UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
Form 10-K
(Mark One)
☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021
or
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
For the transition period from. to
Commission file number: 001-33185
MEDICINOVA, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Delaware
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
4275 Executive Square, Suite 300, La Jolla, CA
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
33-0927979
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
92037
(Zip Code)
Title of Each Class
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share
(858) 373-1500
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Trading Symbol
MNOV
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12
months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this
chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See
definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.:
Large accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Emerging growth company
☐
☒
☐
Accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
☐
☒
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial
accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting
under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Yes ☐ No ☒
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $197,378,126 based on the closing price of the registrant’s
common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market of $4.25 per share on June 30, 2021. Shares of common stock held by each executive officer and director and each affiliated entity has been
excluded from this calculation. This determination of affiliate status may not be conclusive for other purposes.
The number of outstanding shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, as of February 14, 2022 was 49,043,246.
Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with the registrant’s 2021 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed subsequent to the date hereof, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
MEDICINOVA, INC.
FORM 10-K—ANNUAL REPORT
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2021
Table of Contents
PART I
Item 1
Item 1A
Item 1B
Item 2
Item 3
Item 4
PART II
Item 5
Item 6
Item 7
Item 7A
Item 8
Item 9
Item 9A
Item 9B
Item 9C
PART III
Item 10
Item 11
Item 12
Item 13
Item 14
PART IV
Item 15
Signatures
Business
Risk Factors
Unresolved Staff Comments
Properties
Legal Proceedings
Mine Safety Disclosures
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
[Reserved]
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Controls and Procedures
Other Information
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Executive Compensation
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
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The MediciNova logo is a registered trademark of MediciNova, Inc. All other product and company names are registered trademarks or trademarks
of their respective companies.
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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
PART I
This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are
beyond our control. The forward-looking statements are contained principally in the sections titled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” but are also contained elsewhere in this report. Forward-looking statements include all
statements that are not historical facts and, in some cases, can be identified by terms such as "believe," "may," "will," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate,"
"design," "intend," "expect," "could," "plan," "potential," "predict," "seek," "should," "would" or the negative version of these words and similar
expressions.
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance
or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements,
including those described in "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this report. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-
looking statements. Also, forward-looking statements represent our beliefs and assumptions only as of the date of this report. In light of the significant
uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, you should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by us or any other person that
we will achieve our objectives and plans in any specified time frame, or at all. You should read this report completely and with the understanding that our
actual future results may be materially different from what we expect.
The following factors are among those that may cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements:
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Inability to raise additional capital if needed;
Inability to generate revenues from product sales to continue business operations;
Inability to develop and commercialize our product candidates;
Failure or delay in completing clinical trials or obtaining FDA or foreign regulatory approval for our product candidates in a timely
manner;
Unsuccessful clinical trials stemming from clinical trial designs, failure to enroll a sufficient number of patients, undesirable side effects
and other safety concerns;
Inability to demonstrate sufficient efficacy of product candidates;
Reliance on the success of our MN-166 (ibudilast) and MN-001 (tipelukast) product candidates;
Delays in commencement or completion of clinical trials or suspension or termination of clinical trials;
Loss of our licensed rights to develop and commercialize a product candidate as a result of the termination of the underlying licensing
agreement;
Competitors may develop products rendering our product candidates obsolete and noncompetitive;
The widespread outbreak of an illness or any other communicable disease, such as COVID-19, which has lead to key employees becoming
ill for a period of time;
Inability to successfully attract partners and enter into collaborations on acceptable terms;
Dependence on third parties to conduct clinical trials and to manufacture product candidates;
Dependence on third parties to market and distribute products;
Our product candidates, if approved, may not gain market acceptance or obtain adequate coverage for third party reimbursement;
Disputes or other developments concerning our intellectual property rights;
Actual and anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly or annual operating results;
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Price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock markets;
Litigation or public concern about the safety of our potential products;
International trade or foreign exchange restrictions, increased tariffs, foreign currency exchange;
High quality material for our products may become difficult to obtain or expensive;
Strict government regulations on our business;
Regulations governing the production or marketing of our product candidates;
Loss of, or inability to attract, key personnel; and
Economic, political, foreign exchange and other risks associated with international operations.
Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to “MediciNova,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to MediciNova, Inc.
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Item 1. Business
Overview
We are a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapeutics for the treatment of serious diseases with unmet medical needs
and a commercial focus on the United States market. Our current strategy is to focus our development activities on MN-166 (ibudilast) for neurological and
other disorders such as progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy,
degenerative cervical myelopathy, glioblastoma, substance dependence and addiction (e.g., methamphetamine dependence, opioid dependence, and alcohol
dependence), and prevention of acute respiratory distress syndrome, and MN-001 (tipelukast) for fibrotic diseases such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
(NASH) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Our pipeline also includes MN-221 (bedoradrine) for the treatment of acute exacerbation of asthma and
MN-029 (denibulin) for solid tumor cancers.
MN-166 (ibudilast) is in development for several different neurological diseases and other diseases as described below.
Progressive Multiple Sclerosis:
We completed a Phase 2b clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS), in which positive safety
and neuroprotective efficacy indicators were observed. The data from this trial indicated that MN-166 (ibudilast) may have potential in the treatment
of progressive MS.
We partnered with investigators on a Phase 2b clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) in primary progressive and secondary progressive MS which
was conducted by NeuroNEXT and funded by the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke (NINDS).
This progressive MS trial, known as SPRINT-MS, completed randomization of 255 subjects in 2015, which exceeded the goal of 250 subjects that were
planned for participation. In October 2017, we announced the presentation of positive top-line results from the SPRINT-MS Phase 2b clinical trial of MN-
166 (ibudilast) in progressive MS. The trial achieved both primary endpoints of whole brain atrophy and safety and tolerability. MN-166 (ibudilast)
demonstrated a statistically significant 48% reduction in the rate of progression of whole brain atrophy compared to placebo (p=0.04) as measured by MRI
analysis using brain parenchymal fraction (BPF) and there was not an increased rate of serious adverse events in the MN-166 (ibudilast) group compared to
the placebo group. In February 2018, we announced the presentation of positive clinical efficacy trends from this trial regarding the important secondary
endpoint of confirmed disability progression. MN-166 (ibudilast) demonstrated a 26% reduction in the risk of confirmed disability progression compared to
placebo (hazard ratio = 0.74), as measured by EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale). Results of the SPRINT-MS Phase 2b clinical trial of MN-166
(ibudilast) in progressive MS were published in the New England Journal of Medicine in August 2018. In April 2019, we announced results from a
subgroup analysis of the SPRINT-MS Phase 2b trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) in progressive MS which showed that the trends for reduction in the risk of
confirmed disability progression were highest for the subgroup of subjects with Secondary Progressive MS without Relapse, in which MN-166 (ibudilast)
demonstrated a 46% risk reduction compared to placebo. Additional data from the completed SPRINT-MS Phase 2b trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) in
progressive MS was presented in May 2019 at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 71st Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In
November 2020, we announced that positive Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) results from the SPRINT-MS Phase 2b trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) in
progressive MS were published in Multiple Sclerosis Journal. In July 2021, we received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office for a new patent which covers MN-166 (ibudilast) for the treatment of an ophthalmic disease/disorder or injury associated with a neurodegenerative
disease/disorder or a neuro-ophthalmologic disorder.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation for the development of MN-166 (ibudilast) for
the treatment of patients with progressive MS.
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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS):
We initiated a clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the second half of 2014, and this trial was
completed during the second half of 2017. In December 2017, we announced positive top-line results from this trial. The trial achieved the primary
endpoint of safety and tolerability. In addition, there was a higher rate of responders on the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-
Revised (ALSFRS-R) total score, a measure of functional activity, in the MN-166 (ibudilast) group compared to the placebo group. In September 2018,
we received feedback from the FDA regarding our clinical development plan for MN-166 (ibudilast) in ALS. In January 2019, we received a Notice of
Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a new patent which covers the combination of MN-166 (ibudilast) and riluzole for the
treatment of ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. In April 2019, we announced that the FDA completed its review of the protocol and determined
that we may proceed with a Phase 2b/3 clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) in ALS. In June 2019, we announced a kick-off meeting for the Phase 2b/3
clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) in ALS. In December 2019, we announced that additional analyses of the completed clinical trial of MN-166
(ibudilast) in ALS was presented at the 30th International Symposium on ALS/MND (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neurone disease) in Perth,
Australia. In December 2021, we announced that a poster with an overview of our ongoing Phase 2b/3 clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) in ALS was
presented at the 32nd International Symposium on ALS/MND.
The FDA has granted Fast Track designation to MN-166 (ibudilast) for the treatment of ALS as well as Orphan-Drug designation for the treatment
of ALS, which will provide seven years of marketing exclusivity if it is approved for ALS. The European Commission also granted Orphan Medicinal
Product Designation for MN-166 (ibudilast) for the treatment of ALS.
Substance Dependence and Addiction:
In the area of addiction, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) funded a Phase 2 clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) for the treatment of
methamphetamine addiction. In collaboration with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), this clinical trial commenced in 2013 and enrollment
was completed in September 2017. In March 2018, we announced that this trial did not meet the primary endpoint of methamphetamine abstinence
confirmed via urine drug screens during the final two weeks of treatment. In November 2017, we announced a collaboration with Oregon Health & Science
University to initiate a biomarker study for evaluating MN-166 (ibudilast) in methamphetamine use disorder and this trial is ongoing.
Investigators at Columbia University and the New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI) previously completed a Phase 1b/2a clinical trial of
MN-166 (ibudilast) in opioid withdrawal that was funded by NIDA. Investigators at Columbia University and the NYSPI also conducted a NIDA-funded,
Phase 2a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of MN-166 (ibudilast) in the treatment of patients addicted to prescription opioids or heroin. In March 2016,
we announced that positive findings from the results of this completed study in opioid dependence were presented at the Behavior, Biology and Chemistry:
Translational Research in Addiction Meeting.
Researchers at UCLA were granted approval and funding by the National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA) for a clinical
trial to evaluate MN-166 (ibudilast) for the treatment of alcohol dependence. This clinical trial has been completed and results were presented at the
American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP)’s 54th Annual Meeting in December 2015. In May 2018, we announced a new NIDA-funded
clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) in alcohol dependence and withdrawal in collaboration with researchers at UCLA. This clinical trial has been
completed and positive findings were presented at the American Psychological Association 2020 Annual Convention which was held online in August
2020. Results from this clinical trial were published in June 2021 in Nature’s Translational Psychiatry. In August 2018, we announced a
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new NIAAA-funded Phase 2b clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) which will evaluate heavy drinking days in subjects with alcohol dependence in
collaboration with researchers at UCLA and this trial is ongoing.
Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: In March 2018, we announced plans to initiate a clinical trial to evaluate MN-166
(ibudilast) as a treatment for prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) which was funded by the University of Sydney
Concord Cancer Centre in Australia. In September 2020, we announced that positive clinical findings from this clinical trial were published
in Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology. In October 2020, we announced plans to initiate a multi-center, placebo-controlled, randomized
Phase 2b trial to evaluate MN-166 (ibudilast) in CIPN, which is funded by the Australasian Gastro-Intestinal Trials Group (AGITG), and this trial
is ongoing.
Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: In August 2018, we announced plans to initiate a clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) in degenerative
cervical myelopathy (DCM) in collaboration with the University of Cambridge. The trial is funded by a grant from the National Institute for Health
Research (NIHR) in the United Kingdom (UK). In May 2019, we announced our participation at the Kick-off Meeting for the Phase 3 clinical trial in
DCM, “REgeneration in CErvical DEgenerative Myelopathy (RECEDE Myelopathy)” in collaboration with University of Cambridge researchers.
Glioblastoma: We have initiated clinical development to evaluate MN-166 (ibudilast) for the treatment of glioblastoma. In June 2017, we
announced positive results from an animal model study that examined the potential clinical efficacy of MN-166 (ibudilast) for the treatment of
glioblastoma. These results were presented at the 2017 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. In May 2018, we announced that
the Investigational New Drug Application (IND) for MN-166 (ibudilast) for treatment of glioblastoma was accepted and opened with the FDA. In October
2018, we announced that the FDA granted orphan-drug designation to MN-166 (ibudilast) as adjunctive therapy to temozolomide for the treatment of
glioblastoma. In January 2019, we announced the initiation of enrollment in a clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) in combination with temozolomide for
the treatment of glioblastoma at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston and this trial is ongoing. In February 2019, we announced that Scientific
Reports published results from the animal model study evaluating MN-166 (ibudilast) in glioblastoma. In June 2020, we announced that positive
preclinical findings were published in Frontiers in Immunology regarding the prospect of MN-166 (ibudilast) as an adjunctive treatment for glioblastoma.
In August 2021, we announced completion of a safety review of Part 1 of the Phase 2 clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) in combination with
temozolomide, which enrolled 15 subjects with recurrent glioblastoma. There were no concerning safety signals observed in Part 1 and there were no
serious adverse events related to MN-166 (ibudilast). Five out of fifteen subjects completed cycle 6 without disease progression, i.e. 33% of the subjects
were progression-free at six months.
Prevention of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in patients with COVID-19: In March 2020, we announced plans to initiate development of
MN-166 (ibudilast) for severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) based on positive results of a preclinical study in an animal
model of ARDS. In April 2020, we announced plans to initiate a clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) for ARDS caused by COVID-19. In July 2020, we
announced that the IND for MN-166 (ibudilast) for prevention of ARDS was accepted and opened with the FDA. We were also informed by the FDA that
the proposed clinical investigation of MN-166 (ibudilast) for the prevention of ARDS in patients with COVID-19 may proceed. In August 2021, we
announced completion of 75% of planned enrollment in this Phase 2 clinical trial.
Chlorine Gas-Induced Lung Injury: In March 2021, we announced a partnership with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development
Authority (BARDA), part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
to develop MN-166 (ibudilast) as a potential medical countermeasure (MCM) against chlorine gas-induced lung damage such as acute respiratory distress
syndrome (ARDS) and acute lung injury (ALI). BARDA agreed to provide federal funding for proof-of-
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concept studies of MN-166 (ibudilast) in preclinical models of chlorine gas-induced acute lung injury under Contract No. 75A50121C00022. In June
2021, we announced initiation of a sheep study to investigate MN-166 (ibudilast) in an ovine model of chlorine-induced acute lung injury and this study is
ongoing. In June 2021, we also announced that we will conduct a mouse study to investigate the efficacy of MN-166 (ibudilast) in a murine model of
chlorine-induced lung injury and lethality and this study is ongoing.
MN-001 (tipelukast) is in development for fibrotic diseases as described below.
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): We announced positive results of MN-001 (tipelukast) in
two different NASH mouse models in 2014 and we opened the IND (Investigational New Drug) application for MN-001 (tipelukast) for the treatment of
NASH with the FDA in 2015. The FDA subsequently granted Fast Track designation to MN-001 (tipelukast) for the treatment of patients with NASH with
fibrosis. We then initiated a clinical trial to investigate MN-001 (tipelukast) for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia in NASH and NAFLD patients. In
April 2018, we announced that we would terminate this trial early after positive results from an interim analysis in which MN-001 (tipelukast)
significantly reduced mean serum triglycerides, a primary endpoint. This data was presented at the International Liver Congress 2018, the 53rd annual
meeting of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) in Paris, France in April 2018. In November 2020, we announced positive results
of in-vitro and in-vivo studies that evaluated MN-001 (tipelukast) for its anti-liver fibrotic effect in human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and in an acute
liver injury model at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD). In November 2021, we announced new
findings from a study that investigated the mechanism by which MN-001 (tipelukast) alters triglyceride metabolism in hepatocytes at the Annual Meeting
of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD).
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): In 2014, we announced positive results of MN-001 (tipelukast) in a mouse model of pulmonary
fibrosis. The FDA subsequently granted Orphan-Drug designation to MN-001 (tipelukast) for treatment of IPF which will provide seven years of
marketing exclusivity if MN-001 (tipelukast) is approved for IPF. The FDA granted Fast Track designation to MN-001 (tipelukast) for the treatment of
patients with IPF in September 2015. We then initiated a Phase 2 clinical trial of MN-001 (tipelukast) to treat IPF and we announced results of this
trial in August 2021. Although there were no clinically meaningful trends in favor of MN-001 (tipelukast) for the majority of the clinical outcome
measures in this small study, there were no worsening IPF events (acute IPF exacerbation or hospitalization due to respiratory symptoms) in the MN-
001 (tipelukast) group compared to one worsening IPF event in the placebo group. MN-001 (tipelukast) demonstrated a substantial reduction in
LOXL2, a biomarker for IPF, whereas LOXL2 increased in the placebo group. MN-001 (tipelukast) was safe and well tolerated.
We completed a Phase 2 clinical trial of MN-221 (bedoradrine) for the treatment of acute exacerbations of asthma treated in the emergency room
and conducted an End-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA in October 2012. In that meeting, the FDA identified the risk/benefit profile of MN-221
(bedoradrine) as a focal point for further development and advised that a clinical outcome, such as a reduction in hospitalizations, would need to be a
primary endpoint in a pivotal trial. We believe the appropriate clinical development for MN-221 (bedoradrine) would involve conducting dose regimen and
acute exacerbations of asthma trial design optimization studies prior to commencing pivotal trials. We are working to identify a partner for financial
support before further clinical development is commenced.
We have acquired licenses to MN-166 (ibudilast), MN-001 (tipelukast), MN-221 (bedoradrine), and MN-029 (denibulin) for the development of
these product candidates. We have pursued development of these product candidates in various indications including COVID-19, progressive MS, ALS,
chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, degenerative cervical myelopathy, glioblastoma, various addictions, NASH and NAFLD, IPF, acute
exacerbations of asthma, and solid tumor cancers.
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Our Strategy
Our goal is to build a sustainable biopharmaceutical business through the successful development of differentiated products for the treatment
of serious diseases with unmet medical needs in high-value therapeutic areas. Key elements of our strategy are as follows:
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Pursue the development of MN-166 (ibudilast) for multiple potential indications with the support of non-dilutive financings.
We intend to advance our diverse MN-166 (ibudilast) program through a combination of investigator-sponsored clinical trials, trials funded through
government grants or other grants, and trials funded by us. We intend to pursue additional strategic alliances to help support further clinical development
of MN-166 (ibudilast).
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Pursue the development of MN-001 (tipelukast) for fibrotic and other diseases.
We intend to advance development of MN-001 (tipelukast) through a variety of means, which may include investigator-sponsored trials with or without
grant funding as well as trials funded by us.
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Consider strategic partnerships with one or more leading pharmaceutical companies to complete product development and
successfully commercialize our products.
We develop and maintain relationships with pharmaceutical companies that are therapeutic category leaders. We intend to discuss strategic alliances with
leading pharmaceutical companies who seek product candidates, such as MN-166 (ibudilast), MN-001 (tipelukast), MN-221 (bedoradrine), and MN-029
(denibulin), which could support our clinical development and product commercialization.
Our Product Candidates and Programs
Our product development programs address diseases that we believe are not well served by currently available therapies and represent significant
commercial opportunities. We believe that we have product candidates that offer innovative therapeutic approaches that may provide significant advantages
relative to current therapies.
Our product acquisitions have focused primarily on product candidates with significant preclinical and early clinical testing data that have been
developed by the licensors outside of the United States. We utilize the existing data in preparing IND Applications or their foreign equivalents, and in
designing and implementing additional preclinical or clinical trials to advance the development programs in the United States or abroad.
