Rome – Milan, April 30, 2025 – Cube Labs, a venture builder in the healthcare technology sector listed on Euronext Growth Milan – Professional Segment, announces that the European Patent Office (EPO) has granted a patent application submitted by its subsidiary, MOLECULAR RESEARCH PHARMACT (“MRC”). MRC is 51% owned by Cube Labs, with an additional 14% held by the Cube Labs Trust, for which Cube Labs is the sole beneficiary. The patent relates to an invention aimed at treating diabetic neuropathy.
The patent, titled “Benzomorphan derivative for use in therapy”, covers a new therapeutic use of a compound already known for its analgesic properties.
The innovation is based on a pioneering insight: the patented compound has demonstrated the ability to activate adiponectin receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2), which are traditionally recognized for their role in metabolic regulation. More recently, however, these receptors have attracted attention for their neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Preclinical evidence gathered by MRC researchers suggests that the compound functions as a multi-target agonist capable of stimulating the AMPK pathway, helping to protect neurons under hyperglycemic conditions—one of the main causes of diabetic neuropathy.
“The EPO’s approval confirms the scientific strength and originality of MRC’s research,” said Filippo Surace, CEO of Cube Labs. “Diabetic neuropathy affects millions of people, many of whom lack effective treatment options and suffer from a reduced quality of life. MRC’s work and this newly granted patent represent a meaningful step forward in developing targeted, effective therapies aimed at improving patient outcomes.”
Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes, affecting up to 50% of patients. It often leads to chronic pain, sensory loss, and severe disability. Current treatments are primarily aimed at symptom relief, with limited success. In contrast, the patented compound offers the potential for a disease-modifying, neuroprotective approach.
The EPO’s approval follows a rigorous scientific validation process, which included an in-depth in vitro study of the compound’s mechanism of action using murine neuronal cell models, along with statistically significant functional analyses via Western blot. This patent builds on an earlier Italian filing for a benzomorphan compound, published as WO2022208375A1. Additional national and regional applications have already been submitted, including in the United States, where they are progressing according to the respective patent office procedures.
Molecular Research PharmaCT (MRC) specializes in developing novel molecules stemming from research in the fields of pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical analytical chemistry.