- Marvel Biosciences Corp. (MRVL) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Marvel Biotechnology Inc.has found its lead asset, MB-204 was active in two different pre-clinical models
- The models were of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) using fibrosis and the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (NAS score) endpoints that are analogous to the known approvable NASH endpoints with the FDA
- MB-204, is a fluorinated derivative developed by Marvel of the US-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, whose consumption has been associated with a reduced risk for developing Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and improving concentration
- The most advanced active candidate specifically targeting fibrosis is Cenicriviroc which is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials
Marvel Biosciences Corp. (MRVL) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Marvel Biotechnology Inc.has found its lead asset, MB-204 was active in two different pre-clinical models.
The models were of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) using fibrosis and the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (NAS score) endpoints that are analogous to the known approvable NASH endpoints with the FDA.
These early indications highlight a promising trajectory for MB-204 as a prospective treatment for NASH disease.
NASH is a global disease that affects a significant portion of the population with a global market representing over US$20 billion.
The major concern for physicians and their patients is the development of liver fibrosis which can result in cirrhosis and liver cancer.
There are no approved treatments for NASH, and very few treatments in development are focused on reduction in fibrosis.
MB-204, is a fluorinated derivative developed by Marvel of the US-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, whose consumption has been associated with a reduced risk for developing Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and improving concentration.
The most advanced active candidate specifically targeting fibrosis is Cenicriviroc which is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials.
Marvel Biotechnology studied its lead adenosine A2a receptor antagonist MB-204 in two pre-clinical NASH models and concluded the following:
- In the first model, focusing on the NAS Score, 6-week-old STAM® mice were treated with MB-204, once daily per oral for three weeks.
- A 1.4 point drop in the NAS score was observed, with a particularly strong effect seen on hepatocyte ballooning compared to vehicle.
- In the second model, focusing on fibrosis, 30-week-old pre-aged NASH mice were treated once daily per oral for approximately three weeks with MB-204 or Cenicriviroc, the leading anti-fibrotic treatment for NASH in Phase 3 clinical trials.
- A 47 per cent reduction in fibrosis was observed comparing control and MB-204, and MB-204 was significantly better compared to Cenicriviroc in this experiment.
Marvel Biosciences Corp. (MRVL) is down 11.54 per cent and is trading at $0.23 per share as of 3:08 p.m.
