Gordian Pharma was founded in 2020 as a spin-out from Morvus Technology Limited specifically to develop MTL-004, a novel, small, selectively cytotoxic molecule, into clinic-ready products for the treatment of cancer as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Cancers for which survival prospects are poor were agreed as eligible targets for accelerated pre-clinical development by the European Medicines Agency under ICH-S9 regulations. Glioblastoma was selected as the lead indication, with bladder and other localised cancers also considered viable targets. Following exceptional pre-clinical results using MTL-004 to control brain tumours (glioblastoma), the Company’s data and a plan to initiate a human clinical trial was favourably reviewed by The Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Glioblastoma is also an orphan disease a fast-track pathway through clinical validation in humans and protected marketing rights in a number of markets once licenced.

The production and medical use of MTL-004 is patented and 3 new patents were filed during 2025 to extend its use in novel formulations and in combination with other drugs.

The company holds a US Orphan Drug designation in Glioma for MTL-004 and intends to also apply for European Orphan designation in due course.