Matinas BioPharmaHoldings, Inc. announced results from a series of in vivo studies demonstrating successful oral delivery of two LNC-formulated small single-strand oligonucleotides that specifically target key inflammatory cytokines TNFa and IL-17A in well-established and validated animal models that mimic acute inflammatory responses seen in human diseases. These studies demonstrate successful oral delivery and biological activity of two different LNC-formulatedsmall oligonucleotides targeting inflammatory cytokines with reductions in tissue cytokine mRNA in both colitis and psoriasis, along with significant reductions in serum TNFa levels in colitis. Commensurate improvements in clinical disease markers and scores were also documented in both models.

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, further validating the biological activity of these small oligonucleotides. Additional tissue and histologic analyses from both studies are ongoing and the Company plans to present these data at future scientific meetings. MAT2203 was successfully evaluated in the completed Phase 2 EnACT study in cryptococcal meningitis, meeting its primary endpoint and achieving robust survival.

The combination of its unique mechanism of action and flexibility with routes of administration (including oral) positions Matinas' LNC technology to potentially become a preferred next-generation orally available intracellular drug delivery platform.