MediciNova To Secure US patent For Prevention of Metastasis of Eye Cancer

MediciNova, Inc., a biopharmaceutical firm, stated that it has obtained a Notice of Allowance from the US Patent and Trademark Office for a pending patent application covering MN-166 (ibudilast) for the prevention of metastases in eye cancer.

Once issued, this patent is likely to expire no early than July 2042. The approved claims include the use of MN-166 (ibudilast) to prevent, treat, or reduce metastasis of ocular cancer. The permitted claims particularly address the use of MN-166 (ibudilast) to prevent, ameliorate, or reduce uveal melanoma metastases. The authorized claims include oral administration, a wide range of dosages, a variety of dosing frequency, and treatment durations.

Kazuko Matsuda, MD, PhD, MPH, chief medical officer of MediciNova, Inc., commented, “Our research efforts demonstrated the efficacy of MN-166 (ibudilast) in preventing cancer metastasis in an orthotopic uveal melanoma metastasis model. MN-166 (ibudilast) significantly impeded uveal melanoma migration through the inhibition of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a proinflammatory cytokine, to suppress exosomal cell migration activity. Also, we previously reported that MN-166 (ibudilast) reduced levels of immune suppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and enhanced CD8 T cell activity in the tumour microenvironment. We are gratified that this new patent will enhance potential value of MN-166 (ibudilast) in the oncology field.”

MediciNova, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a diverse late-stage pipeline of new small-molecule medicines for inflammatory, fibrotic, and neurodegenerative disorders.