Why Is Inflammatory Focused Matinas BioPharma Stock Trading Higher Today?

Wednesday, Matinas BioPharma Holdings Inc MTNB announced results from a series of in vivo studies demonstrating successful oral delivery of two lipid nanocrystal (LNC)-formulated small single-strand oligonucleotides targeting inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-17A in animal models that mimic acute inflammatory responses seen in human diseases.

Earlier this year, Matinas established the in vitro potency of these proprietary oligonucleotides and their LNC formulations in knocking down their respective cytokine targets in cultured cells. 

Both were advanced to in vivo studies to evaluate meaningful biological activity in relevant disease models.

Acute Colitis Study (TNFα)

• A dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced murine colitis model was used to evaluate an orally administered LNC-delivered small oligonucleotide targeting TNFα mRNA synthesis. 
• Colon tissue TNFα mRNA levels were lower following orally administered active LNCs, resulting in statistically significant reductions of serum TNFα levels by 37% compared with diseased but untreated animals. 
• The clinical disease activity scores at key time points in the studies were also significantly improved with an active LNC formulation.

Acute Psoriasis Study (IL-17A)

• An imiquimod (IMQ)-induced murine psoriasis model was used to evaluate an orally administered, LNC-delivered small oligonucleotide designed to inhibit IL-17A mRNA synthesis, which contributes significantly to the progression of psoriatic skin lesions. 
• Similar to the DSS colitis model, skin tissue levels of IL-17A mRNA in the IMQ psoriasis model were lower with orally administered active LNCs compared with IMQ alone. 
• In this model, while IL-17A serum levels were not expected to change, improvement was demonstrated in clinical disease markers of skin redness and scaling.

Price Action: MTNB shares are up 21.41% at $0.2450 on the last check Wednesday.