Can-Fite BioPharma (CANF) has secured a patent in Japan covering the use of certain adenosine receptor agonists, including its Namodenoson lead drug candidate, for inducing fat loss and treating obesity and related metabolic disorders, the company said Friday.

The company has already secured patent protection for the technology in the US, Canada, Australia and other major regions, it said.

Can-Fite shares were up 18% in premarket activity.