Following are the details of our product development programs:
MN-166 (ibudilast)
MN-166 (ibudilast) is a novel, first-in-class, oral, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agent. MN-166 (ibudilast) inhibits macrophage migration
inhibitory factor (MIF) and certain phosphodiesterases (PDEs). MN-166 (ibudilast) also attenuates activated glia cells, which play a major role in certain
neurological conditions. While it has been in use for more than 20 years in Japan and Korea for the treatment of asthma and post-stroke dizziness, we are
developing MN-166 (ibudilast) for the treatment of progressive MS, ALS, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, degenerative cervical myelopathy,
glioblastoma, and substance dependence. We licensed MN-166 (ibudilast) from Kyorin Pharmaceuticals (Kyorin) in 2004.
The FDA has granted Fast Track designations to MN-166 (ibudilast) for three separate indications: the treatment of progressive MS, the treatment
of ALS, and the treatment of methamphetamine dependence. Fast track designation is a process designed to facilitate the development and expedite the
review of drugs that are intended to treat serious diseases and have the potential to fill an unmet medical need. An important feature of the FDA’s Fast
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Track program is that it emphasizes early and frequent communication between the FDA and the sponsor throughout the entire drug development and
review process to improve the efficiency of product development. Accordingly, Fast Track status can potentially lead to a shortened timeline to ultimate
drug approval.
The FDA has granted Orphan-Drug designation to MN-166 (ibudilast) for the treatment of ALS, which will provide seven years of marketing
exclusivity if it is approved for ALS in the U.S. The European Commission also granted Orphan Medicinal Product Designation for MN-166 (ibudilast) for
the treatment of ALS which offers potential benefits including ten years of marketing exclusivity if it is approved for ALS in Europe. The FDA has also
granted Orphan-Drug designation to MN-166 (ibudilast) as adjunctive therapy to temozolomide for the treatment of glioblastoma.
We have filed patent applications for multiple uses of MN-166 (ibudilast) for the treatment of neurological conditions. Some of the patent estate
has received allowance in the United States and foreign countries. For example, we have been granted separate U.S. patents that cover the use of MN-166
(ibudilast) for the treatment of progressive MS, for the treatment of ALS, for the treatment of glioblastoma, for the treatment of drug addiction or
dependence, and for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: MS is a complex disease with predominantly unknown etiology and affects approximately 2.3 million people
worldwide, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, or NMSS. Also, according to NMSS, approximately 85 percent of people with MS are
initially diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS, or RRMS, and some people who are initially diagnosed with RRMS will eventually transition to secondary
progressive MS, or SPMS. About 15 percent of people with MS are diagnosed with primary progressive MS, or PPMS. There is only one approved drug
for PPMS and it is administered by intravenous infusion. Although several drugs have been approved for SPMS with relapses, there are no approved drugs
generally considered safe and efficacious for SPMS in the absence of relapses. There is a significant medical need for a safe, effective, and conveniently
administered therapy for patients with PPMS and SPMS and the unmet medical need is highest in patients with SPMS without relapses. MN-166 (ibudilast)
may meet these needs.
Based on promising results from a Phase 2 trial in relapsing MS completed in 2008, investigators from NeuroNEXT, a NIH-funded Phase 2
clinical trial network, evaluated MN-166 (ibudilast) in PPMS and SPMS patients in the United States. SPRINT-MS is the name of the Phase 2b,
randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that evaluated the safety and tolerability of MN-166 (ibudilast) (up to 100 mg/day) in PPMS and SPMS
patients. Recruitment and enrollment at 28 medical centers in the United States commenced in late 2013 and randomization of 255 subjects was completed
in June 2015. In October 2017, we announced the presentation of positive top-line results from the SPRINT-MS Phase 2b clinical trial of MN-166
(ibudilast) in progressive MS. The trial achieved both primary endpoints of whole brain atrophy and safety and tolerability. MN-166 (ibudilast)
demonstrated a statistically significant 48% reduction in the rate of progression of whole brain atrophy compared to placebo (p=0.04) as measured by MRI
analysis using brain parenchymal fraction (BPF) and there was not an increased rate of serious adverse events in the MN-166 (ibudilast) group compared to
the placebo group. In February 2018, we announced the presentation of positive clinical efficacy trends from this trial regarding the important secondary
endpoint of confirmed disability progression. MN-166 (ibudilast) demonstrated a 26% reduction in the risk of confirmed disability progression compared to
placebo (hazard ratio = 0.74), as measured by EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale).
Results of the SPRINT-MS Phase 2b clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) in progressive MS were published in the New England Journal of
Medicine in August 2018. In April 2019, we announced results from a subgroup analysis of the SPRINT-MS Phase 2b trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) in
progressive MS. The purpose of the subgroup analysis was to provide information about which types of progressive MS subjects responded best to MN-
166 (ibudilast) treatment in terms of the clinically significant endpoint of the risk of confirmed disability progression compared to placebo, as measured by
EDSS. The trends for reduction in the risk of confirmed disability progression
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were highest for the subgroup of subjects with Secondary Progressive MS without Relapse, in which MN-166 (ibudilast) demonstrated a 46% risk
reduction compared to placebo as indicated by the hazard ratio of 0.538. Additional data from the completed SPRINT-MS Phase 2b trial of MN-166
(ibudilast) in progressive MS was presented in May 2019 at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 71st Annual Meeting in Philadelphia. In
November 2020, we announced that positive Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) results from the SPRINT-MS Phase 2b trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) in
progressive MS were published in Multiple Sclerosis Journal. OCT measures included macular volume, pRNFL (peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer)
thickness, and ganglion cell-inner plexiform (GCIP) layer thickness. All of these OCT measures showed less loss of retinal tissue for MN-166 (ibudilast)
compared to placebo. In July 2021, we received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a new patent which covers MN-166
(ibudilast) for the treatment of an ophthalmic disease/disorder or injury associated with a neurodegenerative disease/disorder or a neuro-ophthalmologic
disorder. We were granted Fast Track designation from the FDA for MN-166 (ibudilast) for the treatment of progressive MS in 2016.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve
cells in the brain and the spinal cord. The nerves lose the ability to trigger specific muscles, which causes the muscles to become weak. As a result, ALS
affects voluntary movement and patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed. Mean survival time of an ALS patient is two to
five years. According to the ALS Association, there are at least 16,000 ALS patients in the United States and approximately 5,000 people in the United
States are diagnosed with ALS each year.
We have worked with Carolinas Neuromuscular/ALS-MDA Center at Carolinas HealthCare System Neurosciences Institute, which has conducted
a clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) in ALS. The trial was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study which included a six-month treatment
period followed by a six-month open-label extension. The study evaluated the safety and tolerability of MN-166 (ibudilast) 60 mg/day versus placebo
when administered in combination with riluzole in subjects with ALS, as well as several efficacy endpoints. Subject enrollment began in October 2014. In
April 2016, we announced that interim efficacy data from a mid-study analysis of the clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) in ALS was presented at the
American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 68th Annual Meeting.
In December 2017, we announced positive top-line results from the ALS trial at Carolinas Neuromuscular/ALS-MDA Center. The trial achieved
the primary endpoint of safety and tolerability. In addition, there was a higher rate of responders on the ALSFRS-R total score in the MN-166 (ibudilast)
group compared to the placebo group. The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) total score measures the
functional activity of an ALS subject. There was also a higher rate of responders on the ALSAQ-5 score in the MN-166 (ibudilast) group compared to the
placebo group. The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Assessment Questionnaire (ALSAQ-5) score measures the physical mobility, activities of daily living
and independence, eating and drinking, communication, and emotional functioning of an ALS subject. In July 2018, we announced data from ad-hoc
subgroup analyses in subjects who had either bulbar onset or upper limb onset in the ALS trial at Carolinas Neuromuscular/ALS-MDA Center. In
September 2018, we received feedback from the FDA regarding our clinical development plan for MN-166 (ibudilast) in ALS. In April 2019, we
announced that the FDA completed its review of the protocol and determined that we may proceed with a Phase 2b/3 clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) in
ALS. In June 2019, we announced that a kick-off meeting for the Phase 2b/3 clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) in ALS was held our headquarters in La
Jolla, California. In December 2019, we announced that additional analyses of the completed clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) in ALS was presented at
the 30th International Symposium on ALS/MND (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neurone disease) in Perth, Australia. These analyses evaluated the
potential background factors of patients’ characteristics that could reasonably predict both ALS disease progression and treatment efficacy. The results of
these analyses indicate that the efficacy of MN-166 (ibudilast) is expected to be more robust in patients with a short ALS history. We have incorporated the
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conclusions from these analyses into the design of our Phase 2b/3 clinical trial. In December 2021, we announced that a poster with an overview of our
ongoing Phase 2b/3 clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) in ALS was presented at the 32nd International Symposium on ALS/MND.
In December 2015, we announced that the FDA granted Fast Track designation to MN-166 (ibudilast) for the treatment of patients with ALS. In
March 2016, we announced that we received a Notice of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) for a new patent which
covers MN-166 (ibudilast) for the treatment of ALS. In October 2016, we announced that the FDA granted Orphan-Drug designation to MN-166 (ibudilast)
for the treatment of ALS, which will provide seven years of marketing exclusivity if it is approved for ALS. In December 2016, we announced that the
European Commission granted Orphan Medicinal Product Designation for MN-166 (ibudilast) for the treatment of ALS. In January 2019, we received a
Notice of Allowance from the U.S. PTO for a new patent which covers the combination of MN-166 (ibudilast) and riluzole for the treatment of ALS and
other neurodegenerative diseases.
In February 2016, we entered into an agreement to collaborate with Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) to study the effects of MN-166
(ibudilast) on reducing brain microglial activation in ALS subjects measured by a positron emission tomography (PET) biomarker. Results of this clinical
trial, which we refer to as the ALS / Biomarker study, were presented at the 30th International Symposium on ALS/MND (amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis/motor neurone disease) in Perth, Australia in December 2019. In this small study, there was no detectable effect on PBR28-PET uptake or serum
NFl but there was a significant reduction in serum MIF, a marker of neuroinflammation. However, because of the open-label design of this study, there was
no placebo group to compare with the MN-166 (ibudilast) group, so it is not possible to draw any definitive conclusions from this study.
Methamphetamine Addiction: Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant drug that is similar in structure to amphetamine. It is a
Schedule II drug, meaning that it has high abuse potential and low therapeutic potential. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration’s (SAMHSA) 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, there are approximately 1.5 million people aged 12 or older with
methamphetamine use disorder in the United States. The Rand Corporation has estimated that the economic burden of methamphetamine use in the United
States is approximately $23.4 billion. Currently, there is no pharmaceutical treatment approved for methamphetamine dependence. Based on non-clinical
results of the effects of MN-166 (ibudilast) in an animal model of methamphetamine relapse, investigators at UCLA conducted a Phase 1b clinical trial
funded by NIDA to examine the safety and preliminary efficacy of MN-166 (ibudilast) in non-treatment-seeking, methamphetamine-dependent users in an
inpatient trial that was completed in 2012. Subsequently, UCLA investigators received NIDA grant funding for a Phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate MN-166
(ibudilast) in methamphetamine-dependent users in an outpatient trial setting that commenced in 2013. In March 2018, we announced that this trial did not
meet the primary endpoint of methamphetamine abstinence confirmed via urine drug screens during the final two weeks of treatment. In November 2017,
we announced a collaboration with Oregon Health & Science University to initiate a biomarker study to evaluate MN-166 (ibudilast) in methamphetamine
use disorder and this study is ongoing. We were granted Fast Track designation from the FDA for MN-166 (ibudilast) for the treatment of
methamphetamine dependence in 2013.
Opioid Withdrawal and Dependency: According to the SAMHSA’s 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, there are approximately 2.3
million people aged 12 or older with prescription pain reliever use disorder and approximately 691,000 people aged 12 or older with heroin use disorder in
the United States. Access to prescription opioids has recently become more difficult due to more stringent policies on prescribing opioids. An unintended
consequence of this policy is increased use of heroin. Heroin is attractive to prescription opioid addicts because it is less expensive and more accessible
than prescription opioids. Heroin poses serious health issues, such as risk of HIV and Hepatitis C infection, overdose, and death. There is an urgent,
significant unmet medical need for a safe, effective non-addictive, non-opioid therapy for the treatment of prescription opioid and heroin addiction.
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Investigators at Columbia University and NYSPI previously completed a NIDA-funded, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled in-unit Phase 1b/2a
clinical trial to evaluate the ability of MN-166 (ibudilast) to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms in humans. Subsequently, investigators at Columbia
University and NYSPI conducted a NIDA-funded Phase 2a clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) for the treatment of prescription opioid or heroin
dependence. In March 2016, we announced that positive findings from the results of this completed study in opioid dependence were presented at the
Behavior, Biology and Chemistry: Translational Research in Addiction Meeting.
Alcohol Addiction: According to SAMHSA’s 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, there are approximately 28.3 million people aged 12
or older in the United States with alcohol use disorder. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that excessive alcohol use costs
the United States $249 billion per year. Medicines that have been approved by the FDA to treat alcohol dependence include Antabuse®, Vivitrol®,
Campral® and Revia®. However, the search for a safe and effective drug remains elusive due to limited success of these FDA-approved compounds
(Witkiewitz et al., 2012). In a non-clinical trial (Bell et al., 2013), MN-166 (ibudilast) was examined in rats and mice and was found to reduce alcohol
drinking in alcohol-preferring P rats and high-alcohol drinking (HAD1) rats by 50%, and in mice made dependent on alcohol at doses which had no effect
on non-dependent mice. Investigators at UCLA received funding from the NIAAA to conduct a study to evaluate MN-166 (ibudilast) with a randomized,
double-blind, placebo-controlled within-subject crossover design to determine the safety, tolerability and initial human laboratory efficacy of MN-166
(ibudilast) in a sample of 24 non-treatment seeking individuals with either alcohol abuse or dependence. Results of the alcohol dependence study were
presented at the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP)’s 54th Annual Meeting in December 2015. MN-166 (ibudilast), but not placebo,
significantly decreased basal, daily alcohol craving over the course of the study (p<0.05). MN-166 (ibudilast) did not affect cue- and stress-induced alcohol
craving. However, MN-166 (ibudilast) increased positive mood during both the cue reactivity and stress procedures. MN-166 (ibudilast) was safe and well-
tolerated during the study. In May 2018, we announced plans to initiate an NIH-funded clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) in alcohol dependence and
withdrawal in collaboration with researchers at UCLA. This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial to evaluate the effect of
14 days of ibudilast treatment on mood, heavy drinking, and neural reward signals in 52 patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Positive results of this
Phase 2 clinical trial were presented at the American Psychological Association 2020 Annual Convention which was held online in August 2020. Results
from this clinical trial were published in June 2021 in Nature’s Translational Psychiatry which included the following: (1) MN-166 (ibudilast) did not have
a significant effect on negative mood; (2) MN-166 (ibudilast), relative to placebo, reduced the odds of heavy drinking across time by 45% (p=0.04); (3)
MN-166 (ibudilast) attenuated alcohol cue-elicited activation in the ventral striatum (VS) (i.e. reduced the rewarding response to alcohol in the brain)
compared to placebo (p=0.01); (4) Alcohol cue-elicited activation in the VS predicted subsequent drinking in the MN-166 (ibudilast) group (p=0.02), such
that individuals who had attenuated VS activation and took MN-166 (ibudilast) had the fewest number of drinks per drinking day in the week following the
scan; and (5) MN-166 (ibudilast) reduced alcohol craving compared to placebo on non-drinking days (p=0.02). These findings extend preclinical and
human laboratory studies of the utility of ibudilast to treat AUD and suggest a biobehavioral mechanism through which ibudilast acts, namely, by reducing
the rewarding response to alcohol cues in the brain leading to a reduction in heavy drinking. In August 2018, we announced a new NIAAA-funded Phase
2b clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) in alcohol dependence in collaboration with researchers at UCLA. This clinical trial, which is currently ongoing, is
evaluating whether MN-166 (ibudilast) will decrease the percentage of heavy drinking days (defined as ≥ 5 drinks for men and ≥ 4 drinks for women), as
compared to placebo, over the course of the 12-week trial.
Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Peripheral neuropathy is a set of symptoms caused by damage to peripheral nerves, the nerves
that are away from the brain and spinal cord. Some of the chemotherapy and other drugs used to treat cancer can damage peripheral nerves which carry
sensations to the brain and control the movement of the arms and legs. This damage results in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) which
can be a disabling side effect of cancer treatment. Common symptoms of CIPN include pain, burning, tingling, loss of feeling, coordination and balance
problems, muscle weakness, trouble swallowing and passing
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urine, constipation, and blood pressure changes. Severe CIPN may require chemotherapy dose reduction or cessation. According to a meta-analysis which
included more than 4,000 patients, CIPN prevalence was 68% when measured in the first month after chemotherapy, 60% at 3 months, and 30% at 6
months or more (“Incidence, prevalence, and predictors of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis,” Seretny
M et al 2014). In March 2018, we announced plans to initiate a clinical trial to evaluate MN-166 (ibudilast) as a treatment for prevention of CIPN which
was funded by the University of Sydney Concord Cancer Centre in Australia. This open-label, sequential cross-over pilot study assessed acute
neurotoxicity, CIPN, and drug interactions of MN-166 (ibudilast) in patients with metastatic gastrointestinal cancer (colorectal cancer and upper
gastrointestinal cancers) who were receiving oxaliplatin. In September 2020, we announced that positive clinical findings from this clinical trial were
published in Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology. Co-administration of MN-166 (ibudilast) with oxaliplatin resulted in improvement or stabilization
of oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity in the majority of participants treated with oxaliplatin. According to the Oxaliplatin-Specific Neurotoxicity Scale
(OSNS) assessments, 12 out of 14 participants reported acute neurotoxicity (Grade 1 or 2) in both cycles. Of those, ten out of 12 participants were
unchanged and two participants had improved symptoms from Grade 2 to Grade 1 with MN-166 (ibudilast) co-treatment. Acute neurotoxicity, which
predicts chronic CIPN, is expected to worsen in patients with continued chemotherapy. Pharmacokinetic analysis indicated no effect of MN-166 (ibudilast)
on systemic exposure of oxaliplatin. In October 2020, we announced plans to initiate a multi-center, placebo-controlled, randomized Phase 2b trial to
evaluate MN-166 (ibudilast) in CIPN, which is funded by the Australasian Gastro-Intestinal Trials Group (AGITG). This clinical trial is evaluating MN-
166 (ibudilast) as a potential treatment to reduce acute neurotoxicity severity and CIPN in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), also known as cervical spondylotic myelopathy, involves spinal
cord dysfunction from compression in the neck. Degenerative cervical myelopathy is the most common form of spinal cord impairment in adults and
results in disability and reduced quality of life. Patients report neurological symptoms such as pain and numbness in limbs, poor coordination, imbalance,
and bladder problems. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, more than 200,000 cervical procedures are performed each year
to relieve compression on the spinal cord or nerve roots. There are no pharmaceuticals approved for the treatment of DCM. In August 2018, we
announced plans to initiate a clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) in DCM in collaboration with the University of Cambridge. The trial, which is funded by
a grant from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) in the United Kingdom (UK), is evaluating MN-166 (ibudilast) as an adjuvant treatment
for DCM following spinal surgery to determine whether MN-166 (ibudilast) is more effective than placebo in improving outcomes after spinal surgery.
