MediciNova Receives Notice of Allowance for New Patent Covering MN-221 (bedoradrine) for the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Japan

MediciNova, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company traded on the NASDAQ Global Market

and the JASDAQ Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (Code Number: 4875), today announced that it has received a Notice of Allowance from the Japan Patent Office of MN-221 (bedoradrine) for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Once issued, the patent maturing from this allowed patent application is expected to expire no earlier than April 2031. The allowed claims cover a compound, pharmaceutical composition and a method of treating irritable bowel syndrome. MediciNova intends to use bedoradrine in future development. "We are very pleased that this new patent will be granted as we believe it could substantially increase the potential value of MN-221," commented Yuichi Iwaki, MD, PhD, President and CEO of MediciNova, Inc. "This is an opportunity to allow us more flexibility to consider pursuing other indications for MN-221 in future development." About Irritable Bowel Syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, meaning it is a problem caused by changes in how the GI tract works. The pain or discomfort of IBS may occur with a change in stool frequency or consistency or may be relieved by a bowel movement. Irritable bowel syndrome is estimated to affect 10 to 15 percent of the population.