MediciNova Receives a Notice of Decision to Grant for a New Patent Covering MN-166 (ibudilast) for the Treatment of Progressive MS in Europe
December 06 2023 - 5:00PM
MediciNova, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company traded on the NASDAQ
Global Market (NASDAQ:MNOV) and the Standard Market of the Tokyo
Stock Exchange (Code Number: 4875), today announced it has received
a Notice of Decision to Grant from the European Patent
Office for a pending patent application which covers the
combination of MN-166 (ibudilast) and interferon-beta for the
treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis (progressive MS).
Once issued, the patent maturing from this allowed
patent application is expected to expire no earlier
than October 2039. The allowed claims cover a combination of
MN-166 (ibudilast) and interferon-beta for use in a method of
treating, alleviating the negative effects of, or slowing the
progression of progressive multiple sclerosis in patients
previously treated with interferon-beta. The allowed claims cover
MN-166 (ibudilast) and interferon-beta administered in separate
dosage forms, administered in the same dosage form, administered
simultaneously, or administered consecutively. The allowed claims
specifically cover the treatment of both primary progressive
multiple sclerosis (PPMS) and secondary progressive multiple
sclerosis (SPMS). The allowed claims cover a wide range of doses of
both MN-166 (ibudilast) and interferon-beta, a wide range of dosing
durations for the combination, and a range of different dosing
frequencies for interferon-beta.
Kazuko Matsuda, MD, PhD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer
of MediciNova, Inc., commented, "We are very pleased to
receive notice that this new patent will be granted in Europe and
we believe it could increase the potential value of MN-166. Our
analysis of the data from our completed Phase 2b trial in
progressive MS indicated that there may be a synergistic effect of
the combination of MN-166 and interferon-beta which could result in
an even lower risk of disability progression compared to the risk
reduction for MN-166 alone. The U.S. Patent
and Trademark Office previously granted a similar
patent covering this combination for the treatment of progressive
MS."
About MN-166 (ibudilast)
MN-166 (ibudilast) is a small molecule compound
that inhibits phosphodiesterase type-4 (PDE4) and inflammatory
cytokines, including macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF).
It is in late-stage clinical development for the treatment of
neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS (amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis), progressive MS (multiple sclerosis), and DCM
(degenerative cervical myelopathy); and is also in development for
glioblastoma, Long COVID, CIPN (chemotherapy-induced peripheral
neuropathy), and substance use disorder. In addition, MN-166
(ibudilast) was evaluated in patients that are at risk for
developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
About MediciNova
MediciNova, Inc. is a clinical-stage
biopharmaceutical company developing a broad late-stage pipeline of
novel small molecule therapies for inflammatory, fibrotic, and
neurodegenerative diseases. Based on two compounds, MN-166
(ibudilast) and MN-001 (tipelukast), with multiple mechanisms of
action and strong safety profiles, MediciNova has 11 programs in
clinical development. MediciNova’s lead asset, MN-166 (ibudilast),
is currently in Phase 3 for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and
degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) and is Phase 3-ready for
progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). MN-166 (ibudilast) is also
being evaluated in Phase 2 trials in Long COVID and substance
dependence. MN-001 (tipelukast) was evaluated in a Phase 2 trial in
idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and a second Phase 2 trial in
non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is ongoing. MediciNova
has a strong track record of securing investigator-sponsored
clinical trials funded through government grants.
Statements in this press release that are not
historical in nature constitute forward-looking statements within
the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements
include, without limitation, statements regarding the future
development and efficacy of MN-166, MN-001, MN-221, and MN-029.
These forward-looking statements may be preceded by, followed by,
or otherwise include the words "believes," "expects,"
"anticipates," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "can," "could,"
"may," "will," "would," "considering," "planning" or similar
expressions. These forward-looking statements involve a number of
risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or events to
differ materially from those expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results
or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by
these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to,
risks of obtaining future partner or grant funding for development
of MN-166, MN-001, MN-221, and MN-029 and risks of raising
sufficient capital when needed to fund MediciNova's operations and
contribution to clinical development, risks and uncertainties
inherent in clinical trials, including the potential cost, expected
timing and risks associated with clinical trials designed to meet
FDA guidance and the viability of further development considering
these factors, product development and commercialization risks, the
uncertainty of whether the results of clinical trials will be
predictive of results in later stages of product development, the
risk of delays or failure to obtain or maintain regulatory
approval, risks associated with the reliance on third parties to
sponsor and fund clinical trials, risks regarding intellectual
property rights in product candidates and the ability to defend and
enforce such intellectual property rights, the risk of failure of
the third parties upon whom MediciNova relies to conduct its
clinical trials and manufacture its product candidates to perform
as expected, the risk of increased cost and delays due to delays in
the commencement, enrollment, completion or analysis of clinical
trials or significant issues regarding the adequacy of clinical
trial designs or the execution of clinical trials, and the timing
of expected filings with the regulatory authorities, MediciNova's
collaborations with third parties, the availability of funds to
complete product development plans and MediciNova's ability to
obtain third party funding for programs and raise sufficient
capital when needed, and the other risks and uncertainties
described in MediciNova's filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, including its annual report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2022 and its subsequent periodic reports on Form
10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. Undue reliance should not be
placed on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of
the date hereof. MediciNova disclaims any intent or obligation to
revise or update these forward-looking statements.
INVESTOR CONTACT:
Geoff O'BrienVice PresidentMediciNova,
Inc.info@medicinova.com
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