Tharimmune reports breakthrough in oral antibody treatment for inflammatory diseases
- Tharimmune reports positive preclinical results for TH023, an oral monoclonal antibody targeting TNF-alpha.
- The new delivery platform allows for both local and systemic antibody delivery, showing promise against inflammatory diseases.
- The study supports the potential for improved patient compliance and reduced healthcare costs with oral formulations.
In Bridgewater, New Jersey, on March 24, 2025, Tharimmune, a biotechnology company specializing in immunology and inflammation, presented promising preclinical outcomes for its novel oral monoclonal antibody, TH023. The antibody aims to target tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which is integral in various inflammatory conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While traditional TNF-alpha therapies like infliximab have proven effective, they often require complicated delivery methods that can be inconvenient for patients. The findings unveiled by Tharimmune suggest that their proprietary delivery platform can facilitate both local and systemic delivery of TH023, enhancing therapeutic effectiveness without the need for injections or infusions. This could significantly ease treatment regimens for patients struggling with long-term inflammatory conditions. The study highlighted the superiority of the enzymes used for stabilization in TH023 over conventional permeation enhancers such as sodium N-(8-[2-hydroxylbenzoyl] amino) caprylate (SNAC) and others. Traditional approaches have failed to achieve the desired tissue penetration or serum concentrations for oral delivery of antibodies. Comparatively, the enzyme stabilization platform showcased a remarkable ability to enhance both tissue penetration and systemic absorption. These findings were announced following a partnership with Intract Pharma, which provided Tharimmune an exclusive license to the oral anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibody technology. Tharimmune’s efforts are designed to leverage this collaboration to create oral formulations that are more accessible to a broader range of patients, particularly those in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure. As the biopharmaceutical industry observes a growing market for TNF-alpha inhibitors – infliximab alone generated sales of approximately $6.3 billion globally in 2022 – the need for more accessible treatment options is crucial. Tharimmune believes that the shift towards an oral formulation of infliximab could dramatically reduce healthcare costs and improve patient compliance. By removing the pain and difficulty associated with injections or infusions, TH023 has the potential to significantly enhance the quality of life for patients with chronic inflammatory diseases. If successful in clinical trials, TH023 could change the way healthcare systems administer treatment for such conditions, leading to better patient adherence and overall treatment outcomes. While success cannot be guaranteed, the preliminary data provides a hopeful view of the future for patients suffering from conditions that currently rely on cumbersome treatment routes. All eyes will be on Tharimmune as they aim to move into clinical trials, focusing on solidifying the efficacy and safety of TH023 in human populations.