MediciNova Granted Patent for MN-166 in Preventing Eye Cancer Metastasis

LA JOLLA, Calif., May 20, 2024 -- MediciNova, Inc., a company specializing in biopharmaceuticals and listed on the NASDAQ Global Market (NASDAQ:MNOV) and the Standard Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (Code Number: 4875), has announced the receipt of a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for its pending patent application concerning MN-166 (ibudilast) for the prevention of eye cancer metastasis.

Once granted, this patent will remain valid until at least July 2042. The approved claims incorporate the use of MN-166 (ibudilast) for preventing, improving, or reducing the spread of eye cancer, focusing particularly on uveal melanoma. These claims cover various aspects including oral administration, multiple dosage options, different dosing schedules, and various treatment durations.

Kazuko Matsuda, MD, PhD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer of MediciNova, highlighted the significance of this patent, stating, “Our research demonstrated that MN-166 (ibudilast) is effective in preventing cancer metastasis in an orthotopic uveal melanoma model. MN-166 (ibudilast) notably inhibited the migration of uveal melanoma by blocking macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a proinflammatory cytokine, to suppress exosomal cell migration. Additionally, we have previously shown that MN-166 (ibudilast) reduces immune suppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and boosts CD8 T cell activity within the tumor microenvironment. This new patent strengthens the potential value of MN-166 (ibudilast) in the field of oncology.”

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

About MediciNova:
MediciNova, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a wide range of advanced therapies for inflammatory, fibrotic, and neurodegenerative conditions. With a pipeline primarily based on two compounds, MN-166 (ibudilast) and MN-001 (tipelukast), MediciNova employs multiple mechanisms of action and boasts a strong safety profile. The company currently has 11 clinical programs in progress. Its leading candidate, MN-166 (ibudilast), is in Phase 3 trials for ALS and DCM and is ready for Phase 3 trials for progressive MS. Additionally, MN-166 (ibudilast) is in Phase 2 trials for Long COVID and substance dependence. MN-001 (tipelukast) has undergone a Phase 2 trial for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and is in another Phase 2 trial for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). MediciNova has a proven record of securing funding for investigator-sponsored clinical trials through government grants.

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