The two co-primary endpoints are (1) the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) Score, which evaluates motor dysfunction in upper and
lower extremities, loss of sensation, and bladder sphincter dysfunction, at six months after surgery; and (2) Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) measure of neck
pain at six months after surgery. In May 2019, we announced our participation at the Kick-off Meeting for the Phase 3 clinical trial in DCM,
“REgeneration in CErvical DEgenerative Myelopathy (RECEDE Myelopathy)” in collaboration with University of Cambridge researchers.
Glioblastoma: According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, glioblastoma is an aggressive brain tumor that develops from
glial cells (astrocytes and oligodendrocytes), grows rapidly, and commonly spreads into nearby brain tissue. The American Brain Tumor Association
reports that glioblastomas represent about 15% of all primary brain tumors. Approximately 10,000 cases of glioblastoma are diagnosed each year in the
U.S. Median survival is approximately 11-15 months for adults with more aggressive glioblastoma (IDH-wildtype) who receive standard treatment
(surgery, temozolomide, and radiation therapy). In June 2017, we announced positive results from an animal model study that examined the potential
clinical efficacy of MN-166 (ibudilast) for the treatment of glioblastoma which were presented at the 2017 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Annual Meeting. Results of the glioblastoma mouse model study showed that median survival was higher in the group that received combination treatment
with MN-166 (ibudilast) plus temozolomide compared
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to the group that received temozolomide alone. In May 2018, we announced that the Investigational New Drug Application (IND) for MN-166 (ibudilast)
for treatment of glioblastoma was accepted and opened with the FDA. We were also informed by the FDA that the proposed clinical investigation of MN-
166 (ibudilast) in combination with temozolomide for treatment of glioblastoma may proceed. In October 2018, we announced that the FDA granted
orphan-drug designation to MN-166 (ibudilast) as adjunctive therapy to temozolomide for the treatment of glioblastoma. In January 2019, we announced
the initiation of enrollment in a clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) in combination with temozolomide (TMZ, Temodar‑®) for the treatment of
glioblastoma at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. In February 2019, we announced that Scientific Reports published results from the animal
model study evaluating MN-166 (ibudilast) in glioblastoma. The article, “Ibudilast sensitizes glioblastoma to temozolomide by targeting Macrophage
Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF),” is the first publication reporting the potential clinical utility of MN-166 (ibudilast) for glioblastoma. In June 2020, we
announced that positive preclinical findings were published in Frontiers in Immunology regarding the prospect of MN-166 (ibudilast) as an adjunctive
treatment for glioblastoma. The publication, entitled “Glioblastoma myeloid-derived suppressor cell subsets express differential macrophage migration
inhibitory factor receptor profiles that can be targeted to reduce immune suppression”, was based on our collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic. In
August 2021, we announced completion of a safety review of Part 1 of the Phase 2 clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) in combination with temozolomide,
which enrolled 15 subjects with recurrent glioblastoma. There were no concerning safety signals observed in Part 1 and there were no serious adverse
events related to MN-166 (ibudilast). Five out of fifteen subjects completed cycle 6 without disease progression, i.e. 33% of subjects were progression-free
at six months.
Prevention of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in patients with COVID-19: ARDS is a serious lung condition that causes low blood
oxygen. Difficulty breathing is usually the first symptom of ARDS. Infections are the most common risk factors for ARDS and these infections may
include influenza, coronavirus, or other viruses. According to the ARDS Foundation, there are an estimated 190,000 ARDS cases per year in the U.S. The
rate of death in the hospital is approximately 40% for ARDS patients. In March 2020, we announced plans to initiate development of MN-166 (ibudilast)
for severe pneumonia and ARDS based on positive results of a preclinical study in an animal model of ARDS (Yang et al., 2020). Results of this
preclinical study showed that MN-166 (ibudilast) treatment reversed histological changes observed in the ARDS mouse model including inflammation,
hemorrhage, alveolar congestion, and alveolar wall edema. Importantly, pulmonary edema was significantly reduced by MN-166 (ibudilast) treatment
(p<0.001). In addition, MN-166 (ibudilast) significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines including TNF-alpha (p<0.001), IL-1beta (p<0.001),
IL-6 (p<0.001), and MCP-1 (p<0.001) in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that ibudilast suppressed the inflammatory response. Results of this study
also suggest that MN-166 (ibudilast) protects against pulmonary injury by attenuating cell apoptosis in lung tissue. In addition to data from the animal
model of ARDS, MN-166 (ibudilast) has been identified as a compound with potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in an in vitro study which screened 1,520
compounds for SARS-CoV-2 replication inhibition (Touret et al., 2020). In April 2020, we announced plans to initiate a clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast)
for ARDS caused by COVID-19. In July 2020, we announced that the IND for MN-166 (ibudilast) for prevention of ARDS was accepted and opened with
the FDA. We were also informed by the FDA that the proposed clinical investigation of MN-166 (ibudilast) for the prevention of ARDS in patients with
COVID-19 may proceed and this trial is ongoing. In August 2021, we announced completion of 75% of planned enrollment in this Phase 2 clinical trial.
Chlorine Gas-Induced Lung Injury: In March 2021, we announced a partnership with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development
Authority (BARDA), part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to
develop MN-166 (ibudilast) as a potential medical countermeasure (MCM) against chlorine gas-induced lung damage such as acute respiratory distress
syndrome (ARDS) and acute lung injury (ALI). Under the Division of Research, Innovation, and Ventures’ (DRIVe) Repurposing Drugs in Response to
Chemical Threats (ReDIRECT) program, BARDA agreed to provide
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federal funding for proof-of-concept studies of MN-166 (ibudilast) in preclinical models of chlorine gas-induced acute lung injury under Contract No.
75A50121C00022. MN-166 (ibudilast) was the first compound to receive BARDA’s development support through the DRIVe ReDIRECT program. In
June 2021, we announced initiation of a sheep study to investigate MN-166 (ibudilast) in an ovine model of chlorine-induced acute lung injury and this
study is ongoing. Following treatment of the sheep with MN-166 (ibudilast) or control, the study will evaluate pulmonary function, lung injury and edema
formation, cardiopulmonary hemodynamics, and systemic vascular permeability. In June 2021, we also announced that we will conduct a mouse study to
investigate the efficacy of MN-166 (ibudilast) in a murine model of chlorine-induced lung injury and lethality and this study is ongoing. After mice are
exposed to chlorine gas and treated with MN-166 (ibudilast) or control, the study will evaluate survival, clinical outcomes, body weights, lung weights, and
upper respiratory tract histopathology.
MN-221 (bedoradrine)
MN-221 (bedoradrine) is a novel, highly selective beta-2-adrenergic receptor agonist which has been developed for the treatment of acute
exacerbations of asthma. We licensed MN-221 (bedoradrine) from Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Kissei) in February 2004. Current inhaled beta-agonist
treatments for asthma exacerbations are limited by bronchoconstriction or insufficient airflow due to inflammation and airway constriction, which reduces
the amount of inhaled drug that can get into the lungs. In addition, the amount of inhaled treatments a patient can tolerate is limited due to the potential for
cardiovascular side effects (e.g. increased heart rate).
MN-221 (bedoradrine) is designed to treat acute exacerbations of asthma via intravenous (i.v.) infusion, bypassing constricted airways to deliver
the drug to the lungs. Preclinical studies showed MN-221 (bedoradrine) to have a high affinity for the ß2 -adrenergic receptor, found primarily in the lungs,
and a much lower affinity for the ß1 -adrenergic receptor found primarily in cardiac tissue. MN-221 (bedoradrine)’s improved delivery to the lungs and its
cardiac safety profile has potential to help fill an unmet need for patients with acute exacerbations of asthma, helping them to breathe easier and avoid a
costly hospital stay.
Acute Exacerbation of Asthma: According to the most recent data available from the United States National Center for Health Statistics, there
were 1.63 million emergency department visits due to asthma in 2018 and 3,524 deaths due to asthma in 2019.
We completed a Phase 2b randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial which evaluated MN-221 (bedoradrine) in 175 patients with
acute exacerbations of asthma in the emergency department setting. MN-221 (bedoradrine) did not statistically meet the primary endpoint, improvement in
FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second) compared to placebo. However, MN-221 (bedoradrine) treatment demonstrated statistically significant
improvements in endpoints associated with Dyspnea Index scores. MN-221 (bedoradrine) treatment significantly increased (improved) the change from
baseline in Dyspnea Index scale score over Hours 0-3 compared to placebo (based on AUC [0-3 hr], p =0.0405), significantly increased the change from
baseline in Dyspnea Index scale scores at Hour 2 compared to placebo (based on mean score, p = 0.0042), and significantly increased the percentage of
subjects who had improvement in the Dyspnea Index score ≥ 1 point at Hour 2 compared to placebo (p = 0.0323). A post-hoc analysis was performed to
evaluate the Treatment Failure rate defined as the number of subjects who were either hospitalized or who returned to the emergency department during the
course of the study. In subjects who received corticosteroids greater than 3 hours prior to study drug infusion, the number of treatment failures was
significantly greater in the placebo group (74%) versus the MN-221 (bedoradrine) group (43%), p=0.0489. No safety/tolerability issues of clinical
significance were observed.
In October 2012, we met with the FDA to review future development of this product candidate. The FDA identified the risk/benefit profile of
MN-221 (bedoradrine) as a focal point for further development and advised that a clinical outcome, such as a reduction in hospitalizations, would need to
be a primary endpoint in a pivotal trial.
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We have decided that any future MN-221 (bedoradrine) development will be designed based on the feedback received from the FDA and that any future
MN-221 (bedoradrine) clinical trial development for asthma will be partner-dependent from a funding perspective.
MN-001 (tipelukast)
MN-001 (tipelukast) is a novel, orally bioavailable small molecule compound which exerts its effects through several mechanisms to produce its
anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory activity in preclinical models, including leukotriene (LT) receptor antagonism, inhibition of PDEs (mainly 3 and 4), and
inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO). The 5-LO/LT pathway has been postulated as a pathogenic factor in fibrosis development and the inhibitory effect of
MN-001 (tipelukast) on 5-LO and the 5-LO/LT pathway is considered to be a novel approach to treat fibrosis. MN-001 (tipelukast) has been shown to
down-regulate expression of genes that promote fibrosis including LOXL2, Collagen Type 1 and TIMP-1. MN-001 (tipelukast) has also been shown to
down-regulate expression of genes that promote inflammation including CCR2 and MCP-1. In addition, histopathological data shows that MN-001
(tipelukast) reduces fibrosis in multiple animal models. We licensed MN-001 (tipelukast) from Kyorin in 2002. In addition to granting MN-001 (tipelukast)
Fast Track designation for the treatment of NASH with fibrosis, the FDA has also granted MN-001 (tipelukast) Orphan-Drug designation and Fast Track
designation for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Previously, we evaluated MN-001 (tipelukast) for its potential clinical efficacy in asthma and completed a Phase 2 study in asthma with positive
results. MN-001 (tipelukast) has been administered to more than 600 subjects and is considered generally safe and well-tolerated.
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a condition in
which there is fat in the liver along with inflammation and damage to liver cells. NASH is a common liver disease that resembles alcoholic liver disease but
occurs in people who drink little or no alcohol. According to the United States National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK),
NASH prevalence in adults in the United States is 1.5-6.5%, and an additional 24% of adult Americans have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
The underlying cause of NASH is unclear, but it most often occurs in persons who are middle-aged and overweight or obese. Many patients with NASH
have elevated serum lipids, diabetes or pre-diabetes. Progression of NASH can lead to liver cirrhosis. Liver transplantation is the only treatment for
advanced cirrhosis with liver failure. At this time, there is no pharmaceutical treatment approved for NASH.
We completed a pre-clinical study evaluating the potential clinical efficacy of MN-001 (tipelukast) for the treatment of NASH. MN-001
(tipelukast) administered orally once daily (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg for three weeks) was evaluated in the STAM™ (NASH-HCC) mouse model of NASH,
as measured by liver biochemistry and histopathology, NAFLD activity score (NAS), and percent of fibrosis and gene expression. MN-001 (tipelukast), in
a dose-dependent manner, significantly reduced fibrosis area compared with placebo (p<0.01) as demonstrated by a reduction in liver hydroxyproline
content, supporting the anti-fibrotic properties of MN-001 (tipelukast). MN-001 (tipelukast) significantly improved NAS (p<0.01). MN-001 (tipelukast), in
this animal model, improved NASH pathology by inhibiting hepatocyte damage (p<0.01) and ballooning (p<0.01). At the same time, MN-001 (tipelukast)
was also shown to reduce certain gene expression levels in the liver, thus implying that MN-001 (tipelukast) reduces the formation of fibrosis in the NASH
model. We completed a second preclinical study that examined the potential clinical efficacy of MN-001 (tipelukast) for the treatment of advanced NASH.
This study used mice in more advanced stages of NASH as compared to the first study of MN-001 (tipelukast) in a NASH mouse model. MN-001
(tipelukast) showed anti-NASH and anti-fibrotic effects in the advanced NASH mouse model. NAFLD activity score (NAS) was significantly reduced in
the MN-001 (tipelukast)-treated group compared to the non-treated group (p<0.001). The reduction was observed consistently in all NAS components
including hepatocyte ballooning score (p<0.001), lobular inflammation score (p<0.01), and steatosis score (p<0.05). Percent fibrosis area was also reduced
in the MN-001 (tipelukast) treated group (p<0.01). In addition, alpha-SMA-positive
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staining area was significantly reduced in the MN-001 (tipelukast)-treated group (p<0.001). Collectively, these results provided compelling evidence that
MN-001 (tipelukast) warrants further evaluation for the treatment of NASH in humans.
We have an open IND and the FDA has approved two different Phase 2 clinical trial protocols for MN-001 (tipelukast) for the treatment of NASH
in the United States. In April 2018, we announced that we would terminate early the Phase 2 clinical trial of MN-001 (tipelukast) in NASH and NAFLD
patients with hypertriglyceridemia based on the significant positive results from an interim analysis. This data was presented at the International Liver
Congress 2018, the 53rd annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) in Paris, France in April 2018. MN-001
(tipelukast) significantly reduced mean serum triglycerides by 135.7 mg/dL, resulting in a 41.3% reduction (p=0.02), which includes the data from the 15
subjects who completed 8 weeks of treatment. Excluding one outlier with an extremely high triglyceride level of 1288 mg/dL before treatment, MN-001
(tipelukast) significantly reduced mean serum triglycerides by 74.9 mg/dL, resulting in a 28.8% reduction (p=0.00006). The FDA has granted Fast Track
designation to MN-001 (tipelukast) for the treatment of patients with NASH with fibrosis.
In November 2020, we announced positive results of in-vitro and in-vivo studies that evaluated MN-001 (tipelukast) for its anti-liver fibrotic
effect in human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and in an acute liver injury model at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver
Diseases (AASLD). MN-001 attenuated TGFβ1 induced HSC activation, TGFβ1 mediated increase in HSC motility and contractility, and fibrogenic
signaling in a mouse acute carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury model. These data provide additional scientific evidence to support MN-001’s
anti-fibrotic effects in the liver. In November 2021, we announced new findings from a study that investigated the mechanism by which MN-001
(tipelukast) alters triglyceride metabolism in hepatocytes at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver
Diseases (AASLD). This study found that MN-001 (tipelukast) had an inhibitory effect on triglyceride synthesis in HepG2 cells derived from human
hepatocellular carcinoma samples. The expression of CD36, one of the fatty acid transporters involved in the uptake of arachidonic acid into liver cells,
was suppressed by adding MN-001 (tipelukast). This suggests that MN-001 (tipelukast) reduces triglyceride synthesis by inhibiting arachidonic acid uptake
into hepatocytes. CD36 enhances cellular fatty acid uptake in the liver and is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of fatty liver.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a progressive disease characterized by scarring of the lungs that thickens the
lining, causing an irreversible loss of the tissue's ability to transport oxygen. The causes of PF vary and can be due to anti-cancer drug therapy or
exposure to chemicals. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is one type of PF without a clear cause. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine,
IPF affects approximately 100,000 people in the United States, and 30,000 to 40,000 new cases are diagnosed annually. The prognosis for IPF is poor
and most IPF patients survive only three to five years after diagnosis.
We completed a pre-clinical study evaluating the potential clinical efficacy of MN-001 (tipelukast) for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. MN-
001 (tipelukast), which was administered orally once daily (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg) for two weeks, was evaluated in a mouse model of bleomycin-
induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF) as measured by CT evaluation of lung density, degree of pulmonary fibrosis using the Ashcroft score based on
histopathological staining, and hydroxyproline content, which is an indicator of fibrosis or storage of collagen in tissue. MN-001 (tipelukast)
significantly decreased the Ashcroft score compared to the Vehicle-treated group (p<0.05) after two weeks of treatment and MN-001 (tipelukast) reduced
lung density when compared to the Vehicle-treated group. Moreover, lung hydroxyproline content was significantly reduced compared to the Vehicle-
treated group (p<0.01). These results show that treatment with MN-001 (tipelukast) has significant anti-fibrogenic effects in bleomycin-induced
pulmonary fibrosis in mice.
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We have an open IND and the FDA approved a Phase 2 clinical trial protocol for MN-001 (tipelukast) for the treatment of IPF. A Phase 2 clinical
trial of MN-001 (tipelukast) in IPF was completed at Penn State and we announced results of this trial in August 2021. Although there were no clinically
meaningful trends in favor of MN-001 (tipelukast) for the majority of the clinical outcome measures in this small study of 15 subjects, there were no
worsening IPF events (acute IPF exacerbation or hospitalization due to respiratory symptoms) in the MN-001 (tipelukast) group compared to one
worsening IPF event in the placebo group. MN-001 (tipelukast) demonstrated a substantial reduction in LOXL2, a biomarker for IPF, whereas LOXL2
increased in the placebo group. MN-001 (tipelukast) was safe and well tolerated. The FDA has granted Orphan-Drug designation to MN-001 (tipelukast)
for treatment of IPF. Orphan-Drug designation will provide seven years of marketing exclusivity for MN-001 (tipelukast) for the treatment of IPF if it is
approved for this indication. The FDA has also granted Fast Track designation to MN-001 (tipelukast) for the treatment of patients with IPF.
MN-029 (denibulin)
MN-029 (denibulin) is a novel tubulin binding agent (TBA) under development for the treatment of solid tumors. It exerts its activity through
reversible inhibition of tubulin polymerization resulting in disruption of the cell cytoskeleton, which causes the cancer cells to deform in shape and
ultimately leads to extensive central necrosis of the solid tumor. We licensed MN-029 (denibulin) from Angiogene Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (Angiogene) in
2002.
Several preclinical pharmacology studies have assessed the mechanism of action and anti-tumor activity of MN-029 (denibulin) in vivo in rodent
models of breast adenocarcinoma, colon carcinoma, lung carcinoma and KHT sarcoma. In these studies, MN-029 (denibulin) damaged poorly formed
tumor blood vessels by weakening tumor blood vessel walls and causing leakage, clotting and eventual vascular shutdown within the tumor, in addition to
the direct effect over tumor cells. These studies suggest that MN-029 (denibulin) acts quickly and is rapidly cleared from the body, which may reduce the
potential for some adverse effects commonly associated with chemotherapy. Shutdown of tumor blood flow in tumor models was confirmed through the
use of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. In two Phase I clinical studies we conducted, MN-029 (denibulin) was well-tolerated at
doses that reduced tumor blood flow.
