the U.S., while Tosymra provides similar benefits with a single nasal spray.
- Tonix Pharmaceuticals presented data at a respected scientific meeting, enhancing its visibility in the medical community.
- Zembrace SymTouch and Tosymra are FDA-approved and address unmet needs in migraine treatment.
- Zembrace SymTouch offers pain relief in as few as 10 minutes for 17% of patients, with 46% achieving pain freedom at 2 hours.
- Tosymra delivers migraine pain relief in 10 minutes with just one spray for 13% of patients.
- Zembrace SymTouch is the only actively promoted sumatriptan autoinjector in the U.S.
- Despite being FDA-approved, the usage of Tonix's non-oral migraine treatments has declined from 7% in 2012 to below 4% in 2023.
- The real-world data indicates that compliance with AHS guidelines for non-oral treatments is low.
- Potential for increased awareness and prescription of Tonix's products suggests current market penetration is weak.
- The presentation highlights a significant gap between medical guidelines and real-world application, signaling potential barriers in market adoption.
Gap in non-oral prescriptions relative to AHS guidelines represents an opportunity to increase awareness of Tonix’s two FDA-approved non-oral treatments for acute migraine
Zembrace® SymTouch® (sumatriptan injection) and Tosymra® (sumatriptan nasal spray) are indicated for the treatment of acute migraine in adults
CHATHAM, N.J., June 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP) (Tonix or the Company), a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company with marketed products and a pipeline of development candidates, presented data from a poster presentation at the 66th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Headache Society (AHS), held June 13-16, 2024. A copy of the Company’s poster presentation is available under the Scientific Presentations tab of the Tonix website at www.tonixpharma.com.
In the poster presentation titled, “American Headache Society Consensus Statement and Other Recommendations: How Many Practitioners Comply With the Recommendations?,” a retrospective review of real-world data compares real world usage of non-oral migraine products with the most recent AHS consensus statement. The data reaffirms several past recommendations from the AHS and stresses the need for customizing treatment of migraine headaches to the needs of patients, as well as using the most appropriate route of administration for any given acute attack based on the clinical presentation. So far, real world data show that compliance with the guidelines and the consensus statement have yet to be achieved but has the potential to be increased. Specifically, the data show the use of non-oral drugs for treating an acute migraine attack was only
“We believe personalizing therapy for migraine is the future and it is hoped that non-oral medicines will address some of the persistent dissatisfaction patients experience with their migraine treatments,” said Seth Lederman, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Tonix Pharmaceuticals. “We hope that educating prescribers about the importance of customized treatments will lead to enhanced satisfaction and improve the quality of life of migraine patients. This represents an opportunity for growth in non-oral first-line therapeutics such Tonix’s Zembrace SymTouch and Tosymra.”
“Inconsistent and incomplete response to traditional or emerging oral acute migraine medications continue to be a burden for individuals living with migraines. We believe that both Zembrace SymTouch and Tosymra, due to their rapid-onset and route of administration are well suited to address this unmet need,” said James Hunter, Executive Vice President of Commercial Operations at Tonix Pharmaceuticals and President of Tonix Medicines.
Zembrace SymTouch is the only actively promoted brand of sumatriptan autoinjector in the U.S. (other sumatriptan autoinjector products on the market are Imitrex® and generics to Imitrex®). It has a unique low dose and has demonstrated onset of migraine pain relief in as few as 10 minutes (
About Migraine
Nearly 40 million people in the United States suffer from migraine6 and it has been recognized as the second leading cause of disability in the world7. Migraine is characterized by debilitating attacks lasting four to 72 hours with multiple symptoms, including pulsating headaches of moderate to severe pain intensity often associated with nausea or vomiting, and/or sensitivity to sound (phonophobia) and sensitivity to light (photophobia)8.
1Mathew NT, et al. Dose ranging efficacy and safety of subcutaneous sumatriptan in the acute treatment of migraine. US Sumatriptan Research Group. Arch Neurol. 1992;49(12):1271-1276.
2Landy, S. et al. Efficacy and safety of DFN-11 (sumatriptan injection, 3 mg) in adults with episodic migraine: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Headache Pain. 19, 69 (2018).
3Brand-Schieber E, Munjal S, Kumar R, et al. Human factors validation study of 3 mg sumatriptan autoinjector, for migraine patients. Med Devices (Auckl). 2016;9:131-137.
4Tosymra [package insert]. Maple Grove, MN: Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC: Feb 2021.
5Wendt J, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the efficacy and tolerability of a 4-mg dose of subcutaneous sumatriptan for the treatment of acute migraine attacks in adults. Clinical Therapeutics. 2006;28(4):517-526.
6IQVIA 2022 retail sales from the National Sales Perspectives (NSP) audit within the SMART database estimates Zembrace sales of ~
7GBD 2016 Headache Collaborators. Global, regional, and national burden of migraine and tension-type headache, 1990-2016: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016. Lancet Neurol 2018;17(11):954-976.
8Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS). The international classification of headache disorders, 3rd edition. Cephalalgia. 2018;38(1):1–211.
Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.*
Tonix is a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on developing, licensing and commercializing therapeutics to treat and prevent human disease and alleviate suffering. Tonix’s development portfolio is focused on central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Tonix’s priority is to submit a New Drug Application (NDA) to the FDA in the second half of 2024 for Tonmya1, a product candidate for which two statistically significant Phase 3 studies have been completed for the management of fibromyalgia. TNX-102 SL is also being developed to treat acute stress reaction as well as fibromyalgia-type Long COVID. Tonix’s CNS portfolio includes TNX-1300 (cocaine esterase), a biologic designed to treat cocaine intoxication that has FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation and is in Phase 2 development supported by a grant from the National institute of Drug Abuse. Tonix’s immunology development portfolio consists of biologics to address organ transplant rejection, autoimmunity and cancer, including TNX-1500, which is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD40-ligand (CD40L or CD154) being developed for the prevention of allograft rejection and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Tonix also has product candidates in development in the areas of rare disease and infectious disease. Tonix Medicines, our commercial subsidiary, markets Zembrace® SymTouch® (sumatriptan injection) 3 mg and Tosymra® (sumatriptan nasal spray) 10 mg for the treatment of acute migraine with or without aura in adults.
*Tonix’s product development candidates are investigational new drugs or biologics and have not been approved for any indication.
1Tonmya™ is conditionally accepted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the tradename for TNX-102 SL for the management of fibromyalgia. Tonmya has not been approved for any indication.
Zembrace SymTouch and Tosymra are registered trademarks of Tonix Medicines. All other marks are property of their respective owners.
This press release and further information about Tonix can be found at www.tonixpharma.com.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “expect,” and “intend,” among others. These forward-looking statements are based on Tonix's current expectations and actual results could differ materially. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, risks related to the failure to obtain FDA clearances or approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations; risks related to the failure to successfully market any of our products; risks related to the timing and progress of clinical development of our product candidates; our need for additional financing; uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; uncertainties of government or third party payor reimbursement; limited research and development efforts and dependence upon third parties; and substantial competition. As with any pharmaceutical under development, there are significant risks in the development, regulatory approval and commercialization of new products. Tonix does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Investors should read the risk factors set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on April 1, 2024, and periodic reports filed with the SEC on or after the date thereof. All of Tonix's forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by all such risk factors and other cautionary statements. The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date thereof.
Investor Contact
Jessica Morris
Tonix Pharmaceuticals
investor.relations@tonixpharma.com
(862) 904-8182
Peter Vozzo
ICR Westwicke
peter.vozzo@westwicke.com
(443) 213-0505
Media Contact
Katie Dodge
LaVoieHealthScience
kdodge@lavoiehealthscience.com
(978) 360-3151
Zembrace® SymTouch® (sumatriptan Injection): IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Zembrace SymTouch (Zembrace) can cause serious side effects, including heart attack and other heart problems, which may lead to death. Stop use and get emergency help if you have any signs of a heart attack:
- discomfort in the center of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back
- severe tightness, pain, pressure, or heaviness in your chest, throat, neck, or jaw
- pain or discomfort in your arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
- shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
- breaking out in a cold sweat
- nausea or vomiting
- feeling lightheaded
Zembrace is not for people with risk factors for heart disease (high blood pressure or cholesterol, smoking, overweight, diabetes, family history of heart disease) unless a heart exam shows no problem.
Do not use Zembrace if you have:
- history of heart problems
- narrowing of blood vessels to your legs, arms, stomach, or kidney (peripheral vascular disease)
- uncontrolled high blood pressure
- hemiplegic or basilar migraines. If you are not sure if you have these, ask your provider.
- had a stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), or problems with blood circulation
- severe liver problems
- taken any of the following medicines in the last 24 hours: almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, ergotamines, dihydroergotamine.
- are taking certain antidepressants, known as monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A inhibitors or it has been 2 weeks or less since you stopped taking a MAO-A inhibitor. Ask your provider for a list of these medicines if you are not sure.
- an allergy to sumatriptan or any of the components of Zembrace
Tell your provider about all of your medical conditions and medicines you take, including vitamins and supplements.
Zembrace can cause dizziness, weakness, or drowsiness. If so, do not drive a car, use machinery, or do anything where you need to be alert.
Zembrace may cause serious side effects including:
- changes in color or sensation in your fingers and toes
- sudden or severe stomach pain, stomach pain after meals, weight loss, nausea or vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, fever
- cramping and pain in your legs or hips; feeling of heaviness or tightness in your leg muscles; burning or aching pain in your feet or toes while resting; numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs; cold feeling or color changes in one or both legs or feet
- increased blood pressure including a sudden severe increase even if you have no history of high blood pressure
- medication overuse headaches from using migraine medicine for 10 or more days each month. If your headaches get worse, call your provider.
