This patent is expected to expire no earlier than June 2035. The allowed claims cover the use of MN-001 (tipelukast) for inhibiting or treating scleroderma and/or systemic sclerosis. The allowed claims cover oral administration, including tablets and capsules, as well as liquid dosage forms. The allowed claims cover a wide range of doses and a range of different dosing frequencies.

Kazuko Matsuda, M.D. Ph.D., MPH., Chief Medical Officer, MediciNova, Inc., commented, “This new patent is based on positive results from a systemic sclerosis animal model study conducted recently. The Canadian Intellectual Property Office granted a similar patent earlier this year. We are very pleased to receive notice of this new patent which covers Europe, and we believe it could increase the potential value of MN-001.”