The first Phase 1 trial determined the safety, tolerability, and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) level of single doses of MN-029 (denibulin) given
every three weeks in 34 subjects with refractory cancer. The MTD was determined to be 180 mg/m2 and appeared to be safe as a single i.v. dose
administered every three weeks for as many as 25 cycles. There were no clinically significant changes in routine laboratory assessments, vital signs, or
ECG monitoring. The most commonly reported adverse events (AEs) were similar to other chemotherapies - vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue. There
was a total of nine serious adverse events (SAEs) and study discontinuations due to AEs. In a preliminary evaluation of anti-tumor activity, no patient had a
complete response or partial response; however stable disease was seen in 12 patients. MN-029 (denibulin) had a desired vascular effect in seven of 11
patients that were administered drug at dose levels of ≥120 mg/m2. Nine patients continued into extended cycles of treatment.
The second Phase 1 study was conducted to determine the safety, tolerability and MTD of single doses of MN-029 (denibulin) given every seven
days for a total of three doses (Days 1, 8 and 15), followed by 13-day recovery (Days 16-28) in subjects with advanced/metastatic solid tumor cancer.
Subjects who tolerated treatment with MN-029 (denibulin) could receive additional cycles. All 20 subjects reported at least one AE related to the study
drug. The most common AEs considered related to the study drug were vomiting, nausea, arthralgia and headache. There were no clinically significant
changes in routine laboratory assessments, vital signs, or ECG monitoring. There was one SAE considered unrelated to the study drug. Consistent with the
previous Phase 1 trial, MN-029 (denibulin) up to dose levels of 180 mg/m2 appeared to be safe and well tolerated. One subject had a partial response which
lasted for 74 days. Stable disease was observed in seven subjects. The results suggested an effect of MN-029 (denibulin) on vascular perfusion; however, a
larger sample size is warranted.
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In January 2014, we were granted a new patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office which covers MN-029 (denibulin) di-
hydrochloride. The patent, which will expire no earlier than July 2032, has claims that cover a compound, pharmaceutical composition, and method of
treating certain cell proliferation diseases, including solid tumors, based on denibulin di-hydrochloride. We have filed patent applications based on this U.S.
patent in certain foreign countries, and most of them have been granted.
Table 1: MN-166 (ibudilast) Clinical Trials and Programs
Indication
Clinical Study
Institution and Funding Agency(s)
Status
COVID-19
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-
Multicenter
Ongoing
Controlled, Parallel Group Study to Evaluate
the Efficacy, Safety, Tolerability, Biomarkers
and PK of MN-166 (Ibudilast) in COVID-19
Subjects at Risk for Developing ARDS
MediciNova, Inc.
Primary Progressive and
Secondary Progressive
Multiple Sclerosis
Amyotrophic Lateral
Sclerosis (ALS)
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-
Controlled Study to Evaluate the Safety,
Tolerability and Activity of Ibudilast (MN-
166) in Subjects with Progressive Multiple
Sclerosis
A Single-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind,
Placebo-Controlled, Six Month Clinical Trial
Followed by an Open-Label Extension to
Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, and Clinical
Endpoint Responsiveness of Ibudilast (MN-
166) in Subjects with Amyotrophic Lateral
Sclerosis (ALS)
Cleveland Clinic / Multicenter
National Institute on Neurological Diseases
and Stroke
MediciNova, Inc.
Completed
Carolinas HealthCare System Neurosciences
Institute
MediciNova, Inc.
Completed
ALS / Biomarker
A Biomarker Study to Evaluate MN-166
(ibudilast) in Subjects with Amyotrophic
Literal Sclerosis (ALS)
Massachusetts General Hospital
MediciNova, Inc.
Completed
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Amyotrophic Lateral
Sclerosis (ALS)
A Phase 2b/3, Multi-Center, Randomized,
Multicenter
Ongoing
Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, 12 Month
Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and
Safety of MN-166 (ibudilast) Followed by an
Open-Label Extension in Subjects with
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
MediciNova, Inc.
Degenerative Cervical
Myelopathy
A multi-centre, double-blind, randomized,
University of Cambridge / Multicenter
Ongoing
placebo-controlled trial assessing the efficacy
of Ibudilast as an adjuvant treatment to
decompressive surgery for degenerative
cervical myelopathy
National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
in the U.K.
Chemotherapy-Induced
Peripheral Neuropathy
A pilot study evaluating the impact of
University of Sydney
Completed
ibudilast on prevention of chemotherapy-
induced acute neurotoxicity and evaluating
pharmacokinetics with oxaliplatin in gastro-
intestinal cancer patients receiving oxaliplatin
Concord Cancer Centre in Australia
Chemotherapy-Induced
Peripheral Neuropathy
Can Oxaliplatin neurotoxicity be reduced with
ibudilast in people with metastatic colorectal
cancer – a phase II randomized study
University of Sydney
Ongoing
Australasian Gastro-Intestinal Trials Group in
Australia
Glioblastoma
Phase 1b/2a Multi-center, Open-label, Dose
Escalation Study to Evaluate the Safety,
Tolerability and Efficacy of MN-166
(ibudilast) and Temozolomide Combination
Treatment in Patients With Glioblastoma
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
MediciNova, Inc.
Ongoing
Substance Dependence /
Addiction:
Methamphetamine
Dependence
Randomized Trial of Ibudilast for
Methamphetamine Dependence
UCLA
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Completed
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Methamphetamine
Dependence / Biomarker
Effect of Ibudilast on Neuroinflammation in
Oregon Health & Science University
Ongoing
Methamphetamine Users
Opioid Dependence
Effects of Ibudilast (MN-166), a Glial
Columbia University / NYSPI
Completed
Activation Inhibitor, on Oxycodone Self-
Administration in Opioid Abusers
National Institute on Drug Abuse
MediciNova, Inc.
Alcohol Dependence
Development of Ibudilast (MN-166) as
UCLA
Completed
a Novel Treatment for Alcoholism
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse
and Alcoholism
Alcohol Dependence and
Withdrawal
Ibudilast (MN-166) and Withdrawal-Related
Dysphoria
UCLA
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Alcohol Dependence
Ibudilast (MN-166) for the Treatment
of Alcohol Use Disorder
UCLA
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse
and Alcoholism
Completed
Ongoing
Sales and Marketing
We currently have no marketing and sales capabilities and we expect to rely on strategic partners to commercialize our products.
Manufacturing
We rely on third parties to manufacture bulk active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and finished investigational products for research,
development, preclinical and clinical trials. We expect to continue to rely on third party manufacturers for the manufacture of the API and finished
products for our clinical and any future commercial production requirements. We believe that there are several manufacturing sources available at
commercially reasonable terms to meet our clinical requirements and any future commercial production requirements for the API of our products and the
finished drug products.
For the MN-166 (ibudilast) development program, we have historically sourced and imported delayed-release ibudilast capsules, marketed in
Japan as Pinatos®, from Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Taisho). In addition, we use contract manufacturers to manufacture API and finished product for
the MN-166 (ibudilast) development program.
Pursuant to the terms of our license agreement with Kissei for MN-221 (bedoradrine), Kissei has the exclusive right to manufacture the
commercial supply of the API for MN-221 (bedoradrine). If we enter into a supply agreement with Kissei, we will purchase from Kissei all API that we
require for the commercial supply of MN-221 (bedoradrine), if this product candidate is approved for commercial sale by the FDA or other regulatory
authorities.
Intellectual Property and License Agreements
Since our inception in September 2000, we have entered into license agreements with pharmaceutical companies which cover our current
product candidates. We have also entered into license agreements with
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universities which cover additional intellectual property related to our product candidates. In general, we seek to procure patent protection for our
anticipated products, or obtain such protection from the relevant patents owned by our licensors. We hold 30 issued U.S. patents and have filed 12
additional U.S. patent applications. We also hold 66 issued foreign patents and 35 pending foreign patent applications corresponding to these U.S. patents
and patent applications. We are not aware of any third party infringement of the patents owned or licensed by us and are not party to any material claims
by third parties of infringement by us of such third parties’ intellectual property rights. The following is a description of our existing license agreements
and intellectual property rights for each of our clinical product candidates.
MN-166 (ibudilast)
On October 22, 2004, we entered into an exclusive license agreement with Kyorin for the development and commercialization of MN-166
(ibudilast). Kyorin is a fully integrated Japanese pharmaceutical company and is listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. We obtained an
exclusive, worldwide (excluding Japan, China, South Korea and Taiwan), sub-licensable license to the patent rights related to MN-166 (ibudilast) for the
treatment of MS, except for ophthalmic solution formulations. MN-166 (ibudilast) is not covered by a composition of matter patent. The United States
method of use patent for MN-166 (ibudilast) in MS underlying the license expired on August 10, 2018. Corresponding method of use patents in certain
foreign countries also expired on August 10, 2018. Under the terms of the agreement, we granted to Kyorin an exclusive, royalty-free, sub-licensable
license to use the preclinical, clinical and regulatory databases to develop ophthalmic products incorporating the MN-166 (ibudilast) compound anywhere
in the world and non-ophthalmic products incorporating the MN-166 (ibudilast) compound outside of our territory.
The license agreement may be terminated by either party following an uncured breach of any material provision in the agreement by the other
party. We may terminate the agreement for any reason with 90 days’ written notice to Kyorin or, in the event that a third party claims that MN-166
(ibudilast) infringes upon such third party’s intellectual property rights, with 30 days’ written notice.
The term of this agreement is determined on a country-by-country basis and extends until the later of the expiration of the obligation to make
payments under the agreement or the last date on which the manufacture, use or sale of the product would infringe a valid patent claim held by Kyorin but
for the license granted by the agreement or the last date of the applicable market exclusivity period. In the absence of a valid patent claim and generic
competition in a particular country, the agreement will expire on the earlier of five years from the date of the first commercial sale of the product by us or
the end of the second consecutive calendar quarter in which generic competition exists in such country.
Under the license agreement, we have paid Kyorin $700,000 to date, and we are obligated to make payments of up to $5.0 million based on the
achievement of certain clinical and regulatory milestones. We are also obligated to pay a royalty on net sales of the licensed products.
We own, co-own or hold licenses to 13 issued U.S. patents and 11 pending U.S. patent applications as well as 31 issued foreign patents and
19 pending foreign patent applications covering MN-166 (ibudilast) and its analogs. These patents and patent applications are related to our
development portfolio and are primarily directed to methods of treating various indications using MN-166 (ibudilast) and its analogs.
We have been granted a U.S. patent which covers the use of MN-166 (ibudilast) for the treatment of progressive forms of MS. This patent will
expire no earlier than November 2029, not including a potential extension under patent term restoration rules, and covers a method of treating PPMS or
SPMS by administering MN-166 (ibudilast). Counterparts of this patent application have been granted in certain foreign jurisdictions. We have been
granted a U.S. patent which covers the combination of MN-166 (ibudilast) and interferon-beta for the treatment of progressive MS, including both PPMS
and SPMS, and it expires no earlier than October 2039. We have been
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granted a U.S. patent which covers the use of MN-166 (ibudilast) for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and it expires no earlier than
January 2029. We have been granted a U.S. patent which covers the combination of MN-166 (ibudilast) and riluzole for the treatment of ALS and other
neurodegenerative diseases and it expires no earlier than November 2035. We have been granted a U.S. patent which covers the use of MN-166 (ibudilast)
as part of a combination treatment for glioblastoma and it expires no earlier than February 2039. We have been granted a U.S. patent which covers the use
of MN-166 (ibudilast) for the treatment of drug addiction or drug dependence or withdrawal syndrome and it expires no earlier than January 2030.
Counterparts of this patent application have been granted in certain foreign jurisdictions. We have been granted a U.S. patent which covers the use of MN-
166 (ibudilast) for the treatment of neuropathic pain and it expires no earlier than December 2025. We have been granted a U.S. patent which covers the
use of MN-166 (ibudilast) for the treatment of an ophthalmic disease/disorder or injury associated with a neurodegenerative disease/disorder or a neuro-
ophthalmologic disorder and it expires no earlier than October 2039.
MN-221 (bedoradrine)
On February 25, 2004, we entered into an exclusive license agreement with Kissei for the development and commercialization of MN-221
(bedoradrine). Kissei is a fully integrated Japanese pharmaceutical company and is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. We obtained an exclusive,
worldwide (excluding Japan), sub-licensable license to various patent rights and know-how related to MN-221 (bedoradrine) and other compounds
disclosed or included in, or covered by, these patent rights, for all indications. This license includes an exclusive license under one U.S. patent and certain
corresponding patents in foreign countries and is sub-licensable upon receipt of the written consent of Kissei. The United States composition of matter
patent underlying the license issued on October 17, 2000 and it expired on February 18, 2017. All of the corresponding composition of matter patents in
various other countries have also expired.
In addition to the licensed patents, we have filed patent applications in the United States and certain foreign countries regarding additional uses
and formulations of MN-221 (bedoradrine). We have been granted a U.S. patent which covers the use of MN-221 (bedoradrine) for the treatment of acute
exacerbations of asthma and it expires no earlier than November 2030. This patent includes claims covering the use of MN-221 (bedoradrine) in
combination with a standard of care treatment regimen and covers different routes of administration, including intravenous, oral and inhalation. We have
been granted a U.S. patent that covers the use of MN-221 (bedoradrine) for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and it expires no earlier than April
2031.
The license agreement may be terminated by either party following an uncured breach of any material provision in the agreement by the other
party, and we may terminate the agreement for scientific or commercial reasons upon 100 days’ prior written notice to Kissei during the development phase
and 180 days’ prior written notice to Kissei during the commercialization phase.
The term of the agreement is determined on a country-by-country basis and extends until the expiration of the last Kissei patent (or equivalent)
under license or in the event that a valid claim does not exist or, if a valid claim expired more than ten years from the date of first commercial sale, ten
years from the date of first commercial sale. In either case, the term of the agreement would not extend for any particular country past the date on which
generic competition exists in such country.
Under the license agreement, we have paid Kissei $1.0 million to date, and we are obligated to make payments of up to $17.0 million based on the
achievement of certain clinical and regulatory milestones. We are also obligated to pay a royalty on net sales of the licensed products. Under the terms of a
letter agreement we entered into with Kissei in September 2011, we agreed to renegotiate in good faith with Kissei the existing levels of the milestone
payment amounts and royalty rates.
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MN-001 (tipelukast)
On March 14, 2002, we entered into an exclusive license agreement with Kyorin for the development and commercialization of MN-001
(tipelukast). We obtained an exclusive, worldwide (excluding Japan, China, South Korea and Taiwan) sub-licensable license to the patent rights and know-
how related to MN-001 (tipelukast) and its active metabolite, MN-002, disclosed and included in, or covered by, these patents, in all indications, except for
ophthalmic solution formulations. This license included an exclusive, sub-licensable license under two U.S. patents and certain corresponding patents in
foreign countries. The United States composition of matter patent for MN-001 (tipelukast) underlying the license expired on February 23, 2009, and the
United States composition of matter patent for MN-002 underlying the license expired on December 30, 2011. Foreign composition of matter patents for
MN-001 (tipelukast) and MN-002 have also expired. We have been granted 14 U.S. patents and 26 foreign patents covering certain compositions, uses and
manufacturing processes associated with MN-001 (tipelukast) and MN-002. Uses covered by these patents include nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH),
advanced NASH with fibrosis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), steatosis, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipoproteinemia,
fibrosis, ulcerative colitis, interstitial cystitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. Patent applications corresponding to these U.S. patents have been filed in
certain foreign countries and some of the foreign patents have issued.
Under the terms of the agreement, we granted to Kyorin an exclusive, royalty-free, sub-licensable license to use the preclinical, clinical and
regulatory databases to develop ophthalmic products incorporating MN-001 (tipelukast) anywhere in the world and non-ophthalmic products
incorporating MN-001 (tipelukast) outside of our territory. The license agreement may be terminated by either party following an uncured breach of any
material provision in the agreement by the other party, and we may terminate the agreement for any reason with 90 days’ written notice to Kyorin or, in
the event that a third party claims that the licensed patent rights or know-how infringe upon such third party’s intellectual property rights, with 30 days’
written notice.
The term of this agreement is determined on a country-by-country basis and extends until the later of the expiration of the obligation to make
payments under the agreement or the last date on which the manufacture, use or sale of the product would infringe a valid patent claim held by Kyorin but
for the license granted by the agreement or the last date of the applicable market exclusivity period. In the absence of a valid patent claim and generic
competition in a particular country, the agreement will expire on the earlier of five years from the date of the first commercial sale of the product by us or
the end of the second consecutive calendar quarter in which generic competition exists in such country.
Under the license agreement, we have paid Kyorin $4.0 million to date, and we are obligated to make payments of up to $5.0 million based on the
achievement of clinical and regulatory milestones. We are also obligated to pay a royalty on net sales of the licensed products.
MN-029 (denibulin)
On June 19, 2002, we entered into an exclusive license agreement with Angiogene, a privately held, British drug discovery company, for the
development and commercialization of the ANG-600 series of compounds. We obtained an exclusive, worldwide, sub-licensable license to the patent rights
and know-how related to the ANG-600 series of compounds disclosed in and included or covered by these patents for all indications. MN-029 (denibulin)
is one of the ANG-600 series compounds covered by this license. We have been granted a U.S. patent which covers MN-029 (denibulin) di-hydrochloride
and expires no earlier than July 2032. The allowed claims cover a compound, pharmaceutical composition and method of treating certain cell proliferation
diseases, including solid tumors, based on denibulin di-hydrochloride. Patent applications corresponding to this U.S. patent were filed in certain foreign
countries and patents have been granted in some of those countries.
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The license agreement may be terminated by either party following an uncured breach of any material provision in the agreement by the other
party, and we may terminate the agreement at any time by giving 30 days’ advance written notice to Angiogene.
The term of this agreement is determined on a country-by-country basis and extends until the earlier of the expiration of the last Angiogene patent
(or equivalent) under license which has a valid claim or 15 years from the date of first commercial sale.
Under the license agreement, we have paid Angiogene $1.4 million to date and are obligated to make payments of up to $16.5 million based on
the achievement of clinical and regulatory milestones. We are also obligated to pay a royalty on net sales of the licensed products.
General
Our proposed commercial activities may conflict with patents which have been or may be granted to competitors, universities and/or others. Third
parties could bring legal action against us, our licensors or our sub-licensees claiming patent infringement and could seek damages or enjoin manufacturing
and marketing of the affected product or its use or the use of a process for the manufacturing of such products. If any such actions were to be successful, in
addition to any potential liability for indemnification, damages and attorneys’ fees in certain cases, we could be required to obtain a license, which may not
be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all, in order to continue to manufacture, use or market the affected product. We also rely upon
unpatented proprietary technology because, in some cases, our interests would be better served by reliance on trade secrets or confidentiality agreements
than by patents. However, others may independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary information and techniques or gain access to or disclose
such proprietary technology. We may not be able to meaningfully protect our rights in such unpatented proprietary technology. We may also conduct
research on other pharmaceutical compounds or technologies, the rights to which may be held by, or be subject to patent rights of, third parties.
Accordingly, if products based on such research are commercialized, such commercial activities may infringe patents or other rights, which may require us
to obtain a license to such patents or other rights. We are not aware of any third party infringements of patents we hold or have licensed and have not
received any material claims by third parties of infringement by us of such parties’ intellectual property rights.
