MediciNova, Inc. announced that it has received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a pending patent application which covers MN-166 (ibudilast) for the prevention of metastasis of eye cancer. Once issued, this patent is expected to expire no earlier than July 2042. The allowed claims cover the use of MN-166 (ibudilast) for preventing, ameliorating, or minimizing metastasis of eye cancer.

The allowed claims specifically cover the use of MN-166 (ibudilast) for preventing, ameliorating, or minimizing metastasis of uveal melanoma. The allowed claims cover oral administration, a wide range of doses, a range of different dosing frequencies, and a range of different treatment periods.