- serotonin syndrome, a rare but serious problem that can happen in people using Zembrace, especially when used with anti-depressant medicines called SSRIs or SNRIs. Call your provider right away if you have: mental changes such as seeing things that are not there (hallucinations), agitation, or coma; fast heartbeat; changes in blood pressure; high body temperature; tight muscles; or trouble walking.
- hives (itchy bumps); swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
- seizures even in people who have never had seizures before
The most common side effects of Zembrace include: pain and redness at injection site; tingling or numbness in your fingers or toes; dizziness; warm, hot, burning feeling to your face (flushing); discomfort or stiffness in your neck; feeling weak, drowsy, or tired.
Tell your provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of Zembrace. For more information, ask your provider.
This is the most important information to know about Zembrace but is not comprehensive. For more information, talk to your provider and read the Patient Information and Instructions for Use. You can also visit www.tonixpharma.com or call 1-888-650-3789.
You are encouraged to report adverse effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
INDICATION AND USAGE
Zembrace is a prescription medicine used to treat acute migraine headaches with or without aura in adults who have been diagnosed with migraine.
Zembrace is not used to prevent migraines. It is not known if it is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.
Tosymra® (sumatriptan nasal spray): IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Tosymra can cause serious side effects, including heart attack and other heart problems, which may lead to death. Stop Tosymra and get emergency medical help if you have any signs of heart attack:
- discomfort in the center of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back
- severe tightness, pain, pressure, or heaviness in your chest, throat, neck, or jaw
- pain or discomfort in your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
- breaking out in a cold sweat
- nausea or vomiting
- feeling lightheaded
Tosymra is not for people with risk factors for heart disease (high blood pressure or cholesterol, smoking, overweight, diabetes, family history of heart disease) unless a heart exam is done and shows no problem.
Do not use Tosymra if you have:
- history of heart problems
- narrowing of blood vessels to your legs, arms, stomach, or kidney (peripheral vascular disease)
- uncontrolled high blood pressure
- severe liver problems
- hemiplegic or basilar migraines. If you are not sure if you have these, ask your healthcare provider.
- had a stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), or problems with blood circulation
- taken any of the following medicines in the last 24 hours: almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, ergotamines, or dihydroergotamine. Ask your provider if you are not sure if your medicine is listed above.
- are taking certain antidepressants, known as monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A inhibitors or it has been 2 weeks or less since you stopped taking a MAO-A inhibitor. Ask your provider for a list of these medicines if you are not sure.
- an allergy to sumatriptan or any ingredient in Tosymra
Tell your provider about all of your medical conditions and medicines you take, including vitamins and supplements.
Tosymra can cause dizziness, weakness, or drowsiness. If so, do not drive a car, use machinery, or do anything where you need to be alert.
Tosymra may cause serious side effects including:
- changes in color or sensation in your fingers and toes
- sudden or severe stomach pain, stomach pain after meals, weight loss, nausea or vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, fever
- cramping and pain in your legs or hips, feeling of heaviness or tightness in your leg muscles, burning or aching pain in your feet or toes while resting, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs, cold feeling or color changes in one or both legs or feet
- increased blood pressure including a sudden severe increase even if you have no history of high blood pressure
- medication overuse headaches from using migraine medicine for 10 or more days each month. If your headaches get worse, call your provider.
- serotonin syndrome, a rare but serious problem that can happen in people using Tosymra, especially when used with anti-depressant medicines called SSRIs or SNRIs. Call your provider right away if you have: mental changes such as seeing things that are not there (hallucinations), agitation, or coma; fast heartbeat; changes in blood pressure; high body temperature; tight muscles; or trouble walking.
- hives (itchy bumps); swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
- seizures even in people who have never had seizures before
The most common side effects of Tosymra include: tingling, dizziness, feeling warm or hot, burning feeling, feeling of heaviness, feeling of pressure, flushing, feeling of tightness, numbness, application site (nasal) reactions, abnormal taste, and throat irritation.
Tell your provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of Tosymra. For more information, ask your provider.
This is the most important information to know about Tosymra but is not comprehensive. For more information, talk to your provider and read the Patient Information and Instructions for Use. You can also visit www.tonixpharma.com or call 1-888-650-3789.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
INDICATION AND USAGE
Tosymra is a prescription medicine used to treat acute migraine headaches with or without aura in adults.
Tosymra is not used to treat other types of headaches such as hemiplegic or basilar migraines or cluster headaches.
Tosymra is not used to prevent migraines. It is not known if Tosymra is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.
FAQ
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