MNV-201 is a mitochondrial cell therapy product composed of autologous hematopoietic stem cells enriched with allogeneic mitochondria

In pre-clinical studies, MNV-201 demonstrated improved engraftment and bone marrow reconstitution potential of patient derived hematopoietic stem cells

In vitro data also demonstrated improved ability to differentiate to erythroid cells, supporting potential for improvement in biomarkers of anemia

Minovia Therapeutics Ltd, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company advancing mitochondrial cell therapies for primary and secondary mitochondrial diseases,  announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared its Investigational New Drug (IND) application for MNV-201, an autologous hematopoietic stem cell product augmented with allogeneic mitochondria. The IND supports the initiation of a Phase Ib dose exploration clinical trial of MNV-201 in patients with Low Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS).

Anemia is a common and serious symptom in patients with low-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (LR-MDS), affecting almost 90% of cases and is often the primary characteristic of the disease. Anemia in MDS can have a negative impact on quality of life and may correlate with decreased progression-free survival and overall survival. 

“The FDA’s clearance of our IND marks an important achievement for Minovia, allowing us to clinically evaluate our allogeneic mitochondrial cell therapy approach and proceed with the Phase Ib clinical program for this first-in-class allogeneic mitochondrial therapy for low risk MDS patients,” said Natalie Yivgi Ohana, PhD, CEO of Minovia. “We are pleased to have safely dosed two MDS patients enrolled in an ongoing study under the Israeli Ministry of Health. We look forward to treating additional patients under this IND, as well as to learning about the potential of MAT to improve anemia in this patient population.”

The Phase Ib clinical trial is an open-label, dose exploration study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of MNV-201 in subjects with low risk MDS. This trial will continue our campaign to evaluate dose exploration and safety of single or repeat dosing of MNV-201. The trial will also enable assessment of efficacy in improving anemia and durability of response. The study is expected to enroll at least three patients each in the low, medium and high dose cohorts, and up to a total of 15 patients in total.