MediciNova has been recognised with the Contract Research and Development Innovation Award at the 2025 BioTech Breakthrough Awards for its work advancing MN-166 (ibudilast), the company’s lead small molecule drug candidate. MN-166 is in development for several neurological diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and is designed to inhibit neuroinflammation and promote neuroprotection by modulating multiple mechanisms involved in disease progression.

Yuichi Iwaki, MD, MediciNova president and chief executive officer, said: “This recognition underscores our mission to develop truly disease-modifying therapies for devastating conditions like ALS, and it celebrates the dedication of our team and collaborators working to deliver meaningful breakthroughs for patients. Our ongoing Phase 2/3 COMBAT-ALS trial of MN-166 in patients with ALS represents our continued commitment to addressing a serious unmet medical need. We are encouraged by the progress to date and look forward to sharing results as the study advances over the coming year.”

The BioTech Breakthrough Awards programme recognises innovation across the global life sciences and biotechnology industries, celebrating excellence in biopharma, therapeutics, genomics, diagnostics, and research tools. MediciNova was selected for its innovative approach in developing MN-166, which represents a promising therapeutic strategy for conditions with few effective treatment options.

MN-166 is currently in Phase 3 trials for ALS and degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), and is Phase 3-ready for progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). The compound is also being evaluated in Phase 2 trials for Long COVID and substance dependence. MediciNova’s other lead compound, MN-001 (tipelukast), has been tested in Phase 2 trials in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Across its portfolio, the company has 11 programs in clinical development.

This recognition reflects MediciNova’s broader commitment to advancing late-stage small molecule therapies for inflammatory, fibrotic, and neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on innovative approaches that address unmet patient needs.