Mapreg, the Paris-based clinical stage pharmaceutical
company created in 2000, is developing an innovative new drug that targets
neuronal microtubules, providing a new way of treating depression. The company,
founded by Professor Etienne Baulieu, has received significant support and
contributions from Charles Rosier and other investors like Generali, allowing, the
streamlined and expert organisation to conduct research and development with
the objective of finding cures and treatments for neurological conditions such
as depression, neurodegeneration and trauma. The conditions are often caused by
alterations to microtubules, which consequently endanger neurons, both
structurally and functionally. Mapreg develop proprietary drugs that
specifically protect or repair these neuronal microtubules through a target
known as MAP-2 (Microtubule Associated Protein-2). MAP-2 is an essential
component to the integrity of microtubules. It is also a receptor for
Pregnenolone, a neurologically active neurosteroid that has unwanted
side-effects. MAPREG pharmaceuticals involve pregnenolone-type compounds that
act on the nervous system without causing harm.
In 2016, Mapreg are aiming to undertake clinical trials of its lead drug, MAP4343, to establish a brand new way of treating the life-debilitating, and potentially life-threatening, illness that is depression. The company will test MAP4343 on patients who have not responded to the anti-depressants that are currently on the market. Mapreg believe that a cutting-edge approach is needed as many currently available drugs could take up to a month to work, have immediate negative side effects and do not always work (30-40% of patients experience Treatment Resistant Depression). These drugs also all work in the same way, by modulating levels of the neurotransmitters, Serotonine and Norepinephrine. Therefore, with MAP4343, Mapreg are working to provide an entirely new way of treating depression by protecting microtubules, ensuring effective, rapid and safe treatment for everyone. The drug also uses the aforementioned neurosteroid, Pregnenolone, which has been proven to have a positive effect on human depression, making the success of MAP4343 highly likely.
So, what makes this an attractive and opportune investment? There will be two parallel trials undertaken for alcohol addiction and depression, meaning that the conception of MAP4343 could be twofold. Both trials will benefit from funding from French and American health agencies. Furthermore, MAPREG intend to make the drug available in two forms: a pill and an injectable, meaning that any neurodisorder, whether acute or chronic, can be addressed. This particular round of investment will catapult MAPREG beyond human proof of concept, allowing it to target several neurological markets. Completion is expected in three years, following human proof of concept, and the drug holds extremely high value in relation to potential target markets.
