MediciNova Granted Patent for MN-166 in Treating Chlorine-Induced ARDS

May 14, 2024 – MediciNova, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company listed on the NASDAQ Global Market and the Standard Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, announced that it has received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. This notice pertains to a pending patent application covering MN-166 (ibudilast) for the treatment of chlorine-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). 

This new patent, once issued, will remain valid until at least January 2042. The allowed claims encompass the use of MN-166 (ibudilast) for the treatment of chlorine-induced ARDS as both a standalone therapy and in combination with other drugs. It also covers various methods of administration, including oral, intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and inhalation. Additionally, the patent claims a broad spectrum of doses, dosing frequencies, and treatment durations.

Kazuko Matsuda, MD, PhD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer of MediciNova, expressed satisfaction with the new patent allowance. Matsuda highlighted that the potential efficacy of MN-166 in treating chlorine-induced ARDS had been demonstrated in a nonclinical model study. The study showed considerable improvement in pulmonary function and a higher survival rate, supporting the potential value of MN-166.

MN-166 (ibudilast) is a small molecule compound designed to inhibit phosphodiesterase type-4 (PDE4) and inflammatory cytokines, including macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). It is currently in late-stage clinical development for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), and degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). MN-166 is also being researched for its potential in treating glioblastoma, Long COVID, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), and substance use disorder. Furthermore, MN-166 was evaluated in patients at risk of developing ARDS.

MediciNova, headquartered in LA JOLLA, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on developing a diverse pipeline of novel small molecule therapies targeting inflammatory, fibrotic, and neurodegenerative diseases. The company’s lead asset, MN-166 (ibudilast), is currently in Phase 3 trials for ALS and DCM and is ready for Phase 3 trials for progressive MS. Additionally, MN-166 is undergoing Phase 2 trials for Long COVID and substance dependence.

Another significant product in MediciNova’s portfolio is MN-001 (tipelukast), which was evaluated in a Phase 2 trial for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and is currently being tested in a Phase 2 trial for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). MediciNova has a strong history of securing investigator-sponsored clinical trials funded by government grants. 

The company’s commitment to advancing its clinical development programs continues to drive its progress in the biopharmaceutical sector. Through its innovative approaches and robust research efforts, MediciNova aims to provide effective treatment solutions for patients suffering from debilitating diseases.

MediciNova’s development pipeline reflects its strategic focus on addressing unmet medical needs. The company is dedicated to leveraging its scientific expertise to bring novel therapeutic options to market, thus improving patient outcomes and quality of life. 

As MediciNova moves forward with its research and development initiatives, it seeks to contribute significantly to the field of biopharmaceuticals, showcasing a strong potential for growth and innovation.

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