MindRank, a clinical-stage artificial intelligence (AI)-empowered drug discovery company, is pleased to announce the dosing of the first cohort in China for the Phase IIa study of MDR-001, an oral small-molecule glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), targeting obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). 

In the Phase IIa study, obese participants were randomly assigned to receive either MDR-001 or a placebo in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled design. The study aimed to explore the long-term dosage, pharmacokinetic characteristics, safety, tolerability, and efficacy of MDR-001. The Phase I single-dose ramping (SAD) study of MDR-001 has already been successfully completed, demonstrating favourable safety and pharmacokinetic characteristics. Notably, the different dose groups exhibit a clear linear relationship. The preclinical characteristics and advantages of MDR-001 have been effectively translated into clinical studies.

"The successful completion of the Phase I single-dose ramping (SAD) study for MDR-001 and the initiation of dosing the first cohort in the Phase IIa study for obese participants in China mark significant milestones for MindRank and patients seeking new treatment options," stated Zhangming Niu, Chief Executive Officer of MindRank. "Our company is dedicated to advancing the global clinical development of MDR-001 to make this therapy available to patients as soon as possible."

About MDR-001

MDR-001 is a new small-molecule GLP-1 RA that is orally bioavailable and selectively targets β-arrestin 2. It was discovered using MindRank's AI platform, Molecule Pro™. In comprehensive preclinical studies, MDR-001 has demonstrated excellent functional potency and selectivity, along with favourable ADME properties, oral bioavailability and desirable pharmacokinetics and tolerability. Its superior preclinical efficacy and safety profiles indicate that MDR-001 has the potential to be a best-in-class drug for treating obesity and T2DM, two conditions with significant unmet medical needs.

About MindRank

MindRank is a clinical-stage,  artificial intelligence (AI)-empowered drug discovery company. By leveraging its proprietary AI platforms (PharmKG, Molecule Dance and Molecule Pro), the company aims to significantly accelerate the drug discovery process and deliver small molecule drugs with desirable efficacy and safety profiles.