ABVC BioPharma has secured a significant patent in Japan for its Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) treatment candidate ABV-1504, extending the company’s intellectual property protection through 2040. The patent reinforces the company’s strategy to develop and commercialize botanical-based therapies for central nervous system disorders.
The new patent joins existing protections in the United States, Australia, and Taiwan, providing comprehensive global coverage for PDC-1421, the active botanical ingredient in ABV-1504. Derived from Polygala tenuifolia, the compound acts as a Norepinephrine Transporter (NET) inhibitor and has demonstrated promising safety and efficacy in Phase II clinical studies.
With over 280 million people worldwide affected by depression and the global antidepressant market projected to reach $20 billion by 2030, ABV-1504 offers a differentiated alternative to traditional selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The treatment aims to provide a safer, non-addictive option for individuals suffering from depression.
Japan represents a particularly promising market for ABV-1504, with more than 5 million individuals affected by depression and an anticipated antidepressant market value of $1.25 billion by 2025. The country’s healthcare system has a long-standing tradition of integrating botanical-based medicines, creating a favorable environment for scientifically validated plant-derived therapies.
In November 2023, ABVC entered a global licensing agreement with AiBtl BioPharma Inc. valued at $667 million, with approximately $475.6 million attributed to ABV-1504. The agreement includes potential milestone-based cash payments and royalties upon commercialization.
Through its joint venture BioLite Japan K.K., led by a former Asian Pacific Executive of Pfizer, ABVC is positioning itself to engage with local regulatory bodies, academic institutions, and industry partners. The company’s strategic approach aims to leverage Japan’s receptive pharmaceutical landscape and integrate its innovative botanical treatment.
The patent represents a significant milestone in ABVC’s ongoing efforts to develop alternative treatments for mental health disorders, potentially offering new hope for patients seeking more tolerable long-term depression management.
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