Defined target biology
PTPσ and inhibitory proteoglycans provide a specific molecular framework for programme design.
Lead proprietary programme
MK-1. A proprietary peptide programme for neural repair.
MK-1 is being developed within the proteoglycan–PTPσ biology that regulates axonal growth, plasticity and repair after nervous-system injury.
Preclinical research programme
Programme rationale
Target a defined extracellular barrier to regeneration.
Neural tissue can retain substantial capacity for repair after injury, but CSPG-rich extracellular matrix restricts the extension and reorganisation required for recovery. PTPσ is a central receptor in this inhibitory response and links matrix composition to growth-cone behaviour.
MK-1 applies peptide pharmacology to this target space. The programme is structured to connect molecular interaction with neurite growth, cellular repair and translational outcomes while building a proprietary data and intellectual-property position.
Programme profile
A focused asset in a biologically validated pathway.
Quantifiable phenotype
Neurite extension under CSPG-conditioned inhibition provides a direct and reproducible functional readout.
Translational relevance
The pathway is implicated in axonal repair, remyelination, plasticity and the post-injury microenvironment.
Proprietary development
Maak controls programme strategy, experimental packages, resulting data and intellectual-property development.
Development work
Mechanism connected
to measurable biology.
The programme advances through specific experiments that show where MK-1 acts, what response it produces and how that response translates.
Molecular interaction
Characterise activity within the CSPG–PTPσ signalling environment using defined biochemical systems.
Neurite outgrowth
Quantify neurite extension and growth-cone response under controlled inhibitory conditions.
Repair biology
Evaluate neuronal and glial responses relevant to protection, plasticity and remyelination.
Translational models
Test exposure, biomarkers, anatomy and function in models selected for pathway relevance.
Scientific foundation
Peer-reviewed research supports intervention at both the matrix and receptor level.
The literature identifies PTPσ as a receptor for inhibitory CSPGs, explains how proteoglycan structure changes receptor organisation, and demonstrates peptide-mediated recovery of neurite growth and functional effects in preclinical neural-repair models. MK-1 advances this field as Maak's proprietary programme.
Primary literature
Selected evidence defining the programme landscape.
Science · 2009PTPσ is a receptor for chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, an inhibitor of neural regeneration.Science · 2011Proteoglycan-specific molecular switch for RPTPσ clustering and neuronal extension.Nature · 2015Modulation of the proteoglycan receptor PTPσ promotes recovery after spinal cord injury.Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience · 2022Low-Molecular Weight Protamine Overcomes Chondroitin Sulfate Inhibition of Neural Regeneration.Neuropharmacology · 2025Low-molecular weight protamine enhances neuroprotection and remyelination by mitigating chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan inhibition in models of demyelination.
Work with Maak