MA-4604 · Oral FP receptor antagonist
A first-in-class, non-hormonal medicine for primary dysmenorrhea
Menstrual pain is driven by prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) acting on the FP receptor in the uterus. MA-4604 blocks that signal selectively, without suppressing the other prostaglandins the body depends on.
of women of reproductive age report menstrual pain, depending on the population studied.
is the prostaglandin most closely linked to the uterine contractions behind dysmenorrhea.
drug selectively targets the PGF2α pathway, despite decades of industry effort.
Lead indication
Primary dysmenorrhea is common, disabling, and under-treated
Primary dysmenorrhea is cramping menstrual pain with no underlying pelvic disease. It typically begins in adolescence and recurs every cycle for years. Severe cases cause missed school and work.
Today's options have real limits:
- NSAIDs block all prostaglandins at once. Many women get only partial relief, and frequent use carries gastrointestinal, kidney and cardiovascular risks.
- Hormonal contraceptives work by changing the cycle, which doesn't suit women who are trying to conceive or who prefer to avoid hormones.
A selective, non-hormonal drug that targets the cause of the cramping could help the many women these options leave behind.
Platform
Selective FP antagonists, licensed from Ferring Pharmaceuticals
The prostaglandin receptors are a closely related family, which has made selective drugs hard to find. Our lead compounds solve that problem.
Science
High PGF2α signaling drives disease in the uterus, lung and other organs. Blocking only this pathway should work better, and more safely, than broad prostaglandin suppression.
Chemistry
Our medicinal chemistry team overcame the selectivity problem across this receptor family, producing a potent lead candidate and backup compounds.
Pharmacology
The compounds have been characterized with standard pharmacology studies and with models specific to PGF2α-driven disease.
- Potency
- Sub-nanomolar inhibition of the PGF2α pathway in rodent and human systems
- Selectivity
- More than 100-fold selective for the FP receptor over other prostaglandin receptors
- Route
- Pharmacokinetic profile suited to oral dosing
- Safety
- Clean profile in extensive in vitro safety assessments
- Efficacy
- Preclinical activity shown in in vitro, ex vivo human tissue and in vivo models
Pipeline
One mechanism, a lead indication, and a clear path to expand
We are advancing MA-4604 in primary dysmenorrhea first, then plan to extend it to other conditions where PGF2α drives disease.
| Program | Indication | DiscoveryPreclinicalPhase 1Phase 2 |
|---|---|---|
| MA-4604 | Primary dysmenorrheaLead | |
| MA-4604 | EndometriosisExpansion | |
| FP antagonist | Pre-term birthExpansion |
Team
Drug developers with experience from discovery to the clinic
Supported by experienced consultants in medicinal chemistry, CMC, ADME/DMPK, business development and HR.
Scientific Advisory Board
Contact
Partnering, investment and research collaboration
We welcome conversations with investors, pharmaceutical partners and clinical researchers.