MediciNova, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company that is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Global Market (Nasdaq:MNOV) and the Hercules Market of the Osaka Securities Exchange (Code Number: 4875), today reported positive preliminary results from a Phase Ib clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of MN-221 in patients with stable, moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There were no clinically significant safety concerns noted. Preliminary results demonstrated clinically significant improvements in percent change in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)).
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase Ib study involved 48 moderate-to-severe COPD patients who received a one (1) hour intravenous infusion of MN-221 at three different escalating dose levels (300 micrograms, 600 micrograms, or 1200 micrograms) or placebo. Based on preliminary findings, all doses of MN-221 produced a clinically significant improvement in FEV(L) as compared to the baseline and placebo. At the end of the one hour infusion, FEV(L) increased as compared to baseline by an average of 21.5%medium-acting beta agonist (MABA)." MN-221 was well tolerated by all patients who received infusions of MN-221.
"We believe there remains an unmet medical need for a safe and effective treatment for COPD exacerbations. The intravenous formulation of MN-221 may be effective in bypassing the constricted airways to deliver effective concentrations of the drug to patients. Inhaled beta-adrenergic agonists, which are the current standard of care, are often inadequate to control the symptoms of COPD exacerbations," said Yuichi Iwaki, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of MediciNova, Inc. "Additionally, we are very excited about the potential use of MN-221 in exacerbations of COPD which could provide a significant expansion of this drug's market potential."
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