There can be no assurance that patent applications filed by us or others, in which we have an interest as assignee, licensee or prospective licensee,
will result in patents being issued or that, if issued, any of such patents will afford protection against competitors with similar technology or products or
could not be circumvented or challenged. For example, we have U.S. patents covering the method of treating progressive MS with MN-166 (ibudilast), the
method of treating ALS with MN-166 (ibudilast), the method of treating glioblastoma with MN-166 (ibudilast) as part of a combination therapy, the
method of treating drug addiction or drug dependence with MN-166 (ibudilast), and the method of treating neuropathic pain with MN-166 (ibudilast), but
we do not have any composition of matter patent claims for MN-166 (ibudilast) because that patent has expired. As a result, unrelated third parties may
develop products with the same API as MN-166 (ibudilast) so long as such parties do not infringe our method of use patents, other patents we have
exclusive rights to through our licensors or any patents we may obtain for MN-166 (ibudilast).
In addition, if we develop certain products that are not covered by any patents, we will be dependent on obtaining market exclusivity under the
new chemical entity exclusivity provisions of the Hatch-Waxman Act for such products in the United States and/or data exclusivity provisions in Europe.
If we are unable to obtain strong proprietary protection for our products after obtaining regulatory approval, competitors may be able to market competing
generic products by taking advantage of an abbreviated procedure for obtaining regulatory clearance, including the ability to demonstrate bioequivalency
to our product(s) without being required to conduct lengthy
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clinical trials. Certain of our license agreements provide for reduced or foregone royalties in the event of generic competition.
Competition
The development and commercialization of new drugs is extremely competitive and characterized by extensive research efforts and rapid
technological progress. Competition in our industry occurs on a variety of fronts, including developing and bringing new products to market before others,
developing new products to provide the same benefits as existing products at lower cost and developing new products to provide benefits superior to those
of existing products. We face competition from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as numerous academic and research institutions and
governmental agencies in the United States and abroad. Some of these competitors have products or are pursuing the development of drugs that target the
same diseases and conditions that are the focus of our product development programs. Many of our competitors have products that have been approved or
are in advanced development and may succeed in developing drugs that are more effective, safer, more affordable, or more easily administered than ours or
that achieve patent protection or commercialization sooner than our products. Our competitors may also develop alternative therapies that could further
limit the market for any products that we are able to obtain approval for, if at all.
In many of our target disease areas, potential competitors are working to develop new compounds with different mechanisms of action and
attractive efficacy and safety profiles. Many of our competitors have substantially greater financial, research and development resources (including
personnel and technology), clinical trial experience, manufacturing, sales and marketing capabilities and production facilities than we do. Smaller
companies also may prove to be significant competitors, particularly through proprietary research discoveries and collaboration arrangements with large
pharmaceutical and established biotechnology companies.
MN-166 (ibudilast) for Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (Progressive MS)
Our MN-166 (ibudilast) product candidate is in development for the treatment of progressive MS. Mitoxantrone is approved for the treatment of
secondary progressive MS but it cannot be used on a long-term basis because of the potential for cardiac toxicity. Mayzent (siponimod), Mavenclad
(cladribine), Vumerity (diroximel fumarate), Zeposia (ozanimod), Kesimpta (ofatumumab), Bafiertam (monomethyl fumarate), and Ponvory (ponesimod)
are approved for the treatment of secondary progressive MS with relapses. Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) is approved for the treatment of primary progressive
MS. Other programs in clinical development for progressive MS include Sanofi’s tolebrutinib, Roche’s fenebrutinib, and AB Science’s masitinib.
MN-166 (ibudilast) for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Our MN-166 (ibudilast) product candidate is also in development for the treatment of ALS. Generic riluzole, which is also sold under the
brand names Rilutek and Tiglutik, and Radicava (edaravone) are approved for the treatment of ALS. We are aware of additional compounds in clinical
development for the treatment of ALS at other companies including Cytokinetics, BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics, AB Science, Biogen, Amylyx
Pharmaceuticals, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, and Clene.
MN-166 (ibudilast) for Substance Dependence and Addiction
Our MN-166 (ibudilast) product candidate is also in development for the treatment of opioid dependence, methamphetamine addiction, and
alcohol dependence. Current treatments for opioid withdrawal symptoms include narcotics such as generic methadone and Indivior, Inc.’s Suboxone Film
(buprenorphine + the opioid antagonist naloxone). Other products approved for opioid dependence include Alkermes’s Vivitrol (naltrexone monthly
injection), Orexo’s Zubsolv (buprenorphine and naloxone), BioDelivery Sciences’s Bunavail (buprenorphine and naloxone), Titan Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s
Probuphine (buprenorphine) implant, and Indivior’s Sublocade (buprenorphine extended-release injection). In December 2018, Braeburn announced
tentative FDA approval of
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BRIXADI, an extended-release weekly and monthly injectable buprenorphine product, for the treatment of moderate to severe opioid use disorder. In
December 2021, Braeburn’s licensing partner Camurus AB announced that Braeburn received a Complete Response Letter from the FDA regarding its
updated New Drug Application (NDA) for BRIXADI, which is a result of continued quality related deficiencies at Braeburn’s third-party
manufacturer. Limited non-narcotic drug candidates for opioid withdrawal symptoms exist. US WorldMeds, LLC’s Lucemyra (lofexidine) is a central
alpha-2 adrenergic agonist approved for mitigation of opioid withdrawal symptoms to facilitate abrupt opioid discontinuation. There are no
pharmaceuticals currently approved for the treatment of methamphetamine addiction. Approved treatments for alcohol dependence include Antabuse
(disulfiram), Vivitrol (naltrexone), and generic acamprosate. We are aware of additional treatments in development for the treatment of alcohol dependence
at other companies including Opiant Pharmaceuticals.
MN-166 (ibudilast) for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Our MN-166 (ibudilast) product candidate is also in development for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. There are
no pharmaceuticals currently approved for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Duloxetine is sometimes used off-label for
this indication.
MN-166 (ibudilast) for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy
Our MN-166 (ibudilast) product candidate is also in development for the treatment of degenerative cervical myelopathy. There are no
pharmaceuticals currently approved for the treatment of degenerative cervical myelopathy.
MN-166 (ibudilast) for Glioblastoma
We have initiated clinical development of our MN-166 (ibudilast) product candidate for the treatment of glioblastoma. Surgery, radiation, and
chemotherapy with the drug temozolomide is the current standard of treatment for glioblastoma. GLIADEL® WAFER (carmustine implant) and
AVASTIN® (bevacizumab) are also approved for the treatment for glioblastoma. We are aware of additional compounds in development for the treatment
of glioblastoma at other companies including Bristol-Myers Squibb, Bayer, Kazia Therapeutics, Kintara Therapeutics, Denovo Biopharma, and Laminar
Pharmaceuticals.
MN-166 (ibudilast) for Prevention of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in patients with COVID-19
Our MN-166 (ibudilast) product candidate is also in development for the prevention of ARDS in patients with COVID-19. While we are not
aware of any other therapeutics that are in development specifically for this indication, we are aware of other therapeutics approved or in development for
the treatment COVID-19. In October 2020, Gilead Sciences announced FDA approval of its antiviral drug Veklury (remdesivir) for the treatment of
patients with COVID-19 requiring hospitalization. In November 2020, the FDA granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Eli Lilly's investigational
neutralizing antibody bamlanivimab (LY-CoV555) for the treatment of COVID-19 patients at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or
hospitalization. In November 2020, Eli Lilly and Incyte announced that the FDA issued an EUA for the distribution and emergency use of baricitinib to be
used in combination with remdesivir in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. In November 2020, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals announced that its multi-antibody
therapy casirivimab and imdevimab administered together received EUA from the FDA for the treatment of COVID-19. In February 2021, the FDA issued
an EUA for Eli Lilly's bamlanivimab and etesevimab, administered together, for the treatment of COVID-19 patients who are at high risk for progression to
severe COVID-19. In May 2021, the FDA issued an EUA for GlaxoSmithKline’s sotrovimab for the treatment of COVID-19 patients who are at high risk
for progression to severe COVID-19. In June 2021, the FDA issued an EUA for Roche’s Actemra (tocilizumab) for the treatment of hospitalized COVID-
19 patients. In December 2021, Pfizer announced that the FDA granted an EUA for PAXLOVID (nirmatrelvir tablets
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and ritonavir tablets) for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kg)
who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. In December 2021, Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics announced that the FDA granted an
EUA for molnupiravir, an investigational oral antiviral, to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults who are at high risk for progression to severe
COVID-19 and for whom alternative COVID-19 treatment options authorized by the FDA are not accessible or clinically appropriate. We are aware of
additional treatments in development for the treatment of COVID-19 at other companies including Merck, Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Amgen, Eisai, and AstraZeneca.
MN-221 (bedoradrine) for Acute Exacerbations of Asthma
Our MN-221 (bedoradrine) product candidate has been developed for the treatment of acute exacerbations of asthma in the emergency room
setting. The current standard of care for acute exacerbations of asthma is inhaled albuterol (a beta-2-adrenergic receptor agonist), inhaled ipratropium
(an anticholinergic) and oral or injected corticosteroids. In addition, subcutaneously administered terbutaline (a beta-2-adrenergic receptor agonist) is
sometimes used to treat this condition, particularly in pediatric patients.
MN-001 (tipelukast) for Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
Our MN-001 (tipelukast) product candidate has been developed for the treatment of NASH. There are currently no therapeutic products approved
for the treatment of NASH. We are aware of compounds in clinical development for the treatment of NASH at other companies including Intercept
Pharmaceuticals, Galectin Therapeutics, Gilead Sciences, Galmed Pharmaceuticals, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pfizer, Novartis, and Novo Nordisk.
MN-001 (tipelukast) for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)
Our MN-001 (tipelukast) product candidate is in development for the treatment of IPF. Products approved in the United States for treatment of IPF
include Roche’s (formerly InterMune) Esbriet (pirfenidone) and Boehringer Ingelheim’s OFEV (nintedanib). Companies working on clinical development
programs for treatment of IPF include Roche, United Therapeutics, Galapagos, and FibroGen.
MN-029 (denibulin) for Solid Tumor Cancer
Our MN-029 (denibulin) product candidate has been developed for the treatment of solid tumor cancers. Roche’s Kadcyla, a HER2-targeted
antibody and microtubule inhibitor conjugate, is approved for treatment of patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer who previously were
treated with trastuzumab and a taxane. Bayer’s Stivarga, a kinase inhibitor approved for metastatic colorectal cancer, was also approved for patients with
advanced, unresectable (not subject to surgical removal) or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Other drugs approved for solid tumor cancers
include Roche’s Avastin and Xeloda, Amgen’s Xgeva, Pfizer’s Sutent, and Novartis’s Afinitor. We are aware of additional compounds in development for
the treatment of solid tumor cancers at companies including Eli Lilly, Roche, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, Amgen, Bayer, Merck, AstraZeneca, AbbVie and
Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Government Regulation
Government authorities in the United States and other countries extensively regulate the research, development, testing, manufacture, labeling,
promotion, advertising, distribution, sampling, marketing and import and export of pharmaceutical products and biologics such as those we are
developing. In the United States, the FDA, under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended, and other federal statutes and regulations,
subjects pharmaceutical products to extensive and rigorous review. Any failure to comply with applicable requirements, both before and after approval,
may subject us, our third party manufacturers, contractors, suppliers and partners to administrative and judicial sanctions, such as a delay in approving or
refusal to approve pending
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applications, fines, warning letters, product recalls, product seizures, total or partial suspension of manufacturing or marketing, injunctions and/or
criminal prosecution.
United States Regulatory Approval
Overview. In the United States, drugs and drug testing are regulated by the FDA under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, or FDCA, as
well as state and local government authorities. All our product candidates in development will require regulatory approval by government agencies prior to
commercialization. To obtain approval of a new product from the FDA, we must, among other requirements, submit data supporting safety and efficacy, as
well as detailed information on the manufacture and composition of the product and proposed labeling. Our product candidates are in the early stages of
testing and none has been approved. The steps required before a drug can be approved generally involve the following:
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completion of nonclinical laboratory, animal studies, and formulation studies;
submission of an IND application which must become effective before human clinical trials may begin in the United States;
completion of adequate and well-controlled human clinical trials to establish the safety and efficacy of the product candidate for each
indication for which approval is sought;
submission to the FDA of a New Drug Application (NDA) accompanied by a substantial user fee;
development of manufacturing processes which conform to FDA-mandated commercial good manufacturing practices (cGMPs) and
satisfactory completion of FDA inspections to assess cGMP compliance and clinical investigator compliance with good clinical
practices; and
FDA review and approval of an NDA, which process may involve input from advisory committees to the FDA and may include post-
approval commitments for further clinical studies and distribution restrictions intended to mitigate drug risks.
The testing, collection of data, preparation of necessary applications and approval process requires substantial time, effort and financial
resources. Additionally, statutes, rules, regulations and policies may change and new regulations may be issued that could delay approvals of our drugs.
The FDA may not act quickly or favorably in reviewing our applications, and we may encounter significant difficulties and costs in our efforts to obtain
FDA approvals that could delay or preclude us from marketing our product candidates.
Preclinical Tests. Preclinical tests include laboratory evaluation of the product candidate, its chemistry, toxicity, formulation and stability, as well
as animal studies to assess the potential safety and efficacy of the product candidate. The results of the preclinical tests, together with manufacturing
information, analytical data and other available information about the product candidate, are submitted to the FDA as part of an IND. Preclinical tests and
studies can take several years to complete and, despite completion of those tests and studies, the FDA may not permit clinical testing to begin.
The IND Process. An IND must be effective to administer an investigational drug to humans. The IND will automatically become effective 30
days after its receipt by the FDA unless the FDA, before that time, places the IND on clinical hold. At any time thereafter, the FDA may raise concerns or
questions about the conduct of the trials as outlined in the IND and impose a clinical hold if the FDA deems it appropriate. In such case, the IND sponsor
and the FDA must resolve any outstanding concerns before clinical trials can begin or continue. The IND application process may become extremely
costly and substantially delay development of our product candidates. Moreover, positive results in preclinical tests or prior human studies do not
necessarily predict positive results in subsequent clinical trials.
Annual progress reports detailing the results of the clinical trials must be submitted to the FDA and written IND safety reports must be promptly
submitted to the FDA and the investigators for serious and unexpected adverse events or any findings from tests in laboratory animals that suggest a
significant risk for human subjects.
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Clinical Trials. Human clinical trials are typically conducted in three sequential phases that may overlap:
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Phase 1: The drug candidate is initially introduced into a small number of healthy human subjects or patients and tested for safety,
dosage tolerance, absorption, distribution, excretion and metabolism. If the investigational product is considered too inherently toxic
to ethically administer to healthy volunteers, the initial human testing is often conducted in the target population.
Phase 2: The drug candidate is introduced into a limited patient population to assess the efficacy of the drug in specific, targeted
indications, assess dosage tolerance and optimal dosage, and to identify possible adverse effects and safety risks.
Phase 3: The drug candidate is introduced into an expanded patient population at geographically dispersed clinical trial sites to further
evaluate clinical efficacy and safety. The purpose of the Phase 3 trial is to conduct a risk/benefit analysis of the potential drug and
provide an adequate basis for product labeling. It is common to have two adequate and well-controlled Phase 3 trials for the FDA to
approve an NDA.
Prior to initiation of each clinical trial, an independent Institutional Review Board (IRB) for each medical site proposing to conduct the clinical
trials must review and approve the study protocol and study subjects must provide informed consent for participation in the study.
We cannot be certain that we will successfully complete Phase 1, 2 or 3 testing of our drug candidates within any specific time period, if at all.
Clinical trials must be conducted in accordance with the FDA’s good clinical practices (GCP) requirements. The FDA may order the partial, temporary or
permanent discontinuation of a clinical trial at any time or impose other sanctions if it believes that the clinical trial is not being conducted in accordance
with FDA requirements or presents an unacceptable risk to the clinical trial patients. The IRB may also require the clinical trial at that site to be halted,
either temporarily or permanently, for failure to comply with the IRB’s requirements, or may impose other conditions. In addition, we may suspend or
discontinue a clinical trial at any time for a variety of reasons, including a finding that the research subjects or patients are being exposed to an
unacceptable health risk.
During the development of a new drug, we may request to meet with the FDA at times such as prior to submitting an IND, at the End-of-Phase 2
meeting, and before an NDA is submitted, and meetings are not limited to these certain times. The purpose of the End-of-Phase 2 meeting is to discuss the
Phase 2 clinical trial results and present plans for a pivotal Phase 3 trial that, in our opinion, will support the approval of the new drug. Additional animal
safety studies, formulation studies and pharmacology studies are concurrently conducted with the ongoing clinical trials. Also, in compliance with cGMP
requirements, the process for manufacturing commercial quantities of the new drug is finalized, with the expectation that the quality, purity, and potency
of the drug will meet standards. A sponsor may also request a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA), the purpose of which is to reach agreement with the
FDA on the Phase 3 clinical trial protocol design and analysis that will form the primary basis of an efficacy claim.
Fast track designation: The FDA has a Fast Track program that is intended to expedite or facilitate the process for reviewing new drugs and
biological products that meet certain criteria. Specifically, new drugs and biological products are eligible for Fast Track designation if they are
intended to treat a serious or life-threatening condition and demonstrate the potential to address unmet medical needs for the condition. Fast Track
designation applies to the combination of the product and the specific indication for which it is being studied. Unique to a Fast Track product, the
FDA may consider for review sections of the NDA on a rolling basis before the complete application is submitted, if the sponsor provides a schedule
for the submission of the sections of the NDA, the FDA agrees to accept sections of the NDA and determines that the schedule is acceptable, and the
sponsor pays any required user fees upon submission of the first section of the NDA.
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Any product submitted to the FDA for marketing, including a Fast Track program, may also be eligible for other types of FDA programs intended
to expedite development and review, such as priority review and accelerated approval. Any product is eligible for priority review if it has the potential to
provide safe and effective therapy where no satisfactory alternative therapy exists or a significant improvement in the treatment, diagnosis or prevention of
a disease compared to marketed products. The FDA will attempt to direct additional resources to the evaluation of an NDA designated for priority review
in an effort to facilitate the review. Additionally, a product may be eligible for accelerated approval. Drug products studied for their safety and
effectiveness in treating serious or life-threatening illnesses and that provide meaningful therapeutic benefit over existing treatments may receive
accelerated approval, which means that they may be approved on the basis of adequate and well-controlled clinical trials establishing that the product has
an effect on a surrogate endpoint that is reasonably likely to predict a clinical benefit, or on the basis of an effect on a clinical endpoint other than survival
or irreversible morbidity. As a condition of approval, the FDA may require that a sponsor of a drug product receiving accelerated approval perform
adequate and well-controlled post-marketing clinical trials. In addition, the FDA currently requires as a condition for accelerated approval pre-approval of
promotional materials, which could adversely impact the timing of the commercial launch of the product. Fast Track designation, priority review and
accelerated approval do not change the standards for approval but may expedite the development or approval process.
