MediciNova Gets Patent for Extended-Release MN-166 (ibudilast)

MediciNova, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company listed on the NASDAQ Global Market (NASDAQ:MNOV) and the Tokyo Stock Exchange (Code Number: 4875), has announced the issuance of a new patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. This patent covers extended-release oral formulations of MN-166 (ibudilast), a small molecule compound, in tablet or capsule form and encompasses a variety of dose ranges. Notably, the patent is expected to remain valid until at least September 2040.

Kazuko Matsuda, MD, PhD, MPH, and Chief Medical Officer of MediciNova, expressed satisfaction with the new patent, highlighting its potential to enhance the value of MN-166. She emphasized that the new extended-release formulations could improve patient convenience, leading to better adherence to dosing schedules and a reduction in adverse side effects.

MN-166 (ibudilast) has shown promise in inhibiting phosphodiesterase type-4 (PDE4) and inflammatory cytokines such as macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). It is currently in advanced clinical development for treating various neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), and degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). Additionally, MN-166 is being explored as a treatment for glioblastoma, Long COVID, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), and substance use disorder. The compound has also been evaluated in patients at risk for developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

MediciNova, based in LA JOLLA, California, is focused on developing innovative small molecule therapies for inflammatory, fibrotic, and neurodegenerative diseases. Their pipeline includes 11 clinical programs centered around two primary compounds, MN-166 (ibudilast) and MN-001 (tipelukast), both of which have multiple therapeutic mechanisms and established safety profiles.

MN-166 (ibudilast) is the company's flagship asset, currently undergoing Phase 3 trials for ALS and DCM. It is also ready for Phase 3 trials for progressive MS and is being tested in Phase 2 trials for Long COVID and substance dependence. MN-001 (tipelukast) has been evaluated in a Phase 2 trial for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and is currently undergoing a second Phase 2 trial for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). MediciNova is known for its successful track record in securing funding for investigator-sponsored clinical trials, often supported by government grants.

With this latest development, MediciNova continues to cement its role in advancing treatments for critical and often debilitating diseases. The new patent is a significant milestone in the company's ongoing efforts to provide innovative and effective therapeutic options, potentially benefiting a wide range of patients globally.