ABVC BioPharma Secures Japanese Patent for Depression Treatment, Expanding Global Market Reach

ABVC BioPharma has secured a significant patent in Japan for its Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) treatment candidate ABV-1504, expanding its global intellectual property protection and market potential. The patent, valid through 2040, represents a strategic move in the company's international expansion of its botanical-based neurological treatment pipeline.

The newly patented treatment, derived from Polygala tenuifolia, offers a differentiated approach to treating depression. With over 280 million people worldwide affected by MDD and the global antidepressant market projected to reach $20 billion by 2030, ABV-1504 presents a promising alternative to traditional selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Japan's pharmaceutical market presents a particularly attractive opportunity for this treatment. The country's antidepressant market is expected to reach $1.25 billion by 2025, representing approximately 5.7% of the global market. Additionally, Japan's healthcare system has a long-standing tradition of integrating botanical-based medicines, creating a favorable environment for scientifically validated plant-derived therapies.

The patent is part of a broader intellectual property strategy, with ABVC now holding protection in four key territories: the United States, Australia, Taiwan, and Japan. This comprehensive coverage follows a $667 million global licensing agreement with AiBtl BioPharma, which values ABV-1504 at approximately $475.6 million.

By securing patent protection in Japan and establishing a presence through its joint venture BioLite Japan K.K., ABVC is positioning itself to compete in one of the world's most advanced pharmaceutical markets. The company's approach of developing botanical-based CNS treatments could potentially offer patients a safer, non-addictive alternative for long-term depression management.