Medicinova Stock Price, News & Analysis

MediciNova, Inc. reported positive clinical findings for MN-166 (ibudilast) in preventing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), as detailed in Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology. A pilot study involving 14 patients revealed that co-treatment with MN-166 improved or stabilized neurotoxic symptoms caused by oxaliplatin. Notably, 10 out of 12 participants showed no worsening of symptoms. Pharmacokinetic analysis indicated MN-166 did not affect oxaliplatin exposure. The results suggest MN-166 may play a significant role in enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

MediciNova, Inc. announced promising results for its intranasal SARS-CoV-2 vaccine prototype using BC-PIV technology, which successfully induced systemic serum IgG and mucosal IgA neutralizing antibodies in mice. The study confirmed high antibody titers against the S1 antigen, indicating potential efficacy in generating immune responses. CEO Yuichi Iwaki expressed optimism about the results and future developments. The BC-PIV platform is designed to administer vaccines intranasally, which could enhance local immunity against COVID-19.

MediciNova, a biopharmaceutical company traded on NASDAQ (MNOV), announced that its partner BioComo's vaccine for the Respiratory Syncytial (RS) virus has successfully induced strong neutralizing antibodies in mice. This development supports MediciNova's ongoing work on an intranasal SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, leveraging the same BC-PIV technology. The study was conducted at Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology in Germany. CEO Yuichi Iwaki expressed optimism about the vaccine's efficacy and looks forward to future progress updates.

MediciNova presented positive results from its Phase 2 trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) at the American Psychological Association 2020 Annual Convention. The study, involving 52 patients, showed that ibudilast significantly reduced heavy drinking days (p=0.03) and attenuated brain activation in response to alcohol cues (p=0.02). CEO Yuichi Iwaki noted the product’s potential to address AUD, an area of high unmet medical need. The study was funded by a National Institute on Drug Abuse grant.

MediciNova has entered a collaboration with BioComo and Mie University to co-develop a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine utilizing the BC-PIV vector technology. This innovative approach employs a recombinant human parainfluenza virus type 2, which showcases high immunogenicity and safety in producing vaccines. The partnership is positioned to leverage previous successes in vaccine development, including for Ebola and Respiratory Syncytial virus. The vaccine aims to be available in both intra-nasal and intra-muscular formats to enhance local immunity against COVID-19.

MediciNova, a biopharmaceutical company traded on NASDAQ (MNOV), announced that Geoffrey O'Brien will join a panel at the B. Riley FBR Virtual Infectious Disease Summit on July 21, 2020.

O'Brien will discuss treatment strategies for COVID-19, including the clinical development of MN-166 (ibudilast) aimed at preventing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The FDA has accepted the Investigational New Drug Application for MN-166, allowing its clinical trial to proceed, focusing on hospitalized COVID-19 patients at risk for ARDS.

MediciNova, Inc. announced the FDA's acceptance of its Investigational New Drug Application (IND) for MN-166 (ibudilast), aimed at preventing Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in COVID-19 patients. This opens the path for clinical trials targeting hospitalized patients at risk for ARDS, leveraging MN-166's anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic potential. The Phase 2 trial will assess safety, tolerance, and efficacy over 7 days, with key objectives focused on respiratory failure and plasma cytokine levels.

MediciNova announced positive preclinical findings for MN-166 (ibudilast) as an adjunct treatment for glioblastoma, published in Frontiers in Immunology. The study shows MN-166 effectively reduces myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the tumor microenvironment, enhancing CD8 T cell activity. Clinical trials are underway combining MN-166 with temozolomide, showing improved survival rates in animal models. Glioblastoma is a severe brain cancer with a median survival of 11-15 months. MediciNova aims to revolutionize treatment options for this aggressive cancer.

MediciNova, Inc. announced the receipt of a Notice of Intention to Grant from the European Patent Office for a pending patent application covering MN-001 (tipelukast) and its metabolite MN-002. This patent will address treatments for hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, and hyperlipoproteinemia, expiring no earlier than July 2034. The patent claims include methods for reducing triglyceride and cholesterol blood levels through oral administration. This development could enhance the potential market value of MN-001, complementing existing patents in the U.S., Japan, and China.