Feb. 17, 2010 - Marcadia Initiates Phase 1 Clinical Trial of GLP-1/GIP Dual Agonist MAR701 - Novel Therapeutic Candidate Targets Two Incretin Hormone Receptors for Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity – Marcadia Biotech Inc. announced that it has initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial of MAR701, a novel dual agonist of the incretin hormone receptors for glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP). Marcadia plans to initially develop this compound as a treatment for type 2 diabetes with once-weekly dosing. The Phase 1 trial will evaluate MAR701 in healthy volunteers at escalating dose levels.MAR701 targets two peptide hormones that are elevated physiologically following a meal and pharmacologically by drugs in the DPP-4 inhibitor class, which are used to lower blood glucose. Drugs in the GLP-1 agonist class directly activate the GLP-1 receptor pathway to lower blood glucose and may also decrease body weight. Preclinical testing by Marcadia of MAR701 demonstrated significant reductions in blood glucose levels and body weight... Marcadia Biotech's Press Release -
March 6, 2008 – Marcadia Biotech, Inc., a privately held drug development company, announced a strategic collaboration with 
“Merck is a world leader in the discovery of breakthrough medicines and has proven expertise in the development and commercialization of drugs that treat metabolic diseases,” said Fritz French, CEO of Marcadia. “We are excited about the opportunity to significantly leverage the research we have accomplished to date through this collaboration with Merck.”... [PDF] Marcadia Biotech's Press Release -
