BioNxt Advances Sublingual Cladribine Program Toward Next Phase for MS Treatment

Innovative thin-film formulation of cladribine moves forward as BioNxt prepares for next-stage development in multiple sclerosis therapy, aiming to enhance patient convenience and treatment adherence.

BioNxt Solutions’ latest development in its multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment pipeline marks a transformative step in patient-centric drug delivery with its proprietary sublingual thin-film formulation of cladribine, BNT23001. This innovative platform reimagines how MS therapies are administered by replacing traditional oral tablets with a rapidly dissolving film placed under the tongue. This delivery system is particularly important for MS patients who suffer from dysphagia, a common condition affecting the ability to swallow, offering a more accessible and comfortable dosing alternative that could improve long-term treatment adherence.

The clinical advantages of BNT23001 extend beyond ease of use. Preclinical studies have shown the formulation achieves high bioavailability and pharmacological equivalence to existing oral cladribine therapies like Mavenclad®, without inducing any observed toxicity. The sublingual delivery bypasses the gastrointestinal tract, potentially reducing side effects and allowing for faster onset of action. This approach not only improves the patient experience but also introduces new possibilities for more individualized and responsive care in a chronic disease landscape that demands better adherence and outcomes.

As BioNxt prepares to launch human bioequivalence studies in the second half of 2025, the company is also advancing global patent protections for BNT23001, signaling its intent to scale this innovation across key markets. The receipt of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and the start of clinical batch manufacturing solidify BioNxt’s progress toward commercialization. With this milestone, BioNxt reinforces its commitment to delivering next-generation therapies that align with the real-world needs of patients—an approach that could set new standards in MS treatment and reshape expectations for future drug delivery technologies.


MedTech Spectrum's Summary 
 
Patient-Centric Innovation: BNT23001 introduces a sublingual thin-film formulation of cladribine designed to improve treatment accessibility for MS patients, especially those with swallowing difficulties, enhancing compliance and user experience.
 
Clinical Advantage: Preclinical results show high bioavailability and bioequivalence to oral cladribine (e.g., Mavenclad®), with no observed toxic effects—offering a faster, potentially safer delivery alternative that bypasses the GI tract.
 
Strategic Advancement: With API delivery complete and clinical manufacturing underway, BioNxt is positioned to begin human bioequivalence studies in late 2025, supported by global patent filings and a clear path toward market-ready commercialization.