The analysis showed that MN-166 decreased the formation of black holes (permanent brain lesions believed to indicate the death of nerves in the brain) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, adding support to MediciNova’s belief that MN-166 may provide neuroprotection in relapsing MS.
Data demonstrated that a 60mg/day dosing regimen of MN-166 significantly reduced the proportion of new T1 gadolinium-enhancing or new T2 lesions identified at month two of the study that evolved into persistent black holes at month 10 compared to placebo (RR 0.63, p=0.011). Treatment with a 30mg/day dosing regimen of MN-166 showed a trend toward reduced risk of new lesion evolution to persistent black holes compared to placebo (RR 0.735, p=0.074).