- MediciNova (NASDAQ:MNOV) is up 16% premarket, albeit on only 1,500 shares, in response to its announcement of positive preliminary results from a six-month open-label extension period evaluating MN-166 (ibudilast) in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The data were presented at the American Academy of Neurology 69th Annual Meeting in Boston.
- ALS patients who completed both the six-month treatment period in the Phase 2 clinical trial and the six-month open-label extension period (n=31) experienced significantly higher survival rates compared to patients who withdrew from the study before the open-label period (n=16).
- In addition, 26 ALS patients who completed the entire study period and then were evaluated after two weeks with no ibudilast treatment showed significant decreases in muscle strength (hip, leg and neck flexion).
- MN-166 is an orally available, small molecule phosphodiesterase-4 and -10 inhibitor and a macrophage migration inhibitory factor inhibitor that suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines and promotes neurotrophic factors. Its anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective actions are the basis for the potential treatment of diseases like ALS and multiple sclerosis. It has Fast Track status for both.
- Now read: Biogen (NASDAQ:BIIB) Jumps On Q1 Results: Analysis
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