Ibudilast-Rilutek Therapy Combo Closer to U.S. Patent for ALS and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases
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MediciNova’s investigational therapy ibudilast (MN-166) combined with Rilutek (riluzole), for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases, has been given final approval — a notice of allowance stating that its request for a patent is being considered by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Receiving a notice of allowance is the final step on the way to registration. If granted, the patent will last until November 2035, and cover the treatment with the combo therapy for patients with ALS, and other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, and spinal muscular atrophy, among others.
“We are very pleased to receive notice that this new patent will be granted. We believe it could substantially increase the potential value of MN-166 as it could extend the patent life for the ALS indication by almost 7 years compared to our first ALS patent,” Yuichi Iwaki, MD, PhD, president and CEO of MediciNova, said in a press release.
“In addition, the patent covers a wide range of other neurodegenerative diseases which expands the opportunities for clinical development of MN-166,” Iwaki added.
MediciNova’s first U.S. patent for ALS covered the use of ibudilast as a monotherapy (alone with no other therapies) — the patent expires in January 2029.
Previously, MediciNova was given three patents in the U.S. covering ibudilast as a monotherapy for progressive multiple sclerosis, including both primary progressive multiple sclerosis and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Active until November 2029, the patent can be extended for another 5 years — until November 2034 — if ibudilast is approved for progressive multiple sclerosis.
Ibudilast is a small molecule that inhibits the activity of the phosphodiesterase-4 and -10 enzymes, and the macrophage migration inhibitory factor. This reduces the activity of immune cells in the brain, and increases the production of neurotrophic factors that support the survival and growth of motor neurons, those lost in ALS patients.
Rilutek (Riluzole), marketed by Sanofi, was the first FDA-approved therapy for ALS.
Results from the IBU-ALS-1201 Phase 2 trial (NCT02238626), which assessed the effects of daily 60 mg doses of ibudilast added to 100 mg of Rilutek, showed that the combo therapy improved patients’ functional activity, quality of life, and muscle strength.
Robert L. Berman
When and where can a subscription be obtained?
JANET BRISKY
I have ALS, how can I get on this medication.
Janet Brisky
Just how long will it take to get the patent? Could it take up to two years? Then how long after that???
barbara mclean
how long before patients can take it
Bill
So what is potential timeframe for approval for us to use for ALS?
Bill Bonney
What does this mean? Will we get the chance to try this drug before it's too late? What does 'right to try' legislation mean when the drug companies refuse to release the drug, and our govt. does not require them to? Many of us don't have years to wait. We needed help yesterday!
Stacey Baker
could this possibly help with myotonic muscular dystrophy?
Greg Houck
I like the information you postGreg
Kevin
I remain hopeful that a therapy will present itself in a timely manner. I have had ALS for almost three years and in that time frame, I have read a lot of articles about potential treatments that seem promising and then disappear. It seems like there is more focus on research than ever before, which is great! However with the average lifespan being three to five years, especially without invasive surgery, finding a viable treatment option needs to be accelerated to give us an opportunity to possibly extend our lives.