MediciNova Receives Notice of Allowance for New Patent Covering MN-166 (ibudilast) for the Prevention of Metastasis of Various Solid Cancer

Core Viewpoint - MediciNova, Inc. has received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a patent covering MN-166 (ibudilast) aimed at preventing metastasis in various cancers, which is a significant advancement for the company and its intellectual property portfolio [1][3]. Patent Details - The patent, once issued, is expected to expire no earlier than July 2042 and covers the use of MN-166 in combination with various therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy [2]. - The claims specifically address the prevention, amelioration, or minimization of metastasis in cancers including pancreatic, lung, breast, colorectal, melanoma, and ovarian cancers, with provisions for oral administration and varying doses and treatment periods [2]. Product Information - MN-166 (ibudilast) is a small molecule compound that inhibits phosphodiesterase type-4 (PDE4) and inflammatory cytokines, currently in late-stage clinical development for neurodegenerative diseases and other conditions [4]. - The compound is in Phase 3 trials for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), and is also being evaluated for Long COVID and substance use disorder [5]. Company Overview - MediciNova, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a diverse late-stage pipeline focused on inflammatory, fibrotic, and neurodegenerative diseases, with 11 programs in clinical development [5]. - The company has a strong track record of securing investigator-sponsored clinical trials funded through government grants, enhancing its research capabilities and potential for future growth [5].