Wednesday, Matinas BioPharma Holdings Inc (NASDAQ: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.

• 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.

• 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.