MediciNova, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company listed on the NASDAQ Global Market (NASDAQ:MNOV) and the Tokyo Stock Exchange (Code Number: 4875), has received a Notice of Allowance from the Japan Patent Office. This notice pertains to a pending patent application covering MN-166 (ibudilast) for the treatment of macular injury associated with progressive multiple sclerosis.

The patent, expected to expire no earlier than October 2039, encompasses the use of MN-166 for treating macular injury and decreasing macular volume loss linked with progressive multiple sclerosis. It includes both primary and secondary progressive forms of the disease, and various forms of oral administration such as tablets, capsules, and liquid dosage forms.

Dr. Kazuko Matsuda, Chief Medical Officer of MediciNova, expressed satisfaction with the new patent allowance in Japan, believing it could enhance the value of MN-166. Positive data from previous studies in ophthalmic neurodegenerative diseases, including glaucoma and retinal damage animal models, support the potential of MN-166. Additionally, promising results from the SPRINT-MS Phase 2b trial showed less loss of retinal tissue for MN-166 compared to placebo, as indicated by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) results. Similar patents have been granted in the U.S., Europe, and China.