MediciNova Updates Phase 2/3 MN-166 ALS Trial at 2024 NEALS Meeting

LA JOLLA, Calif., Oct. 23, 2024 - MediciNova, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company that trades on the NASDAQ Global Market and Tokyo Stock Exchange, recently shared an update on their ongoing Phase 2/3 clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) at the 2024 Annual NEALS Meeting, which took place virtually from October 21 to 24, 2024. The lead Principal Investigator for the trial, Dr. Björn Oskarsson, presented the update during the poster session with a presentation titled “COMBAT-ALS Phase 2b/3 Trial of MN-166 (Ibudilast) in ALS: Study Design and Trial Update.”

Dr. Oskarsson's presentation encompassed the background of MN-166 (ibudilast), its scientific rationale, and the objectives of the study. He outlined the design of the study, the major criteria for inclusion, and provided an enrollment update as of October 18, 2024. The discussion also included information about a new National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded Expand Access Protocol clinical trial for ALS patients.

MN-166 (ibudilast) is a small molecule compound that works by inhibiting phosphodiesterase type-4 (PDE4) and inflammatory cytokines, such as macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). Currently in late-stage clinical development, it is being tested for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like ALS, progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), and degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). Additionally, MN-166 is being explored for potential use in treating glioblastoma, Long COVID, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), and substance use disorders. The compound has also been evaluated for its potential in preventing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

MediciNova, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that focuses on developing novel small molecule therapies aimed at treating inflammatory, fibrotic, and neurodegenerative diseases. The company’s development pipeline is based on two primary compounds: MN-166 (ibudilast) and MN-001 (tipelukast). Both compounds have multiple mechanisms of action and have demonstrated strong safety profiles.

MediciNova’s lead asset, MN-166 (ibudilast), is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for ALS and DCM and is ready to enter Phase 3 trials for progressive MS. Furthermore, MN-166 is also being tested in Phase 2 trials for Long COVID and substance dependence. MediciNova’s other compound, 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).

Over the years, MediciNova has built a robust track record of securing investigator-sponsored clinical trials that are funded through government grants. The company’s focus on advancing its clinical-stage treatments reflects its commitment to addressing significant unmet medical needs in the areas of neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases.