- Marvel Biosciences (TSXV:MRVL) is working on two pediatric-friendly liquid formulations of its lead drug candidate, MB-204, a derivative of Istradefylline, an approved Parkinson’s drug and the only adenosine A2A receptor blocker currently on the market
- Research shows that blocking the A2A receptor may improve quality of life for people with autism, depression and Alzheimer’s disease
- The Calgary-based biotechnology company is developing treatments for neurological diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders
- Marvel Biosciences stock last traded at C$0.16 and has added 65 per cent year-over-year
Marvel Biosciences (TSXV:MRVL) is working on two pediatric-friendly liquid formulations of its lead drug candidate, MB-204, a derivative of Istradefylline, an approved Parkinson’s drug and the only adenosine A2A receptor blocker currently on the market. Research shows that blocking the A2A receptor may improve quality of life for people with autism, depression and Alzheimer’s disease.
With support from a National Research Council of Canada (NRC) Industrial Research Assistance Program grant, the company devised the formulations with a focus on economical manufacturing, long-term stability at room temperature and a combination of high concentration and low dosing, keen to accommodate children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders who have difficulty swallowing pills or rely on feeding tubes.
According to Thursday’s news release, leadership is confident that the formulations will “support accelerated regulatory engagement and clinical readiness,” with additional research on novel delivery methods, as well as potential treatments for rare disorders like Rett syndrome and Fragile X syndrome, expected to bolster Marvel’s portfolio into the future as the company turns its full attention to MB-204’s clinical validation.
The news follows two successful funding initiatives in collaboration with 5 Horizon Ventures and Alberta Innovates in support of MB-204’s upcoming Phase-I clinical trial.
Leadership commentary
“We believe we have identified two very attractive liquid-based formulations that fit all of our criteria,” Dr. Mark Williams, CSO of Marvel Biosciences, said in a statement. “Both formulations achieved higher drug levels of MB-204 in the blood of mice than our standard liquid-based formulation, which was used successfully in our depression and autism pre-clinical studies. We actually achieved 79 and 91 per cent oral bioavailability, which not only gives us a high degree of confidence that we should get meaningful drug exposures in patients in our Phase I trial, but also builds additional intellectual property around MB-204. We wish to thank the NRC for their support of this project as it helps Marvel in its transition from a pre-clinical to a clinically focused company.”
About Marvel Biosciences
Marvel Biosciences is a Calgary-based biotechnology company developing treatments for neurological diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Marvel Biosciences stock (TSXV:MRVL) last traded at C$0.16 and has added 65 per cent year-over-year.
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