MediciNova acquired a license to MN-246 from Mitsubishi Pharma Corporation for global markets, with the exception of Japan and other selected Asian countries.
MN-246 is a novel, potent and highly selective Beta3-adrenergic receptor agonist under development by MediciNova for the treatment of urinary incontinence. It represents a potential new approach to treating urinary incontinence and may have advantages over existing therapies, including improvements in efficacy through increases in bladder volume with decreases in involuntary bladder contractions and the absence of anti-cholinergic side effects such as dry mouth.
Urinary incontinence, or loss of bladder control, is a symptom and not a disease in itself. A broad range of conditions and disorders can cause incontinence, including surgery, injuries, neurological diseases, infections and degenerative changes associated with aging. It can also occur as a result of pregnancy or childbirth.
“MN-246 may offer a unique approach to treating this common and distressing condition without the side effects (e.g., dry mouth, headache, blurred vision, constipation and abdominal pain) associated with currently available treatments,” said Dr Yuichi Iwaki, president and CEO of MediciNova. “The initiation of this phase I trial with MN-246 demonstrates MediciNova’s commitment to identifying and advancing new therapies for conditions with significant unmet medical needs.”