NIH Awards Grant For Melior's Diabetes Candidate, MLR-1023
By Cyndi Root
Melior Discovery announced in a press release that it has been awarded a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to continue its studies on MLR-1023, a novel insulin sensitizer. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant will support Melior investigators in gaining new insights into insulin sensitivity and find other therapeutics for diabetes. Andrew Reaume, President and CEO of Melior, said, “An award from this highly competitive SBIR program is a testimony to the importance and potential breakthrough opportunity associated with a novel insulin sensitizer that does not work through a PPAR mechanism. We are deeply appreciative of the assistance provided by the NIH SBIR program.”
MLR-1023
MLR-1023 is Melior’s diabetes candidate with a different action mechanism than other insulin sensitizers. It is a small molecule drug for the treatment of type II diabetes. Phase 2 trials of the agent in gastric ulcers were not successful in efficacy for that indication. Using its theraTRACE platform, Melior discovered the drug’s utility in diabetes. The oral agent shows promise in glycemic control by activating the enzyme lyn kinase, thereby modulating insulin-signaling pathways. Preclinical studies show the drug lowered blood glucose levels without inducing hypoglycemia or weight gain. Other studies show that the agent is safe and well tolerated. Along with its partner, Bukwang Pharmaceutical Company, Melior is conducting Phase 2 studies of MLR-1023.
NIH Grant
The SBIR grant from the NIH will allow Melior the funding to further its understanding of MLR-1023’s action mechanism, as well as to identify other agents with similar mechanisms. Melior will also work to identify new clinical biomarkers associated with diabetes for future clinical studies. The overall purpose of the funding is to characterize this novel therapeutic category.
About Melior
Melior Discovery and Melior Pharmaceuticals use the theraTRACE platform to study a single compound in multiple in vivo models. Its efforts have resulted in the development of internal candidates and candidates developed with partners. In October 2014, Melior received its first performance milestone payment from Bukwang Pharmaceutical due to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDAs) approval of a Phase 2 MLR-1023 proof-of-concept study. Melior agreed to license the agent to Bukwang in December 2013. Bukwang received the rights to MLR-1023 in the Asia-Pacific region, excluding Japan, and an option to access proprietary Melior technology.