MediciNova Granted Patent for MN-166 (Ibudilast) in Cancer Metastasis Prevention

MediciNova, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company listed on the NASDAQ Global Market and the Tokyo Stock Exchange, has announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has granted it a Notice of Allowance for a pending patent. This patent pertains to the use of MN-166 (ibudilast) in preventing metastasis in various cancers, including pancreatic, lung, breast, colorectal, melanoma, and ovarian cancers. The patent, once issued, is anticipated to be valid until at least July 2042.

The allowed claims cover the application of MN-166 (ibudilast) in conjunction with various therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, epigenetic therapy, and liver-directed therapy, among others. Specifically, the claims focus on the prevention, amelioration, or reduction of metastasis in these cancers. The patent encompasses different methods of administration, various doses, dosing frequencies, and treatment durations.

Kazuko Matsuda, MD, PhD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer of MediciNova, highlighted the significance of this development, noting that cancer metastasis is a major cause of cancer-related mortality rather than the primary tumors themselves. She expressed satisfaction with the expanding intellectual property portfolio of MN-166 (ibudilast) and its increasing value, particularly following a recent patent granted for preventing metastasis of uveal melanoma.

MN-166 (ibudilast) is an investigational small molecule that inhibits phosphodiesterase type-4 (PDE4) and inflammatory cytokines, including macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). It is in advanced clinical development for neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), and degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). Additionally, it is being studied for its potential in treating glioblastoma, Long COVID, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), and substance use disorder. MN-166 (ibudilast) has also been evaluated for patients at risk of developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

MediciNova, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm that is developing a diverse late-stage pipeline of innovative small molecule therapies for inflammatory, fibrotic, and neurodegenerative diseases. The company’s pipeline is largely based on two compounds, MN-166 (ibudilast) and MN-001 (tipelukast), which have multiple mechanisms of action and robust safety profiles. MediciNova currently has 11 programs in clinical development. Its lead compound, MN-166 (ibudilast), is in Phase 3 trials for ALS and DCM and is ready for Phase 3 trials for progressive MS. Furthermore, MN-166 (ibudilast) is being evaluated in Phase 2 trials for Long COVID and substance dependence.

Another compound, MN-001 (tipelukast), has been tested in a Phase 2 trial for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and is undergoing a second Phase 2 trial for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). MediciNova has demonstrated a strong capacity to secure investigator-sponsored clinical trials funded through government grants.

MediciNova’s commitment to developing innovative treatments reflects in its expanding patent portfolio and advancing clinical programs, with a dedicated focus on addressing unmet medical needs in oncology, neurodegenerative, and inflammatory diseases.