The Technology
MB-204
Marvel’s lead compound (MB-204) is a novel fluorinated derivative of Istradefylline, the only clinically approved adenosine A2a receptor antagonist used for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
However, Marvel is developing MB-204 for diseases other than Parkinson’s disease, specifically depression, Alzheimer’s Disease and liver fibrosis due to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Each disease area represents a multi-billion market with high, unmet medical need. By modifying a known approved drug with logical chemical changes, coupled with the potential to develop the drug for multiple unrelated diseases, Marvel believes it significantly de-risks its drug development efforts.
Emerging roles of dysregulated adenosine homeostasis in brain disorders with a specific focus on neurodegenerative diseases
Read full article here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34635103/
CD39-mediated ATP-adenosine signalling promotes hepatic stellate cell activation and alcoholic liver disease
Read full article here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34033815/
Proposed Development Timeline:
Q4:2022
Complete cGMP run of MB-204 for clinic
Complete dose ranging dog and rat studies
Q1:2023
Begin rat and dog GLP toxicology studies
Begin Design of Phase 1 Clinical Trials
Q3:2023
Complete Pre-clinical Toxicology Studies
Planning Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials of MB-204
H2:2024
Phase 1 SAD clinical trial results of MB-204 includes placebo and efficacy endpoints
Accelerate partnership talks
MB-204 – A potential solution to a growing Alzheimer’s and Depression market
*Note: timelines may be subject to change.
Marvel Non-Hallucinogenic Neuroplasticity Program
Marvel has identified a series of related compounds that appear to be potent, fast acting, water soluble and orally available small tryptamine derivatives that have anti-depressive activity but no overt hallucinatory activity in pilot studies.
Second Program: Safer Neuroplastic Promoting Drugs
Marvel has identified a set of molecules inspired by the tryptamine class of psychedelics that are:
- Fast acting anti-depressants
- Orally available
- Water soluble
- No evidence of hallucinations
- Lead better than fluoxetine (Prozac, p<0.005)