Marvel Biosciences Invited to Test MB-204 on Autism by French University

Rhea-AI Summary

Marvel Biosciences Corp. (TSXV: MRVL) (OTCQB: MBCOF) announces collaboration with iBrain Institute to study effects of MB-204 in mouse models of autism. Drs. Le Merrer and Becker have identified a new pathway to potentially treat autism, showing promising results in reversing asocial behavior in mouse models. MB-204, a derivative of the FDA-approved adenosine A2a receptor antagonist, Istradefylline, could also offer new approaches to treat late-stage Alzheimer's disease and depression.

Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - November 16, 2023) - Marvel Biosciences Corp. (TSXV: MRVL) (OTCQB: MBCOF) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Marvel Biotechnology Inc. (collectively the "Company" or "Marvel"), is pleased to announce a collaboration with Dr. Julie Le Merrer and Dr. Jerome Becker at iBrain Institute, Tours, France to study the effects of MB-204 in mouse models of autism.

"We are very pleased to have the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Le Merrer and Dr. Becker who have identified a new pathway to potentially treat autism," commented Dr. Williams, CSO of Marvel. "Normally, we would observe that social interaction is a rewarding experience but in autism this does not appear be the case. Drs. Le Merrer and Becker have shown that mice can be treated with drugs like MB-204 which, remarkably, almost completely reverses asocial behaviour in multiple mouse models of autism. Autism affects nearly 1 in 36 children and there are few effective known treatments, so this is very exciting."

"We believe that in autism, there is a common problem with the dopamine D2 reward circuitry signaling in the Nucleus accumbens which can be restored by inhibiting the A2a receptor," said Dr. Becker, who published their findings in the May 2023 issue of Biological Psychiatry. "Having seen some of the pre-clinical data on MB-204, which targets the A2a receptor, we are keen to test effects of the molecule in pre-clinical models of autism in our laboratory."

"There is also an intriguing overlap in symptoms between autism and especially late-stage Alzheimer's disease," explained Rod Matheson, CEO of Marvel. "Specifically with respect to social withdrawal and loss of verbal communication, MB-204 could represent a truly valuable new approach to treat both of these diseases and depression."

MB-204 is a novel fluorinated derivative of the U.S. FDA-approved adenosine A2a receptor antagonist, Istradefylline which has completed cGMP manufacturing and 4-week GLP toxicology studies.

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

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

All information contained in this news release with respect to the Company and its subsidiary, (collectively, the "Parties") were supplied by Marvel, respectively, for inclusion herein and each parties' directors and officers have relied on each other for any information concerning such Party.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the future plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations of the Company and include other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company under securities regulations.

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187679

FAQ

What is Marvel Biosciences Corp collaborating on with iBrain Institute?

Marvel Biosciences Corp is collaborating with iBrain Institute to study the effects of MB-204 in mouse models of autism.

Who are the key collaborators in this study?

The key collaborators in this study are Dr. Julie Le Merrer and Dr. Jerome Becker at iBrain Institute, Tours, France.

What is MB-204 and how does it relate to potential treatments for autism and other diseases?

MB-204 is a novel fluorinated derivative of the U.S. FDA-approved adenosine A2a receptor antagonist, Istradefylline. It shows promising results in reversing asocial behavior in mouse models of autism and could offer new approaches to treat late-stage Alzheimer's disease and depression.

What are the potential implications of this collaboration for the treatment of autism and related conditions?

The collaboration could lead to the development of new treatments for autism and related conditions by targeting the dopamine D2 reward circuitry signaling in the Nucleus accumbens, offering potential solutions for social withdrawal and loss of verbal communication.