MediciNova Granted Patent for MN-166 (ibudilast) in Post-COVID Condition

LA JOLLA, Calif., Aug. 29, 2024 — MediciNova, Inc., a pharmaceutical firm listed on both the NASDAQ Global Market (NASDAQ:MNOV) and the Tokyo Stock Exchange (Code Number: 4875), announced it received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a pending patent application. This patent pertains to MN-166 (ibudilast) for treating various post-COVID conditions. The patent outlines the use of therapeutically effective doses of ibudilast to alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, depression, shortness of breath, post-traumatic stress disorder, chest tightness, palpitations, loss of smell or taste, sleep difficulties, hair loss, and rash.

The claims within the patent allow for MN-166 (ibudilast) to be administered either alone or with other active agents like corticosteroids, NSAIDs, SSRIs, and more. The administration methods covered include oral, intravenous, subcutaneous injection, intramuscular injection, and inhalation. The patent also covers a wide range of doses, different dosing frequencies, and varied treatment periods. Once issued, this patent is anticipated to remain valid until at least November 2042.

Kazuko Matsuda, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., Chief Medical Officer at MediciNova, commented on the significance of this patent, emphasizing that it provides further opportunities to maintain exclusivity in research areas where the company is active. Matsuda highlighted MediciNova's commitment to addressing the ongoing health challenges posed by COVID-19 through strategic collaborations, such as the current partnership with University Health Network in Canada, where a Phase 2/3 clinical trial in Long COVID is underway. Matsuda expressed optimism that ibudilast may offer a promising therapeutic option for millions of patients dealing with post-COVID conditions. The company plans to proceed with a New Drug Application if the ongoing study yields positive results and will initiate discussions with Health Canada accordingly.

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

MediciNova, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing small molecule therapies for inflammatory, fibrotic, and neurodegenerative diseases. The company’s pipeline includes 11 programs in clinical development, primarily centered around two compounds, MN-166 (ibudilast) and MN-001 (tipelukast). These compounds have multiple mechanisms of action and strong safety profiles. MediciNova’s lead asset, MN-166 (ibudilast), is in Phase 3 trials for ALS and DCM and is Phase 3-ready for progressive MS. MN-166 is also being evaluated in Phase 2 trials for Long COVID and substance dependence. Another compound, MN-001 (tipelukast), has completed a Phase 2 trial for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and is undergoing a second Phase 2 trial for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The company boasts a robust record of securing investigator-sponsored clinical trials funded through government grants.

MediciNova continues to advance its clinical programs and seeks to address unmet medical needs through innovative therapeutic solutions. The company remains dedicated to improving patient outcomes by advancing its late-stage pipeline of novel therapies.

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