United States patent term restoration and marketing exclusivity: Depending upon the timing, duration and specifics of the FDA approval of a drug
candidate, some U.S. patents covering the product candidates may be eligible for limited patent term extension under the Drug Price Competition and
Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984, commonly referred to as the Hatch-Waxman Amendments. The Hatch-Waxman Amendments permit a patent
restoration term of up to five years as compensation for patent term lost during product development and the FDA regulatory review process. However,
patent term restoration cannot extend the remaining term of a patent beyond a total of 14 years from the product’s approval date. The patent term
restoration period is generally one-half the time between the effective date of an IND and the submission date of an NDA plus the time between the
submission date of an NDA and the approval of that application. Only one patent applicable to an approved drug is eligible for the extension and the
application for the extension must be submitted prior to the expiration of the patent. The United States Patent and Trademark Office, in consultation with
the FDA, reviews and approves the application for any patent term extension or restoration. In the future, we may apply for restoration of patent terms for
one or more of our currently owned or licensed patents to add patent life beyond its current expiration date, depending on the expected length of the
clinical trials and other factors involved in the filing of the relevant NDA.
Market exclusivity provisions under the FDCA can also delay the submission or the approval of certain applications of other companies seeking
to reference another company’s NDA. The FDCA provides a five-year period of non-patent marketing exclusivity within the United States to the first
applicant to obtain approval of an NDA for a new chemical entity. A drug is a new chemical entity if the FDA has not previously approved any other new
drug containing the same active moiety, which is the molecule or ion responsible for the action of the drug substance. During the exclusivity period, the
FDA may not accept for review an abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) or a 505(b)(2) NDA submitted by another company for another version of
such drug where the applicant does not own or have a legal right of reference to all the data required for approval. However, an application may be
submitted after four years if it contains a certification of patent invalidity or non-infringement to one of the patents listed with the FDA by the innovator
NDA holder. The FDCA also provides three years of marketing exclusivity for an NDA, or supplement to an existing NDA if new clinical investigations,
other than bioavailability studies, that were conducted or sponsored by the applicant are deemed by the FDA to be essential to the approval of the
application, for example new indications, dosages or strengths of an existing drug. This three-year exclusivity covers only the conditions associated with
the new clinical investigations and does not prohibit the FDA from approving ANDAs for drugs containing the original active agent. Five-year and three-
year exclusivity will not delay the submission or approval of a full NDA. However, an applicant submitting a full NDA would be required to conduct or
obtain a right of reference to all the preclinical studies and adequate and well-controlled
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clinical trials necessary to demonstrate safety and effectiveness. Pediatric exclusivity is another type of regulatory market exclusivity in the United States.
Pediatric exclusivity, if granted, adds six months to existing exclusivity periods and patent terms. This six-month exclusivity, which runs from the end of
other exclusivity protection or patent term, may be granted based on the voluntary completion of a pediatric trial in accordance with an FDA-issued
“Written Request” for such a trial.
Regulation outside the United States: In addition to regulations in the United States, we and our strategic alliance partners will be subject to a
variety of regulations in other jurisdictions governing, among other things, clinical trials and any commercial sales and distribution of our products.
Whether or not we obtain FDA approval for a product, we must obtain the requisite approvals from regulatory authorities in foreign countries
prior to the commencement of clinical trials or marketing of the product in those countries. Certain countries outside of the United States have a similar
process that requires the submission of a clinical trial application much like the IND prior to the commencement of human clinical trials. In the
European Union, for example, a clinical trial application (CTA) must be submitted to each country’s national health authority and an independent ethics
committee, much like the FDA and IRB, respectively. Once the CTA is approved in accordance with a country’s requirements, clinical trial development
may proceed.
The requirements and process governing the conduct of clinical trials, product licensing, pricing and reimbursement vary from country to country.
In all cases, the clinical trials are conducted in accordance with GCP and the applicable regulatory requirements and the ethical principles that have their
origin in the Declaration of Helsinki.
To obtain regulatory approval of an investigational drug under European Union regulatory systems, we or our strategic alliance partners must
submit a marketing authorization application. The application used to file the NDA in the United States is similar to that required in the European Union,
except for, among other things, country-specific document requirements.
For other countries outside of the European Union, such as countries in Eastern Europe, Latin America or Asia, the requirements governing the
conduct of clinical trials, product licensing, pricing and reimbursement vary from country to country. In all cases, again, the clinical trials are conducted
in accordance with GCP and the applicable regulatory requirements and the ethical principles that have their origin in the Declaration of Helsinki.
If we or our strategic alliance partners fail to comply with applicable foreign regulatory requirements, we may be subject to, among
other things, fines, suspension or withdrawal of regulatory approvals, product recalls, seizure of products, operating restrictions and criminal
prosecution.
Human Capital Resources
We have assembled an experienced and cohesive management and support team, with core competencies in general management, clinical
development, regulatory affairs and corporate development. We have eleven full-time employees as of the date of this report. We believe that our
relations with our employees are good, and we have no history of work stoppages.
Company Information
We were originally incorporated in the State of Delaware in September 2000. Our principal executive offices are located at 4275 Executive
Square, Suite 300, La Jolla, CA 92037. Our telephone number is 858-373-1500. Our website is www.medicinova.com, which includes links to reports we
have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, our website is not part
of, and is not incorporated into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Item 1A. Risk Factors
We operate in a dynamic and rapidly changing environment that involves numerous risks and uncertainties. Certain factors may have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, and you should carefully consider them. Accordingly, in evaluating our
business, we encourage you to consider the following discussion of risk factors, in its entirety, in addition to other information contained in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K and our other public filings with the SEC. Other events that we do not currently anticipate or that we currently deem immaterial may
also affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Summary Risk Factors
The following is a summary of the principal risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect our business, cash flows, financial condition and/or
results of operations, and these adverse impacts may be material. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the more detailed descriptions of
the risks and uncertainties included in this Item 1A below and you should read this summary together with those more detailed descriptions.
These principal risks and uncertainties relate to, among other things:
Risks Related to Our Business and our Industry:
• the significant operating losses we have incurred and expect to incur for the foreseeable future;
• our ability to obtain the capital necessary to fund our operations;
• we do not have any products that are approved for commercial sale and do not expect to generate any revenues from product sales for the
foreseeable future, if ever;
• our dependence on the success of our MN-166 (ibudilast) and MN-001 (tipelukast) product candidates and uncertainty that these product
candidates will receive regulatory approval or be successfully commercialized;
• the complexity and uncertainty relating to progressing product candidates through the various stages of clinical trials and obtaining regulatory
approval;
• our attempts to develop MN-001 (tipelukast) in NASH and IPF may detract from our efforts to develop other product candidates;
• the complexity, high cost and uncertainty of obtaining regulatory approval;
• the stringent regulation of our product candidates;
• future development and regulatory difficulties even if we are successful in receiving regulatory approval of one or more of our product
candidates;
• undesirable side effects of any product candidate experienced during clinical trials could delay or prevent regulatory approval or
commercialization or limit its commercial potential;
• delays in the commencement or completion of clinical trials, or suspension or termination of our clinical trials;
• the loss of any rights to develop and market any of our product candidates;
• the widespread outbreak of COVID-19 or any other illness or communicable disease, or any other public health crisis;
• our dependence on strategic collaborations with third parties to develop and commercialize product candidates;
• our reliance on third parties to conduct our clinical trials;
• our reliance on third party manufacturers to produce our product candidates;
• our ability to manufacture our product candidates in commercial quantities;
• the commercial availability of materials necessary to manufacture our product candidates;
• the acceptance among physicians, patients and the medical community of our product candidates;
• the ability of users of our products to obtain adequate coverage of and reimbursement for our products from government and other third party
payers;
• our ability to retain, motivate and attract key personnel;
• our ability to establish sales, marketing and distribution capabilities;
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• health care reform measures could adversely affect our business;
• the impact of any product liability lawsuits against us;
• the impact of fluctuations in our results of operations;
• the cost of and management attention required to operate as a public company;
• information technology systems failures, network disruptions, breaches in data security and computer crime and cyber-attacks;
• the complexity of operating our business and marketing our products internationally;
Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property:
• our ability to compete depends on the adequate protection of our proprietary rights;
• the potential disclosure of our trade secrets and other proprietary information;
• the costs and uncertainties of any dispute concerning the infringement or misappropriation of our proprietary rights or the proprietary rights of
others, including trade secrets;
Risks Related to the Securities Markets and Investments in Our Common Stock
• volatility in our stock price;
• the potential delisting of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market or the JASDAQ Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange;
• the possibility of substantial dilution to our existing stockholders and/or the decline in price of our common stock if we were to sell additional
stock under our existing at-the-market issuance sales agreement;
• the cost of and management distraction if we were to face securities class action litigation; and
• the anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents and under Delaware law may make it difficult for third parties to acquire us or remove and
replace our directors and management.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
We have incurred significant operating losses since our inception and expect that we will incur continued losses for the foreseeable future.
We have incurred significant net losses since our inception. For the year ended December 31, 2021, we had a net loss of $10.1 million. At
December 31, 2021, from inception, our accumulated deficit was $393.1 million. We expect to incur substantial net losses for the next several years as we
continue to develop certain of our existing product development candidates, and over the long-term if we expand our research and development programs
and acquire or in-license products, technologies or businesses that are complementary to our own. As of December 31, 2021, we had available cash and
cash equivalents of $71.4 million and working capital of $69.2 million. There can be no assurances that there will be adequate financing available to us in
the future on acceptable terms, or at all. If we are unable to obtain additional financing, we may have to out-license or sell one or more of our programs or
cease operations.
Our future cash requirements will also depend on many factors, including:
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progress in, and the costs of future planned clinical trials and other research and development activities;
the scope, prioritization and number of our product development programs;
our obligations under our license agreements, pursuant to which we may be required to make future milestone payments upon the achievement
of various milestones related to clinical, regulatory or commercial events;
our ability to establish and maintain strategic collaborations, including licensing agreements and other arrangements;
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the time and costs involved in obtaining regulatory approvals;
the costs of securing manufacturing arrangements for clinical or commercial production of our product candidates;
the costs associated with any expansion of our management, personnel, systems and facilities;
the costs associated with any litigation;
the costs associated with the operations or wind-down of any business we may acquire;
the costs involved in filing, prosecuting, enforcing and defending patent claims and other intellectual property rights; and
the costs of establishing or contracting for sales and marketing capabilities and commercialization activities if we obtain regulatory approval to
market our product candidates.
We expect our research and development expenses to increase in 2022 relative to 2021 as we continue development of MN-166 (ibudilast) and MN-
001 (tipelukast). We do expect to continue to incur significant operating losses for the foreseeable future. Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties
associated with developing drug products, we are unable to predict the extent of any future losses or when we will become profitable, if at all.
If we have taxable income in the future, utilization of the net operating losses, or NOL, and tax credit carryforwards will be subject to a substantial
annual limitation under Sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and similar state provisions due to ownership change limitations that
have occurred. These ownership changes will limit the amount of NOL and tax credit carryforwards that can be utilized to offset future taxable income and
tax, respectively.
If we fail to obtain the capital necessary to fund our operations, we will be unable to develop and commercialize our product candidates.
We have consumed substantial amounts of capital since our inception.
Our business will continue to require us to incur substantial research and development expenses. We believe that without raising additional capital
from accessible sources of financing, we will not otherwise have adequate funding to continue our operations and to complete the development of our
existing product candidates or the commercialization of any products we successfully develop. There is no guarantee that adequate funds will be available
when needed from debt or equity financings, arrangements with partners, or from other sources, on terms attractive to us, or at all. The inability to obtain
sufficient additional funds when needed to fund our operations would require us to significantly delay, scale back, or eliminate some or all of our clinical or
regulatory activities and reduce general and administrative expenses.
We do not have any products that are approved for commercial sale and therefore do not expect to generate any revenues from product sales in the
foreseeable future, if ever.
To date, we have funded our operations primarily from sales of our securities and, to a lesser extent, debt financing. We do not expect to receive any
revenues from the commercialization of our product candidates for at least the next several years, if at all. We anticipate that, prior to our
commercialization of a product candidate, out-licensing upfront and milestone payments will be our primary source of revenue if we can enter into
collaborations, strategic alliances or other agreements that would provide us with such revenues. To obtain revenues from sales of our product candidates,
we must succeed, either alone or with third parties, in developing, obtaining regulatory approval for, manufacturing and marketing drugs with commercial
potential. We may never succeed in these activities, and we may not generate sufficient revenues to continue our business operations or achieve and
maintain profitability.
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We are largely dependent on the success of our MN-166 (ibudilast) and MN-001 (tipelukast) product candidates and we cannot be certain that these
product candidates will receive regulatory approval or be successfully commercialized.
We currently have no products for sale, and we cannot guarantee that we will ever have any drug products approved for sale. The research, testing,
manufacturing, labeling, approval, sales, marketing and distribution of drug products are subject to extensive regulation by the FDA and comparable
regulatory authorities in other countries. We are not permitted to market any of our product candidates in the United States until we submit and receive
approval of a New Drug Application, or NDA, for a product candidate from the FDA or its foreign equivalent from a foreign regulatory authority.
Obtaining FDA approval is a lengthy, expensive and uncertain process. The success of our business currently depends primarily on the successful
development and commercialization of our MN-166 (ibudilast) and MN-001 (tipelukast) product candidates. These product candidates have not completed
the clinical development process, and therefore we have not submitted an NDA or foreign equivalent or received marketing approval.
The clinical development program for our product candidates may not lead to commercial products for a number of reasons, including our clinical
trials’ failure to demonstrate to the FDA’s satisfaction that the product candidate is safe and effective, or our failure to obtain necessary approvals from the
FDA or similar foreign regulatory authorities for any reason. We may also fail to obtain the necessary approvals if we have inadequate financial or other
resources to advance our product candidates through the clinical trial process or are unable to secure a strategic collaboration or partnership with a third
party. Any failure or delay in completing clinical trials or obtaining regulatory approval for our product candidates in a timely manner would have a
material and adverse impact on our business and our stock price.
Because the results of early clinical trials are not necessarily predictive of future results, our product candidates we advance into clinical trials in any
indication may not have favorable results in later clinical trials, if any, or receive regulatory approval.
Our product candidates are subject to the risks of failure inherent in drug development. We will be required to demonstrate through well-controlled
clinical trials that our product candidates are safe and effective for use in a diverse population for the relevant target indications before we can seek
regulatory approvals for their commercial sale. Success in early clinical trials does not mean that later clinical trials will be successful because product
candidates in later-stage clinical trials may fail to demonstrate sufficient safety or efficacy despite having progressed through initial clinical testing, even at
statistically significant levels.
Companies frequently suffer significant setbacks in advanced clinical trials, even after earlier clinical trials have shown promising results. Any of our
planned clinical trials for our product candidates may not be successful for a variety of reasons, including the clinical trial designs, the failure to enroll a
sufficient number of patients, undesirable side effects and other safety concerns and the inability to demonstrate sufficient efficacy. If a product candidate
fails to demonstrate sufficient safety or efficacy, we would experience potentially significant delays in, or be required to abandon, development of such
product candidate.
Our attempts to develop MN-001 (tipelukast) in NASH and IPF may detract from our efforts to develop other product candidates and may limit the
effectiveness of our product development efforts as a whole.
We have decided to pursue development of MN-001 (tipelukast) in NASH and IPF. These activities will divert financial and management resources
from our other product development activities and may limit our ability to complete or continue those other programs.
In order to commercialize a therapeutic drug successfully, a product candidate must receive regulatory approval after the successful completion of
clinical trials, which are long, complex and costly, have a high risk of failure and can be delayed or terminated at any time.
Our product candidates are subject to extensive government regulations related to development, clinical trials, manufacturing and commercialization.
The process of obtaining FDA and other regulatory approvals is costly, time-consuming, uncertain and subject to unanticipated delays. To receive
regulatory approval for the commercial sale of any of our product candidates, we must conduct, at our own expense, adequate and well-controlled clinical
trials in
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human patients to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of the product candidate. Clinical testing is expensive, takes many years and has an uncertain
outcome. To date, we have obtained regulatory authorization to conduct clinical trials for our product development programs. INDs were approved by the
FDA and are active for our product candidates.
It may take years to complete the clinical development necessary to commercialize a drug, and delays or failure can occur at any stage, which may
result in our inability to market and sell any of our product candidates that are ultimately approved by the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities. Our
clinical trials may produce negative or inconclusive results, and we may decide, or regulators may require us, to conduct additional clinical and/or non-
clinical testing. Interim results of clinical trials do not necessarily predict final results, and success in preclinical testing and early clinical trials does not
ensure that later clinical trials will be successful. A number of companies in the pharmaceutical industry have suffered significant setbacks in advanced
clinical trials even after obtaining promising results in earlier clinical trials. In addition, any delays in completing clinical trials or the rejection of data from
a clinical trial by a regulatory authority will result in increased development costs and could have a material adverse effect on the development of the
impacted product candidate.
In connection with the conduct of clinical trials for each of our product candidates, we face many risks, including the risks that:
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the product candidate may not prove to be effective in treating the targeted indication;
clinical trial participants and/or patients may experience serious adverse events or other undesirable drug-related side effects;
the results may not confirm the positive results of earlier trials;
the FDA or other regulatory authorities may not agree with our proposed development plans or accept the results of completed clinical trials;
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our planned clinical trials and the data collected from such clinical trials may be deemed by the FDA or other regulatory authorities not to be
sufficient, which would require additional development for the product candidate before it can be evaluated in late stage clinical trials or before
the FDA will consider an application for marketing approval.
If we do not complete clinical development of our product candidates successfully, we will be unable to obtain regulatory approval to market
products and generate revenues from such product candidates. We may also fail to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals if we have inadequate
financial or other resources to advance our product candidates through the clinical trial process. In addition, even if we believe that the preclinical and
clinical data are sufficient to support regulatory approval for a product candidate, the FDA and foreign regulatory authorities may not ultimately approve
such product candidate for commercial sale in any jurisdiction, which would limit our ability to generate revenues and adversely affect our business. In
addition, even if our product candidates receive regulatory approval, they remain subject to ongoing FDA regulations, including obligations to conduct
additional clinical trials, changes to the product label, new or revised regulatory requirements for manufacturing practices, written advisements to
physicians, and/or a product recall or withdrawal.
We are subject to stringent regulation of our product candidates, which could delay the development and commercialization of our product candidates.
We, our third party manufacturers, service providers, suppliers and partners, if any, and our product candidates are subject to stringent regulation by
the FDA and other regulatory agencies in the United States and by comparable authorities in other countries. None of our product candidates can be
marketed in the United States until it has been approved by the FDA. None of our product candidates has been approved by the FDA to date, and we may
never receive FDA approval for any of our product candidates. Obtaining FDA approval for a product takes many years of clinical development and
requires substantial resources. Additionally, changes in regulatory requirements and guidance may occur or new information regarding the product
candidate or the target indication may emerge, and
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we may need to perform additional, unanticipated non-clinical or clinical testing of our product candidates or amend clinical trial protocols to reflect these
changes. Any additional unanticipated testing would add costs and could delay or result in the denial of regulatory approval for a product candidate. These
regulatory requirements may limit the size of the market for the product candidate or result in the incurrence of additional costs. Any delay or failure in
obtaining required approvals could substantially reduce or negate our ability to generate revenues from the particular product candidate.
In addition, both before and after regulatory approval, we, our partners and our product candidates are subject to numerous FDA requirements,
including requirements related to testing, manufacturing, quality control, labeling, advertising, promotion, distribution and export. The FDA’s requirements
may change and additional government regulations may be promulgated that could affect us, our partners and our product candidates. Given the number of
recent high profile adverse safety events with certain drug products, the FDA may require, as a condition of approval, costly risk management programs,
which may include safety surveillance, restricted distribution and use, patient education, enhanced labeling, special packaging or labeling, expedited
reporting of certain adverse events, preapproval of promotional materials and restrictions on direct-to-consumer advertising. Furthermore, we cannot
predict the likelihood, nature or extent of government regulation that may arise from future legislation or administrative action, either in the United States
or abroad.
