Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - July 24, 2024) - Marvel Biosciences Corp. (TSXV: MRVL) (OTCQB: MBCOF), and its wholly owned subsidiary, Marvel Biotechnology Inc. (collectively the “Company” or “Marvel”), today is pleased to announce the extension of its collaboration with Drs. Julie Le Merrer and Jerome Becker, lead investigators at the iBraiN Institute in Tours France. Building upon the promising results using MB204 in an autism model earlier this year, we now aim to test our lead asset in a mouse model of Rett syndrome (Mecp2).
Rett syndrome and autism share several genetic, clinical and neurodevelopmental features, leading to a complex overlap between the conditions. Rett syndrome is a rare (orphan) genetic neurological disorder that occurs almost exclusively in females, affecting approximately 1 in 10,000. The condition leads to severe impairments, including speaking, walking, eating, and breathing. The hallmark of Rett syndrome is near constant repetitive hand movements and is classified as an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The drug Trofinetide (Daybue®) was approved to treat Rett syndrome in 2023 by Acadia Pharmaceuticals.
“Based on our success of MB204 in rapidly improving social behaviours in the Oprm1 mouse model of autism after a single oral dose, we are very interested in testing the chronic effect of MB204 in a head-to-head study against the approved drug Trofinetide in the Mecp2 mouse model,” commented Dr. Le Merrer. “Based on our previous experience with MB204 and Istradefylline, we believe modulation of the adenosine A2a receptor, the target of both drugs, could improve outcomes in Mecp2 mice and ultimately patients with Rett syndrome as well as other forms of autism.”
“The extension of our collaboration with the iBraiN Institute is an exciting and significant step towards Marvel’s mission to develop effective treatments for complex neurological disorders,” explained Rod Matheson Chief Executive Officer. “Marvel is hopeful that our ongoing research will yield impactful insights and a potential therapeutic option for Rett syndrome.”
About Marvel Biosciences Corp.
Marvel Biosciences Corp., and its wholly owned subsidiary, Marvel Biotechnology Inc., is a Calgary-based pre-clinical stage pharmaceutical development biotechnology company that utilizes a “drug redevelopment” approach to drug development. Historically, when a new class of drug is developed, it is optimized for a particular target, but typically only approved for a specific disease. Often, a new disease is identified which involves the same target, however, pending the remaining patent life, the originally approved drug may not have sufficient time left for it to be commercially viable to be developed for the new disease indication. Marvel develops new synthetic chemical derivatives of the original approved drug for the new disease indication. Patent protection is sought, as the new potential asset is developed by the Company. The Company believes the business model results in significantly less risk, cost and time to develop its assets compared to traditional biotechnology companies.
Marvel Biotechnology Inc. has currently 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.
Contact Information
Marvel Biosciences Corp.
J. Roderick (Rod) Matheson, Chief Executive Officer or
Dr. Mark Williams, President and Chief Science Officer
Tel: 403 770 2469
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The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. As a result, the Company cannot guarantee that the above events on the terms will occur and within the time disclosed herein or at all. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by Canadian securities law.
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