Calgary, Alberta - Marvel Biosciences Corp. has been awarded a $300,000 Alberta Innovates AICE Validates grant to support the preclinical validation of MB204 for Alzheimer's disease treatment. This funding marks a pivotal advancement for Marvel, providing essential resources to progress towards clinical trials.
Alzheimer's disease affects a significant portion of the aging population, with 1 in 10 Canadians over 65 and nearly 50,000 Albertans suffering from this devastating form of dementia. Current treatments primarily address symptoms, leaving a critical need for therapies that target the underlying causes of the disease.
MB204, a novel adenosine A2A receptor antagonist discovered by Marvel Biosciences' Dr. Mark Williams, is designed to target the A2a receptor, demonstrating potential in preclinical studies to address the underlying pathology in both amyloid and Tau models of Alzheimer's disease.
Preclinical Validation
Marvel Biosciences will conduct a chronic long-term preclinical study to validate MB204's effectiveness. The study aims to demonstrate improvements in cognitive function using an established Alzheimer's disease model, quantify biomarkers associated with disease pathology, and examine MB204's impact on key disease mechanisms. This comprehensive approach will serve as the final step in preclinical validation, paving the way for Phase 1 clinical trials.
Advancing Towards Clinical Trials
Having completed cGMP synthesis and 4-week GLP toxicology studies, Marvel Biosciences is preparing to advance MB204 to clinical trials. The goal is to develop a treatment that addresses cognitive symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal and combats the neurological changes driving the disease.
"This grant is a major milestone for us," said CEO Rod Matheson. "It shows the promise of our technology while providing the funding to complete critical work. We're excited to make MB204 a success story for Alberta."
About MB204
MB204 is designed as an adenosine A2A receptor antagonist to target the underlying pathology of Alzheimer's, rather than just managing symptoms. Targeting the A2a receptor has demonstrated potential in multiple preclinical studies in both amyloid and Tau models to target the underlying pathology of Alzheimer's disease.
