MediciNova, Inc. (MNOV) stock prices were down by a marginal 0.96% as of the market closing on July 2nd, 2021, bringing the price per share down to USD$4.11 at the end of the trading day. Subsequent premarket fluctuations have seen the stock climb by 4.14%, bringing it up to USD$4.20.
Patent for MN-166
July 6th 2021 saw the company announce that it had received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S Patent and Trademark Office for a pending patent application in regard to the treatment of ophthalmic disease with MN-166 (ibudilast). Upon issuance, the patent resulting from the application process is expected to last until at least October 2039.
Details of the Patent
The patent covers the administration of effective amounts of MN-166 to human patients in the interest of treating ophthalmic disease/disorder or injury associated with a neurodegenerative disease/disorder or a neuro-opthalmologic disorder. The allowed claims specifically cover macular injury treatment while also covering a wide range of doses and formulations of the treatment, across a range of different dosing frequencies.
MN-166
The small molecule compound, MN-166, inhibits PDE4 and inflammatory cytokines, including macrophage migration inhibitory factor. The treatment is in late-stage clinical development, with the aim of treating neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, progressive MS, and DCM. The treatment also has the potential to treat glioblastoma, CIPN, and substance abuse disorders.
Scope of MN-166
Previous positive data from a glaucoma animal model study and a retinal damage animal model study have already established the potential of MN-166 as a treatment for ophthalmic neurodegenerative diseases. November 2020 saw the company report positive Optical Coherence Tomography results from the SPRINT-MS Phase 2b trial of MN-166 in the treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis. Patent approval will significant increase the potential commercial value of MN-166, having been provided with more opportunities for further development.
About MNOV
The company is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical entity that develops a varied, late-stage pipeline of innovative small molecule therapies. These therapies are designed to treat inflammatory, fibrotic, and neurodegenerative diseases. The company has 11 programs currently in clinical development, based on its two compounds, MN-166 and MN-001, with each having multiple mechanisms of action and strong safety profiles.
Future Outlook for MNOV
Armed with the massive unlocked potential of the commercialization of MN-166 with the recent patent approval, MNOV is poised to capitalize on the expanded arsenal of opportunities ahead of it. Current and potential investors are keen for the proliferation of the treatment that will usher in unprecedented gains in shareholder value.