In order to market any of our products outside of the United States, we and our strategic partners and licensees must establish and comply with
numerous and varying regulatory requirements of other countries regarding safety and efficacy. Approval procedures vary among countries and can involve
additional product testing and additional administrative review periods beyond the requirements of the FDA and the time required to obtain approval in
other countries might differ from that required to obtain FDA approval. The regulatory approval process in other countries may include all of the risks
detailed above regarding FDA approval in the United States. Regulatory approval in one country, including FDA approval in the United States, does not
ensure regulatory approval in another. In addition, a failure or delay in obtaining regulatory approval in one country may negatively impact the regulatory
process in others. A product candidate may not be approved for all indications that we request, which would limit the uses of our product and adversely
impact our potential royalties and product sales, and any approval that we receive may be subject to limitations on the indicated uses for which the product
may be marketed or require costly, post-marketing follow-up studies.
If we fail to comply with applicable regulatory requirements in the United States or other countries, we may be subject to regulatory and other
consequences, including fines and other civil penalties, delays in approving or failure to approve a product, suspension or withdrawal of regulatory
approvals, product recalls, seizure of products, operating restrictions, interruption of manufacturing or clinical trials, injunctions and criminal prosecution,
any of which would harm our business.
Even if our product candidates receive regulatory approval, they may still face future development and regulatory difficulties.
Even if U.S. regulatory approval is obtained, the FDA may still impose significant restrictions on a product’s indicated uses or marketing or impose
ongoing requirements for potentially costly post-approval studies, including additional research and development and clinical trials. Any of these
restrictions or requirements could adversely affect our potential product revenues. For example, the label ultimately approved for any of our other product
candidates or any other product candidates that we may in-license or acquire, if any, may include a restriction on the terms of its use, or it may not include
one or more of our intended indications.
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Our product candidates, if approved, will also be subject to ongoing FDA requirements for the labeling, packaging, storage, advertising, promotion,
record-keeping and submission of safety and other post-market information on the drug. In addition, approved products, manufacturers and manufacturers’
facilities are subject to continual review and periodic inspections. If a regulatory agency discovers previously unknown problems with a product, such as
adverse events of unanticipated severity or frequency or problems with the facility where the product is manufactured, a regulatory agency may impose
restrictions on that product or us, including requiring withdrawal of the product from the market. If our product candidates fail to comply with applicable
regulatory requirements, such as cGMPs, a regulatory agency may:
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issue warning letters or untitled letters;
require us to enter into a consent decree, which can include imposition of various fines, reimbursements for inspection costs, required due dates
for specific actions and penalties for non-compliance;
impose other civil or criminal penalties;
suspend regulatory approval;
suspend any ongoing clinical trials;
refuse to approve pending applications or supplements to approved applications filed by us;
impose restrictions on operations, including costly new manufacturing requirements; or
seize or detain products or require a product recall.
Any product candidates that we advance into clinical trials may cause undesirable side effects or have other properties that could delay or prevent
regulatory approval or commercialization or limit its commercial potential.
Undesirable side effects caused by any of our product candidates that we advance into clinical trials could cause us or regulatory authorities to
interrupt, delay or halt clinical trials and could result in the denial of regulatory approval by the FDA or other regulatory authorities for any or all targeted
indications, or cause us to evaluate the future of our development programs. This, in turn, could prevent us from commercializing the affected product
candidate and generating revenues from its sale.
In addition, if any product candidates we may develop receives marketing approval and we or others later identify undesirable side effects caused by
the product, a number of significant negative consequences could result, including:
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regulatory authorities may withdraw their approval of the product or place restrictions on the way it is prescribed;
regulatory authorities may require a larger clinical benefit for approval to offset the risk;
regulatory authorities may require the addition of labeling statements that could diminish the usage of the product or otherwise limit the
commercial success of the product;
we may be required to change the way the product is administered, conduct additional clinical trials or change the labeling of the product or
implement a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy;
we may choose to discontinue sale of the product;
we could be sued and held liable for harm caused to patients;
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we may not be able to enter into collaboration agreements on acceptable terms and execute our business model; and
our reputation may suffer.
Delays in the commencement or completion of clinical trials, or suspension or termination of our clinical trials, could result in increased costs to us
and delay or limit our ability to obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates.
If we experience delays in the commencement or completion of our clinical trials, we could incur significantly higher product development costs and
our ability to obtain regulatory approvals for our product candidates could be delayed or limited. The commencement and completion of clinical trials
requires us to identify and maintain a sufficient number of study sites and enroll a sufficient number of patients at such sites. We do not know whether
enrollment in our future clinical trials for our product candidates will be completed on time, or whether our additional planned and ongoing clinical trials
for our product candidates will be completed on schedule, if at all.
The commencement and completion of clinical trials can be delayed for a variety of other reasons, including delays in:
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regulatory approval to commence or amend a clinical trial;
reaching agreements on acceptable terms with prospective clinical research organizations or CROs, and trial sites, the terms of which can be
subject to extensive negotiation and may vary significantly among different CROs and trial sites;
recruiting and enrolling patients to participate in clinical trials;
retaining patients who have initiated a clinical trial but who may be prone to withdraw due to the treatment protocol, lack of efficacy, personal
issues or side effects from the therapy or who are lost to further follow-up;
manufacturing sufficient quantities of a product candidate; and
IRB approval or approval from foreign counterparts to conduct or amend a clinical trial at a prospective site.
In addition, a clinical trial may be delayed, suspended or terminated by us, the FDA or other regulatory authorities due to a number of factors,
including:
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ongoing discussions with regulatory authorities regarding the scope or design of our clinical trials or requests by them for supplemental
information with respect to our clinical trial results, which may result in the imposition of a clinical hold on the IND for any clinical trial, as
well as the inability to resolve any outstanding concerns with the FDA so that a clinical hold already placed on the IND may be lifted and the
clinical trial may begin;
inspections of our own clinical trial operations, the operations of our CROs or our clinical trial sites by the FDA or other regulatory authorities,
which may result in the imposition of a clinical hold or potentially prevent us from using some of the data generated from our clinical trials to
support requests for regulatory approval of our product candidates;
our failure or inability, or the failure or inability of our CROs, clinical trial site staff or other third party service providers involved in the
clinical trial, to conduct clinical trials in accordance with regulatory requirements or our clinical protocols;
lower than anticipated enrollment or retention rates of patients in clinical trials;
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new information suggesting unacceptable risk to subjects or unforeseen safety issues or any determination that a clinical trial presents
unacceptable health risks;
insufficient supply or deficient quality of product candidates or other materials necessary for the conduct of our clinical trials;
lack of adequate funding to continue the clinical trial, including the incurrence of unforeseen costs due to enrollment delays, requirements to
conduct additional trials and studies and increased expenses associated with the services of our CROs and other third parties; and
the formulation or dosing regimen of a product candidate may result, unintentionally, in patient non-compliance, leading to low patient
retention rates, incomplete data to conduct an adequate analysis, and failure to complete the trial.
If we experience delays in the completion of our clinical trials for a product candidate, the commercial prospects for such product candidate may be
harmed, we may incur increased costs for development of such product candidate and our ability to obtain regulatory approval for such product candidate
could be delayed or limited. Many of the factors that cause or lead to delays in the commencement or completion of clinical trials may also ultimately lead
to the denial of regulatory approval for a product candidate. In addition, any amendment to a clinical trial protocol may require us to resubmit our clinical
trial protocols to IRBs or their foreign counterparts for reexamination, which may delay or otherwise impact the costs, timing or successful completion of a
clinical trial.
The loss of any rights to develop and market any of our product candidates could significantly harm our business.
We license the rights to certain compounds to develop and market our product candidates.
We are obligated to develop and commercialize certain product candidates in accordance with mutually agreed upon terms and conditions. Our ability
to satisfy some or all of the terms and conditions of our license agreements is dependent on numerous factors, including some factors that are outside of our
control. Any of our license agreements may be terminated if we breach our obligations under the agreement materially and fail to cure any such breach
within a specified period of time.
If any of our license agreements is terminated, we would have no further rights to develop and commercialize the product candidate that is the subject
of the license. The termination of any of our license agreements could materially and adversely affect our business.
The widespread outbreak of COVID-19 or any other illness or communicable disease, or any other public health crisis, could adversely affect our
business, results of operations and financial condition.
We could be negatively impacted by the widespread outbreak of COVID-19 or any other illness or communicable disease, or any other public
health crisis that results in economic and trade disruptions, including the disruption of global supply chains. In December 2019, an outbreak of COVID-19
began and, in March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the global
economy, disrupted global supply chains and created significant volatility and disruption of financial markets. The extent of the impact of the COVID-19
pandemic on our financial condition, liquidity, and future results of operations, including our ability to continue to advance our product development
programs in the expected time frame, will depend on future developments, including the duration and spread of the pandemic and related restrictions on
travel and transports, all of which are uncertain and cannot be predicted. An extended period of global supply chain and economic disruption could
materially affect our business, results of operations, access to sources of liquidity and financial condition.
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If our competitors develop and market products that are more effective than our product candidates, they may reduce or eliminate our commercial
opportunities.
The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries are subject to rapid and intense technological change. We face, and will continue to face,
competition from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as numerous academic and research institutions and governmental agencies, in the
United States and abroad. Some of these competitors have products or are pursuing the development of drugs that target the same diseases and conditions
that are the focus of our product development programs. We cannot assure you that developments by others will not render our product candidates obsolete
or noncompetitive. Many of our competitors have products that have been approved or are in advanced development and may succeed in developing drugs
that are more effective, safer, more affordable or more easily administered than ours, or that achieve patent protection or commercialization sooner than our
products. Our competitors may also develop alternative therapies that could further limit the market for any product candidates that we are able to obtain
approval for, if at all. In addition, new developments, including the development of other drug technologies and methods of preventing the incidence of
disease, occur in the pharmaceutical industry at a rapid pace. These developments may render our product candidates obsolete or noncompetitive.
In many of our target disease areas, potential competitors are working to develop new compounds with different mechanisms of action and attractive
efficacy and safety profiles. Many of our competitors have substantially greater financial, research and development resources, including personnel and
technology, clinical trial experience, manufacturing, sales and marketing capabilities and production facilities than we do. Smaller companies also may
prove to be significant competitors, particularly through proprietary research discoveries and collaboration arrangements with large pharmaceutical and
established biotechnology companies.
Our competitors may obtain regulatory approval of their products more rapidly than we are able to or may obtain patent protection or other
intellectual property rights that limit our ability to develop or commercialize our product candidates. Our competitors may also develop drugs that are more
effective and less costly than ours and may also be more successful than us in manufacturing and marketing their products. We also expect to face similar
competition in our efforts to identify appropriate collaborators or partners to help develop or commercialize our product candidates.
We will depend on strategic collaborations with third parties to develop and commercialize selected product candidates and will not have control over a
number of key elements relating to the development and commercialization of these product candidates if we are able to achieve such third party
arrangements.
A key aspect of our strategy is to seek collaborations with partners, such as large pharmaceutical companies, that are willing to conduct later-stage
clinical trials and further develop and commercialize selected product candidates. To date, we have not entered into any such collaborative arrangements,
and we may not be able to enter into any collaborations or otherwise monetize these product candidates on acceptable terms, if at all.
By entering into a strategic collaboration with a partner, we may rely on the partner for financial resources and for development, regulatory and
commercialization expertise. Even if we are successful in entering into a strategic collaboration for one of our product candidates, our partner may fail to
develop or effectively commercialize the product candidate because such partner:
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does not have sufficient resources or decides not to devote the necessary resources due to internal constraints such as limited cash or
human resources;
decides to pursue a competitive potential product developed outside of the collaboration;
cannot obtain the necessary regulatory approvals;
determines that the market opportunity is not attractive; or
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cannot manufacture the necessary materials in sufficient quantities from multiple sources or at a reasonable cost.
We also face competition in our search for partners from other biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies worldwide, many of whom are larger
and able to offer more attractive deals in terms of financial commitments, contribution of human resources, or development, manufacturing, regulatory or
commercial expertise and support.
If we are not successful in attracting partners and entering into collaborations on acceptable terms for these product candidates or otherwise
monetizing these product candidates, we may not be able to complete development of or obtain regulatory approval for such product candidates. In such
event, our ability to generate revenues from such products and achieve or sustain profitability would be significantly hindered.
We rely on third parties to conduct our clinical trials, and we may incur additional development costs, experience delays in the commencement and
completion of clinical trials, and be unable to obtain regulatory approval for or commercialize our product candidates on our anticipated timeline if
these third parties do not successfully carry out their contractual duties or meet expected deadlines.
We rely extensively on CROs, medical institutions, clinical investigators, contract laboratories and other service providers to perform important
functions related to the conduct of our clinical trials, the collection and analysis of data and the preparation of regulatory submissions. Although we design
and/or manage our current clinical trials to ensure that each clinical trial is conducted in accordance with its investigational plan and protocol, we do not
have the ability to conduct all aspects of our clinical trials directly for our product candidates.
The FDA requires us and our CROs to comply with regulations and standards, commonly referred to as good clinical practices, or GCPs, for
conducting, monitoring, recording and reporting the results of clinical trials to ensure that the data and results are scientifically credible and accurate and
that the trial subjects are adequately informed of the potential risks of participating in clinical trials. Our reliance on CROs does not relieve us of these
responsibilities and requirements. The CROs, medical institutions, clinical investigators, contract laboratories and other service providers that we employ in
the conduct of our clinical trials are not our employees, and we cannot control the amount or timing of resources that they devote to our product
development programs. If any of these third parties fails to devote sufficient care, time and resources to our product development programs, if its
performance is substandard, or if any third party is inspected by the FDA and found not to be in compliance with GCPs, it will delay the completion of the
clinical trial in which they are involved and the progress of the affected development program. The CROs with which we contract for execution of our
clinical trials play a significant role in the conduct of the clinical trials and the subsequent collection and analysis of data. Any failure of the CROs to meet
their obligations could adversely affect clinical development of our product candidates. Moreover, the CROs, clinical investigators and other service
providers may have relationships with other commercial entities, some of which may have competitive products under development or currently marketed,
and our competitive position could be harmed if they assist our competitors. If any of these third parties does not successfully carry out their contractual
duties or obligations or meet expected deadlines, or if the quality or accuracy of the clinical data is compromised for any reason, our clinical trials may be
extended, delayed or terminated, and we may not be able to obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates. In addition, while we believe that there
are numerous alternative sources to provide these services, we might not be able to enter into replacement arrangements without delays or additional
expenditures if we were to seek such alternative sources.
We rely on third party manufacturers to produce our product candidates, which may result in delays in our clinical trials and the commercialization of
products, as well as increased costs.
We have no manufacturing facilities, and we do not intend to develop facilities for the manufacture of our product candidates for clinical trials or
commercial purposes in the foreseeable future. We contract with third party manufacturers to produce, in collaboration with us, sufficient quantities of our
product candidates for clinical trials, and we plan to contract with third party manufacturers to produce sufficient quantities of any product candidates that
may be approved by the FDA or other regulatory authorities for commercial sale. While we believe that there are competitive sources available to
manufacture our product candidates, we may not be able to enter into arrangements without delays or additional expenditures. We cannot estimate these
delays or costs with certainty.
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Reliance on third party manufacturers limits our ability to control certain aspects of the manufacturing process and therefore exposes us to a variety
of significant risks, including risks related to our ability to commercialize any products approved by regulatory authorities or conduct clinical trials,
reliance on such third parties for regulatory compliance and quality assurance, and the refusal or inability of a third party manufacturer to supply our
requirements on a long-term basis. In addition, manufacturers of pharmaceutical products often encounter difficulties in production, particularly in scaling
up initial production. These problems include difficulties with production costs and yields, quality control, including stability of the product candidate and
quality assurance testing, shortages of qualified personnel and compliance with federal, state and foreign regulations. Also, our manufacturers may not
perform as agreed. If our manufacturers were to encounter any of these difficulties, our ability to timely produce our product candidates for clinical trials
and commercial sale may be interrupted, which could result in delayed clinical trials or delayed regulatory approval and lost or delayed revenues.
We may not be able to establish or maintain any commercial manufacturing and supply arrangements on commercially reasonable terms that we
require for purposes of commercializing a product. Any failure by us to secure or maintain any such required commercial supply agreements could result in
interruption of supply and lost or delayed revenues, which would adversely affect our business. Any problems or delays we experience in preparing for
commercial-scale manufacturing of a product candidate may result in a delay in FDA or other regulatory approval of the product candidate or may impair
our ability to manufacture commercial quantities, which would adversely affect our business. For example, our manufacturers will need to produce specific
batches of a product candidate to demonstrate acceptable stability under various conditions and for commercially viable lengths of time. We and our third
party manufacturers will need to demonstrate to the FDA and other regulatory authorities this acceptable stability data for the product candidate, as well as
validate methods and manufacturing processes, in order to receive regulatory approval to commercialize such product candidate.
Our manufacturers are obligated to operate in accordance with FDA-mandated current good manufacturing practices, or cGMPs and, in some cases,
International Convention on Harmonization, or ICH, standards. A failure of any of our third party manufacturers to establish and follow cGMPs and/or ICH
standards and to document their adherence to such practices may lead to significant delays in our ability to timely conduct and complete clinical trials,
obtain regulatory approval of product candidates or launch of our products into the market. In addition, changing third party manufacturers is difficult. For
example, a change in third party manufacturer for a particular product candidate requires re-validation of the manufacturing processes and procedures in
accordance with cGMPs, which may be costly and time-consuming and, in some cases, our manufacturers may not provide us with adequate assistance to
transfer the manufacturing processes and procedures for our product candidates to new manufacturers or may possess intellectual property rights covering
parts of these processes or procedures for which we may need to obtain a license. Failure by our third party manufacturers or us to comply with applicable
regulations could result in sanctions being imposed on us, including fines, injunctions, civil penalties, delays, suspension or withdrawal of regulatory
approvals, seizures or recalls of products, operating restrictions and criminal prosecutions.
We may not be able to manufacture our product candidates in commercial quantities, which would prevent us from commercializing our product
candidates.
To date, our product candidates have been manufactured in small quantities for preclinical studies and clinical trials. If any of our product candidates
is approved by the FDA or comparable regulatory authorities in other countries for commercial sale, we will need to manufacture such product candidate in
larger quantities. We may not be able to increase successfully the manufacturing capacity for any of our product candidates in a timely or economic
manner, or at all. Significant scale-up of manufacturing may require additional validation studies, which the FDA must review and approve. If we are
unable to increase successfully the manufacturing capacity for a product candidate, the regulatory approval or commercial launch of that product candidate
may be delayed or there may be a shortage in supply. Our product candidates require precise, high quality manufacturing. Our failure to achieve and
maintain these high manufacturing standards in collaboration with our third party manufacturers, including the incidence of manufacturing errors, could
result in patient injury or death, product recalls or withdrawals, delays or failures in product testing or delivery, cost overruns or other problems that could
harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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Materials necessary to manufacture our product candidates may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, which may delay the
development and commercialization of our product candidates.
