01:28 PM EDT, 07/24/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Marvel Biosciences ( MBCOF ) and subsidiary, Marvel Biotechnology, on Wednesday extended their collaboration with the lead investigators at the iBraiN Institute in Tours France.

Marvel aims to test its lead asset, MB204, in a mouse model of Rett syndrome (Mecp2).

The new collaboration is based on a study earlier this year, which demonstrated that a single oral dose of MB204 can restore social interaction behaviors to normal levels in autism model mice, with "notable" improvement in cognitive function.

Rett syndrome is a rare genetic neurological disorder that occurs almost exclusively in females and is classified as an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). According to the statement, Rett syndrome and autism share several genetic, clinical and neurodevelopmental features.

"The extension of our collaboration with the iBraiN Institute is an exciting and significant step towards Marvel's mission to develop effective treatments for complex neurological disorders," said chief executive Rod Matheson. "Marvel is hopeful that our ongoing research will yield impactful insights and a potential therapeutic option for Rett syndrome."

Marvel shares were last seen up $0.005 to $0.125 on the TSX Venture Exchange.

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