Once issued, the patent maturing from this allowed patent application is expected to expire no earlier than February 2039. The allowed claims cover MN-166 (ibudilast) as a monotherapy in a patient diagnosed with or suffering from a microorganism infection. The allowed claims also cover MN-166 (ibudilast) as a monotherapy for reducing immune suppression, reducing regulatory T-cell count, or increasing CD4+ T-cell count in a patient diagnosed with or suffering from a microorganism infection. The allowed claims cover a microorganism infection caused by a virus, bacteria, fungus, or any combination of two or more thereof. The allowed claims cover a wide range of dosage strengths of MN-166 (ibudilast) and a range of different dosing regimens and treatment durations.

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. We previously reported positive data that MN-166 treatment improved recovery from respiratory failure and allowed for earlier discharge from the hospital in severe COVID-19 pneumonia patients with risk of developing Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). We believe this patent broadly covers microorganism infection and will substantially increase the potential value of MN-166 as it further strengthens and expands our patent portfolio.”