MediciNova CBO David H. Crean, Ph.D. Takes on Investor and PR Communications Role

MediciNova, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in La Jolla, California, has recently announced a strategic shift in its approach to stakeholder engagement. This change is marked by the promotion of David H. Crean, Ph.D., to Chief Business Officer, where he will now oversee the company’s investor engagement, corporate communications, and public relations activities. Dr. Crean’s new role will involve enhancing the company's communication efforts to better clarify its corporate vision and strategic goals, thereby increasing transparency with shareholders regarding its milestones and achievements.

Dr. Crean emphasized the need for a more dynamic approach to communication, citing that MediciNova's previous strategy was overly conservative given the company's current market capitalization. He believes that by embracing a more open and engaging communication model, the company can attract new stakeholders and expand its outreach. Crean highlighted that the company is at critical inflection points, necessitating robust communication to ensure its continued growth and development. With this announcement, MediciNova plans to regularly engage with both existing and potential investors and partners, showcasing its progress and future plans.

Yuichi Iwaki, M.D., Ph.D., and CEO of MediciNova, reiterated the importance of this new communication strategy. He pointed out that the company's diverse portfolio includes active programs in neurodegeneration, developed in collaboration with leading scientific institutions, as well as additional projects that operate independently of direct company investment. These programs are expected to generate additional cash flow upon receiving regulatory approvals. Dr. Iwaki acknowledged that the complexity of these activities has sometimes led to a disconnect in market understanding. By enhancing communication under Dr. Crean’s leadership, MediciNova aims to deliver a clearer and more consistent message to its stakeholders, ensuring regular updates to existing shareholders and attracting new ones.

MediciNova, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a strong focus on developing novel small molecule therapies for a range of diseases, including inflammatory, fibrotic, and neurodegenerative conditions. The company’s portfolio is built around two main compounds, MN-166 (ibudilast) and MN-001 (tipelukast), both of which have multiple mechanisms of action and demonstrate strong safety profiles. MediciNova has 11 clinical development programs, with MN-166 (ibudilast) as its lead asset. Currently, MN-166 is in Phase 3 clinical trials for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Phase 2 trials for glioblastoma.

MediciNova’s commitment to advancing its clinical programs and enhancing stakeholder communication marks a pivotal moment in the company’s evolution. By providing clearer insights into its strategic direction and ongoing activities, MediciNova aims to foster a stronger connection with its investors and partners, driving forward its mission to develop effective treatments for some of the most challenging diseases. This renewed focus on transparency and engagement is expected to play a crucial role in MediciNova’s future success, ensuring that stakeholders are well-informed and aligned with the company’s long-term objectives.