Tranquis Therapeutics

About Tranquis Therapeutics

Tranquis Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2016, developing a portfolio of small molecule drugs designed to reprogram dysfunctional myeloid immune cells. The company's scientific foundation stems from the neuro-immunology research of Professor Edgar Engleman, MD, at Stanford University. Dr. Engleman, a serial entrepreneur who has founded companies like Dendreon and Bolt Biotherapeutics, discovered that dysfunction in myeloid immune cells, such as microglia in the brain and monocytes in the periphery, is a common element in many neurodegenerative diseases. His work has been pivotal in shifting the understanding of neuroinflammation from a byproduct of disease to a central cause.

The company's core strategy is to modulate a master regulator of cell energy metabolism, PGC-1α, to restore normal mitochondrial biogenesis and switch these crucial immune cells from a dysfunctional, inflammatory state to a healthy, functional one. This approach aims to enhance the cells' ability to clear toxins, like amyloid, and reduce the secretion of tissue-damaging inflammatory molecules. The business model revolves around the discovery, development, and eventual commercialization of these novel therapeutics. The company operates in the immuno-neurology market, addressing significant unmet needs in neurodegenerative and aging-related diseases. Tranquis secures capital through venture financing, having launched with a $30 million Series A round in July 2020, co-led by Remiges Ventures and SR One, with participation from Vivo Capital and others.

Tranquis' lead product candidate is TQS-168, a small molecule that can cross the blood-brain barrier and enhances PGC-1α. This drug has shown promise in preclinical models of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), and Parkinson's Disease. In June 2022, the company successfully completed a Phase 1 clinical trial with 78 healthy volunteers, where TQS-168 was found to be well-tolerated with no serious adverse events. Following this, the FDA granted TQS-168 orphan drug designation for the treatment of ALS. The company's pipeline also includes a second-generation compound, TQS-621, with plans to expand its therapeutic reach from initial orphan diseases like ALS and FTD into more prevalent conditions such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.