Biopharmaceutical company MediciNova has secured a Decision to Grant from the European Patent Office for a new patent which covers its MN-001 (tipelukast) to treat scleroderma and/or systemic sclerosis.
MN-001 is an orally administered, small-molecule compound with many mechanisms of action to treat chronic inflammatory and fibrotic diseases using its anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis effects.
US-based MediciNova said that the approved claims include the use of MN-001 to prevent or treat scleroderma and/or systemic sclerosis.
The allowed claims cover liquid dosage forms as well as oral delivery, including pills and capsules. The authorised claims also include a wide variety of dosages and dosing frequencies.
The anticipated expiration date of this patent is June 2035.
MediciNova chief medical officer Kazuko Matsuda said: “This new patent is based on positive results from a systemic sclerosis animal model study conducted recently.
“The Canadian Intellectual Property Office granted a similar patent earlier this year. We are very pleased to receive notice of this new patent which covers Europe, and we believe it could increase the potential value of MN-001.”
The molecular mechanism of action of MN-001 has the antagonism and inhibition of phosphodiesterase and 5-lipoxygenase in order to minimise inflammation and prevent fibrosis.
The biopharmaceutical company has already secured Fast Track status and Orphan Drug designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for MN-001 to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
MediciNova is also conducting joint research with Juntendo University to explain the direct mechanism of action of MN-001 on TG reduction in blood.
