Marvel Biosciences Initiates Formulation Development With Catalent

Marvel Biosciences Corp. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Marvel Biotechnology Inc. (collectively the “Company” or “Marvel”), is pleased to announce that has initiated its pre-clinical oral formulation studies for its lead compound MB-204 with Catalent Inc.

Catalent, one of the world’s largest contract research organizations, has begun development of novel solid amorphous dispersion formulations of MB-204, the Company’s novel adenosine A2a receptor antagonist. A new formulation could allow for the administration of even lower doses of the drug and further improve the safety of the product.

“Having a formulation ready for pre-clinical toxicology and clinical trials is another vital milestone the company needs to achieve in order to conduct its first-in-human studies,” said Dr. Mark Williams, Chief Science Officer of Marvel. “Catalent is a world-class company with deep expertise in this area, and we look forward to working with them on this project.”

Marvel’s lead compound asset, MB-204 (“MB-204”), is being developed to help treat neurological conditions such as depression and anxiety, Alzheimer’s, ADHD and NASH. Marvel’s compound is a novel patented fluorinated derivative of the US-FDA approved Parkinson’s disease drug Istradefylline (Nourianz). Both Istradefylline and MB-204 are highly active derivatives of caffeine, which act as antagonists of the adenosine A2a receptor (“A2aR”). Caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive drug in the world and has been associated with a reduced risk for developing Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and improving concentration.