MediciNova Plans To License MS Agent To European And U.S. Drugmakers
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
MediciNova plans to license MN-166 (ibudilast) to European and U.S. drugmakers within the year after a Phase II trial in April showed promising results. A novel, orally administered compound being evaluated to treat multiple sclerosis, ibudilast was licensed from Kyorin Pharmaceutical and has been marketed under the name Ketas for the treatment of asthma and cerebrovascular disorders for the past 18 years. In case of a licensing agreement, which could be reached as early as the end of the year, MediciNova and Kyorin will share a one time payment and royalty payments at a 65-35 split. MedicNova expects the drug to grow to ¥120 billion in sales in five years. MediciNova will also release Phase II results for MN-221 (ritodrine) by the end of the year. Licensed from Kissei Pharmaceutical, ritodrine is being evaluated by the company as an asthma treatment. (Click here for more - Japanese language