Marvel Showcases New Research by SAB Member Professor David Blum

Marvel Biosciences Corp., based in Calgary, Alberta, has recently announced promising findings from a study published by Dr. David Blum and colleagues in the prestigious neurological journal "Brain." The research has significant implications for understanding and potentially treating Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Blum, a member of Marvel’s scientific advisory board, and his team explored the role of the adenosine A2A receptor (A2aRs) in Alzheimer's, using mouse models.

The study found that early increases in A2aRs in neurons can lead to memory loss in mice engineered to model Alzheimer's disease (APP/PS1 mice). Interestingly, the memory impairments and behavioral changes observed were linked to Tau protein phosphorylation at the AT8 site, rather than the traditionally targeted amyloid plaques. This finding aligns with a growing perspective in Alzheimer's research that while beta-amyloid may trigger the disease, Tau proteins are the primary agents causing cognitive decline and memory loss.

Dr. Mark Williams, Chief Science Officer of Marvel, commented on the study, noting that it supports the theory that in Alzheimer's, beta-amyloid acts as the trigger while Tau proteins act as the bullets causing damage. Marvel has been focusing on MB204, an A2aR antagonist, which has shown promise in reducing Tau phosphorylation, including at the AT8 site, in acute oral studies. The precise mechanisms by which MB204 achieves this reduction are currently under investigation with Professor Emmanuel Planel, a leading expert in Tau pathology.

The body of evidence from Marvel’s studies suggests that A2aR antagonists like MB204, which are orally administered, could offer a novel approach to addressing Tau pathology and mitigating cognitive deficits associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Marvel Biosciences Corp. operates as a pre-clinical stage pharmaceutical development company, primarily focused on a "drug redevelopment" strategy. This approach involves creating new synthetic derivatives of existing drugs to target new disease indications, particularly when the original drugs' patents are expired or expiring. This strategy aims to reduce the risks, costs, and time typically associated with drug development.

The company has developed several new chemical entities that act as A2aR inhibitors. These new compounds are being evaluated for their effectiveness in treating various neurological conditions, such as depression, anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, and ADHD, as well as non-neurological conditions like cancer and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Marvel is also investigating additional undisclosed targets to broaden its development pipeline.

Marvel’s business model focuses on creating new, patentable drugs from older, off-patent medications. This approach not only aims to extend the commercial viability of drugs that have proven efficacy but also seeks to provide new therapeutic options for diseases that may not have been addressed by the original formulations. By doing so, Marvel hopes to bring effective treatments to market more efficiently and cost-effectively than traditional drug development pathways.

Overall, the findings from Dr. Blum’s study and Marvel's ongoing research into A2aR antagonists like MB204 hold promise for advancing the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and potentially other conditions where Tau pathology plays a significant role. By leveraging innovative research and development strategies, Marvel Biosciences Corp. is positioning itself at the forefront of neurological therapeutic development.