- Marvel Biosciences (MRVL) successfully completes its short-term dose-ranging toxicology studies in rats and dogs for its lead drug candidate MB-204
- MB-204 is a fluorinated derivative of FDA-approved Istradefylline
- The drug shows signs of potential in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety and potential benefits for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s
- Marvel Biosciences (MRVL) and its subsidiary, Marvel Biotechnology, is a Calgary-based pre-clinical stage pharmaceutical development biotechnology company that utilizes a drug redevelopment approach to drug development
- Marvel Biosciences (MRVL) is trading at C$0.13 as of 2:40 pm ET
Marvel Biosciences (MRVL) has completed its short-term dose-ranging toxicology studies in rats and dogs for its lead drug candidate MB-204.
These studies will assist in determining the doses for the IND-enabling 4-week GLP toxicology studies.
Dr Mark Williams, CSO of Marvel Biosciences, says:
“We are looking forward to initiating the 4-week toxicology studies early in 2023, which is the final study left before initiating the Phase 1 clinical trials of MB-204. We are currently planning the overall design of the Phase 1 studies with the goal of also establishing an early efficacy signal in human patients. The target of MB-204, the adenosine A2a receptor, has shown in numerous studies that it plays an active role in Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD and depression. Our studies to date have also shown very promising results from our lead drug candidate MB-204, in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, in addition to potential benefits for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s.”
MB-204 is a fluorinated derivative of the U.S. FDA-approved adenosine A2a receptor antagonist, Istradefylline. Istradefylline and MB-204 are highly active derivatives of caffeine, the most widely consumed psychoactive drug in the world. Caffeine consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of developing Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease and improved concentration.
The CEO of Marvel Biosciences, Rod Matheson, says:
“2023 is a monumental year for Marvel Biosciences. We are on the path to advancing from a pre-clinical company to a clinical-stage company and are confident that our MB-204 asset has the potential to address a number of diseases, including depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and ADHD. The cGMP manufacturing of MB-204 is also proceeding well, and we look forward to providing further updates on our milestones.”
Marvel develops new synthetic chemical derivatives of the originally approved drug for new disease indications. Patent protection is being sought as the new potential asset is developed by the company.
Marvel has developed several new chemical entities, using synthetic chemical derivatives of known, off-patent drugs, that inhibit the A2a adenosine receptor with application to neurological diseases (depression & anxiety, Alzheimer’s, ADHD), and the non-neurological conditions of cancer and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Marvel is also exploring additional undisclosed targets to expand its asset pipeline.
Marvel Biosciences (MRVL) and its subsidiary, Marvel Biotechnology, is a Calgary-based pre-clinical stage pharmaceutical development biotechnology company that utilizes a drug redevelopment approach to drug development.
Marvel Biosciences (MRVL) is trading at C$0.13 as of 2:40 pm ET.
