Tiziana Announces It Will Advance Its Second Asset, A Fully Human anti-IL-6 receptor Monoclonal Antibody, TZLS-501; Tiziana Will Pursue Non-Dilutive Funding Strategies For The Development Of TZLS-501 While Continuing To Advance Intranasal Foralumab As Its Lead Program.

Author: Benzinga Newsdesk | September 25, 2025 08:34am

Tiziana Life Sciences, Ltd. (NASDAQ: TLSA) ("Tiziana" or the "Company"), today announces it will advance its second asset, a fully human anti-IL-6 receptor ("IL-6R") monoclonal antibody, TZLS-501. There has been heightened industry activity in the IL-6 pathway space, underscored by Novartis' recent acquisition of Tourmaline Bio for approximately $1.4 billion. Tiziana will pursue non-dilutive funding strategies for the development of TZLS-501 while continuing to advance intranasal foralumab as its lead program.

TZLS-501 is a fully human anti-IL-6 receptor ("IL-6R") monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting both the membrane-bound and soluble forms of IL-6R. This dual mechanism of action not only blocks IL-6R signaling but also reduces circulating IL-6 cytokines, which are recognized drivers of inflammation, lung damage, and chronic fibrosis. Tiziana sees potential to develop TZLS-501 as a monotherapy, or in combination with its lead candidate, foralumab, as well as with other anti-inflammatory and anti-infective agents.

The recent acquisition by Novartis further validates the importance of IL-6 therapeutics. Tiziana believes this an opportune time for the parallel advancement of TZLS-501. Accordingly, Tiziana will pursue development of TZLS-501, while not diverting resources or focus from ongoing clinical trials with foralumab.

Excessive IL-6 signaling plays a central role in multiple diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), systemic lupus erythematosus, and various cancers. By reducing both receptor-mediated signaling and circulating cytokine burden, TZLS-501 may offer therapeutic advantages in managing these acute and chronic inflammatory conditions.

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