MediciNova Inc (MNOV) News & EventsMNOVNews & EventsMediciNova Inc

MediciNova Collaborates with Tokyo Stock Exchange on Brain Metastasis Research

The company states: "MediciNova and the Standard Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange announced that a study conducted by researchers at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre has identified macrophage migration inhibitory factor-mediated reprogramming of CD74-positive microglia and macrophages as a central vulnerability in brain metastasis. The research, recently published in the peer-reviewed journal "Cancer Research" (March 2026), demonstrates pharmacological modulation of this pathway using the brain-penetrant small molecule ibudilast. The work, led by Manuel Valiente PhD, head of CNIO Brain Metastasis group, and colleagues at CNIO, shows that tumor-derived MIF alters the functional state of microglia and infiltrating macrophages in the brain, converting them from a potentially protective role into a pro-metastatic one. In multiple experimental models and fresh patient-derived brain metastasis samples, inhibition of the MIF-CD74 signaling axis significantly reduced metastatic progression. Importantly, the investigators also identified secreted MIF as a candidate liquid biopsy biomarker detectable in cerebrospinal fluid, supporting a translational, biomarker-guided clinical strategy. The study further demonstrates that ibudilast can effectively block MIF-CD74 signaling, reverse pro-metastatic immune reprogramming, and suppress brain metastasis growth in preclinical systems. In addition, transcriptomic analyses define predictive biomarker signatures associated with treatment response, reinforcing the potential for patient stratification in future clinical studies. The findings suggest translational potential for MN-166 (ibudilast), the company's leading product, in future therapeutic strategies for brain metastasis within neuro-oncology. MediciNova plans to collaborate with Dr. Valiente and CNIO on future clinical research aimed at patients with solid tumors having brain metastases."

MediciNova Enrolls 100 Patients in ALS Study

MediciNova "announced that as of the end of January 2026, 12 sites in the US are activated and 100 patients have been enrolled in the SEANOBI study (Scalable Expanded Access with Analysis of Neurofilament and Other Biomarkers in ALS; NCT 06743776) representing 50% of the planned 200-enrollment, evaluating MN-166, or ibudilast, in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. MN-166 (ibudilast) is also being evaluated in the COMBAT-ALS Phase 2b/3 trial, a randomized, placebo-controlled study assessing MN-166's efficacy and safety in ALS. The study includes a 12-month double-blind period followed by a 6-month open-label extension, with 234 patients enrolled in the U.S. and Canada. Top-line results are expected by the end of 2026."

MediciNova CEO Updates Shareholders, Looks Ahead to 2026

MediciNova provides shareholders a corporate update in the following Letter to Stockholders from CEO Yuichi Iwaki, M.D., Ph.D. "The year 2025 was marked by global uncertainty, with accelerating inflation, evolving U.S. trade policies under the new administration, and persistent geopolitical risks. Despite these challenges, MediciNova achieved significant milestones, including completion of patient enrollment in three clinical trials and the launch of a large-scale Expanded Access Program for ALS... COMBAT-ALS Study Phase 2b/3 trial for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Enrollment was completed in September 2025... Expanded Access Program for ALS: Initiated in March 2025 with support from a $22 million NIH research grant. As of December 15, 2025, 12 U.S. sites were active and 87 patients enrolled. OXTOX Study Phase 2b investigator-initiated trial for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in metastatic colon cancer: Enrollment was completed in December 2025.... MN-001-NATG-202 Study Phase 2 trial for hypertriglyceridemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and Type 2 diabetes: Enrollment was completed in November 2025. Top-line data are anticipated in summer 2026. Recent academic collaboration revealed a novel mechanism by which MN-001 and its metabolite MN-002 impact cholesterol and lipid metabolism, reinforcing the compound's development strategy. Looking ahead, 2026 will be a pivotal year for MediciNova-a year when we can finally reach the goals we have been striving toward. We will strengthen our commitment and work as one team to deliver better treatments to patients suffering from serious diseases."