Marvel Biosciences Corporation, through its subsidiary Marvel Biotechnology Inc., has secured a key intellectual property milestone after the Japan Patent Office granted a patent covering its lead therapeutic candidate, MB-204. The newly awarded patent includes composition-of-matter and methods-of-use claims, strengthening protection for the company’s drug candidate aimed at treating autism spectrum disorder and related neurological conditions.

Company leadership described the Japanese patent as a significant expansion of Marvel’s global intellectual property portfolio. With Japan representing a major pharmaceutical market, the approval enhances the long-term commercial positioning of MB-204 as the company prepares for future clinical development and potential partnerships.

MB-204 is a novel fluorinated analogue of Istradefylline, an adenosine A2A receptor antagonist currently approved for Parkinson’s disease. According to Marvel, the compound demonstrates improved pharmacokinetic properties compared to its parent molecule and has completed preclinical toxicology evaluations. Early research has shown promising efficacy across multiple neurological models, including depression and autism spectrum disorder, with additional studies underway in Fragile X syndrome and Rett syndrome.

Autism spectrum disorder affects a growing global population, highlighting the urgent need for therapies that target core neurological symptoms. Marvel believes MB-204’s differentiated pharmacological profile positions it as a potential next-generation therapeutic candidate. Research suggests that modulation of the A2A receptor pathway could play a role in addressing a range of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions, including autism, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease.

The patent award underscores Marvel’s strategy to build a strong intellectual property foundation while advancing MB-204 through the development pipeline. The company aims to leverage this protection to support continued research, regulatory progress, and strategic collaborations focused on expanding treatment options for patients with limited therapeutic alternatives.

Marvel Biosciences, headquartered in Calgary, is focused on developing innovative treatments for neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders. Its lead programme centers on MB-204, which the company believes holds potential across multiple rare and complex neurological indications.