We rely on the third party manufacturers of our product candidates to purchase from third party suppliers the materials necessary to produce the API
and product candidates for our clinical trials, and we will rely on such manufacturers to purchase such materials to produce the API and finished product
for any commercial distribution of our products if we obtain marketing approval. Suppliers may not sell these materials to our manufacturers at the time
they need them in order to meet our required delivery schedule or on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. We do not have any control over the process
or timing of the acquisition of these materials by our manufacturers. Moreover, we currently do not have any agreements for the production of these
materials. If our manufacturers are unable to obtain these materials for our clinical trials, testing of the affected product candidate would be delayed, which
may significantly impact our ability to develop the product candidate. If we or our manufacturers are unable to purchase these materials after regulatory
approval has been obtained for one of our products, the commercial launch of such product would be delayed or there would be a shortage in supply of
such product, which would harm our ability to generate revenues from such product and achieve or sustain profitability.
Our product candidates, if approved for sale, may not gain acceptance among physicians, patients and the medical community, thereby limiting our
potential to generate revenues.
If one of our product candidates is approved for commercial sale by the FDA or other regulatory authorities, the degree of market acceptance of any
approved product by physicians, healthcare professionals and third party payers and our profitability and growth will depend on a number of factors,
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demonstration of efficacy;
changes in the standard of care for the targeted indication;
relative convenience and ease of administration;
the prevalence and severity of any adverse side effects;
availability, cost and potential advantages of alternative treatments, including less expensive generic drugs;
pricing and cost effectiveness, which may be subject to regulatory control;
effectiveness of our or any of our partners’ sales and marketing strategies;
the product labeling or product insert required by the FDA or regulatory authority in other countries; and
the availability of adequate third party insurance coverage or reimbursement.
If any product candidate that we develop does not provide a treatment regimen that is as beneficial as, or is perceived as being as beneficial as, the
current standard of care or otherwise does not provide patient benefit, that product candidate, if approved for commercial sale by the FDA or other
regulatory authorities, likely will not achieve market acceptance. Our ability to effectively promote and sell any approved products will also depend on
pricing and cost-effectiveness, including our ability to produce a product at a competitive price and our ability to obtain sufficient third party coverage or
reimbursement. If any product candidate is approved but does not achieve an adequate level of acceptance by physicians, patients and third party payers,
our ability to generate revenues from that product would be substantially reduced. In addition, our efforts to educate the medical community and third party
payers on the benefits of our product candidates may require significant resources and may never be successful.
If our products are not accepted by the market or if users of our products are unable to obtain adequate coverage of and reimbursement for our
products from government and other third party payers, our revenues and profitability will suffer.
Our ability to commercialize our products successfully will depend in significant part on pricing and cost effectiveness, including our ability to
produce a product at a competitive price and our ability to obtain appropriate
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coverage of and reimbursement for our products and related treatments from governmental authorities, private health insurers and other organizations, such
as health maintenance organizations, or HMOs. Third party payers are increasingly challenging the prices charged for medical products and services. We
cannot provide any assurances that third party payers will consider our products cost-effective or provide coverage of and reimbursement for our products,
in whole or in part.
Uncertainty exists as to the coverage and reimbursement status of newly approved medical products and services and newly approved indications for
existing products. Third party payers may conclude that our products are less safe, less clinically effective or less cost-effective than existing products, and
third party payers may not approve our products for coverage and reimbursement. If we are unable to obtain adequate coverage of and reimbursement for
our products from third party payers, physicians may limit how much or under what circumstances they will prescribe or administer them. Such reduction
or limitation in the use of our products could cause our sales to suffer. Even if third party payers make reimbursement available, payment levels may not be
sufficient to make the sale of our products profitable.
Market acceptance and sales of our current or future product candidates will depend in large part on global reimbursement policies and may be
affected by future healthcare reform measures, both in the United States and other key international markets. For example, continuing health care reform in
the United States will control or significantly influence the purchase of medical services and products, and may result in inadequate coverage of and
reimbursement for our products. Many third party payers are pursuing various ways to reduce pharmaceutical costs, including the use of formularies. The
market for our products depends on access to such formularies, which are lists of medications for which third party payers provide reimbursement. These
formularies are increasingly restricted, and pharmaceutical companies face significant competition in their efforts to place their products on formularies.
This increased competition has led to a downward pricing pressure in the industry. The cost containment measures that third party payers, including
government payers, are instituting could have a material adverse effect on our ability to operate profitably.
We are dependent on our management team, particularly our President and Chief Executive Officer, and our experienced scientific staff, and if we are
unable to retain, motivate and attract key personnel, our product development programs may be delayed and we may be unable to develop successfully
or commercialize our product candidates.
We are dependent upon the continued services of our executive officers and other key personnel, particularly Yuichi Iwaki, M.D., Ph.D., a founder
and our President and Chief Executive Officer, who has been instrumental in our ability to in-license product candidates from Japanese pharmaceutical
companies and secure financing from Japanese institutions. The relationships that certain of our key managers have cultivated with pharmaceutical
companies from whom we license product candidates and to whom we expect to out-license product candidates make us particularly dependent upon their
continued services with us, whether through employment, service on our board of directors or a consulting agreement. We are also substantially dependent
on the continued services of clinical development personnel because of the highly technical nature of our product development programs. We are not
presently aware of any plans of our executive officers or key personnel to retire or leave employment. Following termination of employment, these
individuals may engage in other businesses that may compete with us.
If we acquire or license new product candidates, our success may depend on our ability to attract, retain and motivate highly qualified management
and scientific personnel to manage the development of these new product candidates. In particular, our product development programs depend on our
ability to attract and retain highly experienced clinical development personnel. However, we face competition for experienced professional personnel from
numerous companies and academic and other research institutions. Competition for qualified personnel is particularly intense in the San Diego, California
area, where our corporate headquarters is located. In addition, we have scientific and clinical advisors who assist us in our product development and clinical
strategies. These third parties are not our employees and may have commitments to, or contracts with, other entities that may limit their availability to us,
or may have arrangements with other companies to assist in the development of products that may compete with our product candidates.
Although we have employment agreements with key members of management, each of our employees, subject to applicable notice requirements,
may terminate his or her employment at any time. We do not carry “key person”
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insurance covering members of senior management. If we lose any of our key management personnel, we may not be able to find suitable replacements,
which would adversely affect our business.
If we are unable to establish sales, marketing and distribution capabilities, whether independently or with third parties, we will be unable to
commercialize our product candidates successfully.
To date, we have not sold, marketed or distributed any pharmaceutical products. If we are successful in obtaining regulatory approvals for any of our
product candidates or acquiring other approved products, we will need to establish sales, marketing and distribution capabilities on our own or with
partners in order to commercialize an approved product. The acquisition or development of an effective sales and marketing infrastructure will require a
significant amount of our financial resources and time and could negatively impact our commercialization efforts, including delay of a product launch. We
may be unable to establish and manage a sufficient or effective sales force in a timely or cost-effective manner, if at all, and any sales force we do establish
may not be capable of generating demand for our products, therefore hindering our ability to generate revenues and achieve or sustain profitability. In
addition, if we are unable to develop internal sales capabilities, we will need to contract with third parties or establish a partnership to market and sell the
product. If we are unable to establish adequate sales, marketing and distribution capabilities, whether independently or with third parties, we may not be
able to generate any product revenues, may generate increased expenses and may never become profitable. In addition, although we intend to establish
strategic collaborations to market any products approved for sale by regulatory authorities outside of the United States, we may be required to market our
product candidates outside of the United States directly if we are unable to establish such collaborations. In that event, we may need to build a
corresponding international sales and marketing capability with technical expertise and with supporting distribution capabilities.
Health care reform measures could adversely affect our business.
The business and financial condition of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are affected by the efforts of governmental and third party
payers to contain or reduce the costs of health care. In the United States and in foreign jurisdictions, there have been, and we expect that there will continue
to be, a number of legislative and regulatory proposals aimed at changing the health care system. For example, in some countries, pricing of prescription
drugs is subject to government control, and we expect to continue to see proposals to implement similar controls in the United States to continue. Another
example of proposed reform that could affect our business is drug reimportation into the United States. Moreover, the pendency or approval of such
proposals could result in a decrease in our stock price or our ability to raise capital or to obtain strategic partnerships or licenses. More recently, the Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act imposed numerous reforms that may impact the costs, legal requirements and potential success of our operations.
We may be sued for product liability, which could result in substantial liabilities that exceed our available resources and damage our reputation.
The development and commercialization of drug products entails significant product liability risks. Product liability claims may arise from use of any
of our product candidates in clinical trials and the commercial sale of any approved products. If we cannot successfully defend ourselves against these
claims, we will incur substantial liabilities. Regardless of merit or eventual outcome, product liability claims may result in:
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withdrawal of clinical trial participants;
termination of clinical trial sites or entire clinical trial programs;
decreased demand for our product candidates;
impairment of our business reputation;
costs of related litigation;
substantial monetary awards to patients or other claimants;
loss of revenues; and
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the inability to commercialize our product candidates.
We currently have insurance that covers our clinical trials. We believe our current insurance coverage is reasonably adequate at this time; however,
our insurance coverage may not reimburse us or may not be sufficient to reimburse us for all expenses or losses we may suffer. In addition, we will need to
increase and expand this coverage as we commence additional clinical trials, as well as larger scale clinical trials, and in the event that any of our product
candidates is approved for commercial sale. This insurance may be prohibitively expensive or may not fully cover our potential liabilities. In addition, our
inability to obtain sufficient insurance coverage at an acceptable cost or otherwise to protect against potential product liability claims could prevent or
inhibit the regulatory approval or commercialization of products that we or one of our collaborators develop. Successful product liability claims could have
a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Liability from such claims could exceed our total assets if we do not prevail in any
lawsuit brought by a third party alleging that an injury was caused by one of our product candidates.
We expect that our results of operations will fluctuate, which may make it difficult to predict our future performance from period to period.
Our quarterly operating results have fluctuated in the past and are likely to continue to do so in the future. Some of the factors that could cause our
operating results to fluctuate from period to period include:
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the status of development of our product candidates and, in particular, the advancement or termination of activities related to our product
development programs and the timing of any milestone payments payable under our licensing agreements;
the execution of other collaboration, licensing and similar arrangements and the timing of payments we may make or receive under these
arrangements;
variations in the level of expenses related to our product development programs;
the unpredictable effects of collaborations during these periods;
the timing of our satisfaction of applicable regulatory requirements, if at all;
the rate of expansion of our clinical development and other internal research and development efforts;
the costs of any litigation;
the effect of competing technologies and products and market developments; and
general and industry-specific economic conditions.
We believe that quarterly or yearly comparisons of our financial results are not necessarily meaningful and should not be relied upon as indications of
our future performance.
We will continue to incur significant increased costs as a result of operating as a public company, and our management will be required to devote
substantial time to new compliance initiatives.
As a public company, we are required to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as rules and regulations implemented by the SEC, the
NASDAQ Stock Market, or NASDAQ, and Japanese securities laws, and incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses as a result. These rules
impose various requirements on public companies, including requiring the establishment and maintenance of effective disclosure and financial controls and
appropriate corporate governance practices. Our management and other personnel have devoted and will continue to devote a substantial amount of time to
these compliance initiatives. Moreover, these rules and regulations increase our legal and financial compliance costs and may make it more difficult and
expensive for us to renew our director and officer liability insurance and may result in imposition of reduced policy limits and coverage.
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The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that we (i) maintain effective internal controls for financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures and (ii)
perform an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting to allow management to report on the effectiveness of those controls, as required by
Section 404. Our listing obligations under the JASDAQ Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, or TSE, also require that we comply either with Section 404
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act or equivalent regulations in Japan and we elected to comply with Section 404. Additionally, we are subject to attestation by our
independent registered public accounting firm regarding our internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021 under Japanese securities
laws. Our efforts to comply with Section 404 and related regulations have required, and continue to require, the commitment of significant financial and
managerial resources. We cannot be certain that a material weakness will not be identified when we test the effectiveness of our controls in the future. If a
material weakness is identified, we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by NASDAQ, the SEC, the TSE or other regulatory authorities, which
would require additional financial and management resources, costly litigation or a loss of public confidence in our internal controls, which could have an
adverse effect on the market price of our stock.
Additionally, in July 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or the Dodd-Frank Act, was enacted. There are
significant corporate governance and executive compensation related provisions in the Dodd-Frank Act that require the SEC to adopt additional rules and
regulations in these areas. To maintain high standards of corporate governance and public disclosure, we intend to invest all reasonably necessary resources
to comply with such compliance programs and rules and all other evolving standards. These investments may result in increased general and administrative
costs and a diversion of our management’s time and attention from strategic revenue generating and cost management activities.
We may be subject to information technology systems failures, network disruptions, breaches in data security and computer crime and cyber-attacks.
Information technology system failures, network disruptions, breaches of data security and sophisticated and targeted computer crime and cyber-
attacks could disrupt our operations by impeding our drug development programs, including delays in our regulatory efforts, the manufacture or shipment
of products, the processing of transactions or reporting of financial results, or by causing an unintentional disclosure of confidential information. Despite
our security measures, our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breached due to employee error,
malfeasance or other disruptions. Any such breach could compromise our networks and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed,
lost or stolen. In the ordinary course of our business, we collect and store sensitive data in our data centers and on our networks, including IP, proprietary
business information, and personal information of our business partners and employees. Despite our efforts to protect sensitive, confidential or personal
data or information, our facilities and systems and those of our third party service providers may be vulnerable to security breaches, theft, misplaced or lost
data, programming and/or human errors that could potentially lead to the compromising of sensitive, confidential or personal data or information, improper
use of our systems, software solutions or networks, unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification or destruction of information, defective products,
production downtimes and operational disruptions, which in turn could adversely affect our reputation, competitiveness and results of operations. While
management has taken steps to address these concerns by conducting employee training, implementing certain data and system redundancy, hardening and
fail-over along with other network security, comprehensive monitoring of our networks and systems, maintenance of backup and protective systems and
other internal control measures, there can be no assurance that the measures we have implemented to date would be sufficient in the event of a system
failure, loss of data or security breach. As a result, in the event of such a failure, loss of data or security breach, our financial condition and operating results
could be adversely affected.
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A variety of risks associated with operating our business and marketing our products internationally could materially adversely affect our business.
A significant amount of our business activity is outside of the United States. We face risks associated with our international operations, including
possible unfavorable regulatory, pricing and reimbursement, political, tax and labor conditions, which could harm our business. We are subject to numerous
risks associated with international business activities, including, but not limited to:
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compliance with differing or unexpected regulatory requirements for our products;
difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations;
in certain circumstances, including with respect to the commercialization of our product candidates in Europe, increased dependence on the
commercialization efforts of our distributors or strategic partners;
foreign government taxes, regulations and permit requirements;
United States and foreign government tariffs, trade restrictions, price and exchange controls and other regulatory requirements;
economic weakness, including inflation, natural disasters, war, events of terrorism or political instability in particular foreign countries;
fluctuations in currency exchange rates, which could result in increased operating expenses and reduced revenues, and other obligations related
to doing business in another country;
compliance with tax, employment, immigration and labor laws, regulations and restrictions for employees living or traveling abroad;
workforce uncertainty in countries where labor unrest is more common than in the United States;
changes in diplomatic and trade relationships; and
challenges in enforcing our contractual and intellectual property rights, especially in those foreign countries that do not respect and protect
intellectual property rights to the same extent as the United States
These and other risks associated with our international operations may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property
Our ability to compete may decline if we do not adequately protect our proprietary rights.
There is the risk that our patents (both those owned by us and those in-licensed) may not provide a competitive advantage, including the risk that our
patents expire before we obtain regulatory and marketing approval for one or more of our product candidates, particularly our in-licensed patents. Also, our
competitors may develop products similar to ours using methods and technologies that are beyond the scope of our intellectual property rights.
Composition of matter patents on APIs may provide protection for pharmaceutical products without regard to formulation, method of use, or other type of
limitation. We do not have compound patent protection for the API in our MN-166 (ibudilast), MN-001 (tipelukast), and MN-221 (bedoradrine) product
candidates, although we do have patent protection for a particular crystalline polymorph of MN-001 (tipelukast) and we have composition of matter
protection on an analog of MN-166 (ibudilast). As a result, competitors that obtain the requisite regulatory approval will be able to offer products with the
same API as found in our MN-166 (ibudilast), MN-001 (tipelukast), and MN-221 (bedoradrine) product candidates so long as such competitors do not
infringe any methods of use, methods of manufacture, formulation or, in the case of MN-001 (tipelukast), specific polymorph patents that we hold or have
exclusive rights to through our licensors. For example, we currently rely on method of use patents for MN-166 (ibudilast), MN-001 (tipelukast), and MN-
221 (bedoradrine) although we have a compound patent for MN-029.
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It is our policy to consult with our licensors in the maintenance of granted patents we have licensed and in their pursuit of patent applications that we
have licensed, but each of our licensors generally remains primarily responsible for or in control of the maintenance of the granted patents. We have limited
control, if any, over the amount or timing of resources that each licensor devotes on our behalf. As a result of this lack of control, we cannot be sure that our
licensed patents will be maintained and that any additional patents will ever mature from our licensed applications. Issued U.S. patents require the payment
of maintenance fees to continue to be in force. We typically rely on our licensors to do this and their failure to do so could result in the forfeiture of patents
not timely maintained. Many foreign patent offices also require the payment of periodic annuities to keep patents and patent applications in good standing.
As we generally do not maintain control over the payment of annuities, we cannot be certain that our licensors will timely pay such annuities and that the
granted patents will not become abandoned. For example, certain annuities were not paid in a timely manner with respect to foreign patents licensed under
MN-002 (the active metabolite of MN-001 (tipelukast) and, as a result, our patent rights may be impaired in those territories. In addition, our licensors may
have selected a limited amount of foreign patent protection, and therefore applications have not been filed in, and foreign patents may not have been
perfected in, all commercially significant countries.
The patent protection of our product candidates and technology involves complex legal and factual questions. Most of our license agreements give us
a right, but not an obligation, to enforce our patent rights. To the extent it is necessary or advantageous for any of our licensors’ cooperation in the
enforcement of our patent rights, we cannot control the amount or timing of resources our licensors devote on our behalf or the priority they place on
enforcing our patent rights. We may not be able to protect our intellectual property rights against third party infringement, which may be difficult to detect,
especially for infringement of patent claims for methods of manufacturing. Additionally, challenges may be made to the ownership of our intellectual
property rights, our ability to enforce them or our underlying licenses, which in some cases have been made under foreign laws and may provide different
protections than that of U.S. law.
We cannot be certain that any of the patents or patent applications owned by us or our licensors related to our product candidates and technology will
provide adequate protection from competing products. Our success will depend, in part, on whether we or our licensors can:
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obtain and maintain patents to protect our product candidates;
obtain and maintain any required or desirable licenses to use certain technologies of third parties, which may be protected by patents;
protect our trade secrets and know-how;
operate without infringing the intellectual property and proprietary rights of others;
enforce the issued patents under which we hold rights; and
develop additional proprietary technologies that are patentable.
The degree of future protection for our proprietary rights is uncertain. For example:
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we or our licensor might not have been the first to make the inventions covered by each of our pending patent applications or issued patents;
we or our licensor might not have been the first to file patent applications for these inventions;
others may independently develop similar or alternative technologies or duplicate any of our technologies;
it is possible that none of our pending patent applications will result in issued patents;
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any patents under which we hold rights may not provide us with a basis for maintaining market exclusivity for commercially viable products,
may not provide us with any competitive advantages or may be challenged by third parties as invalid, not infringed or unenforceable under U.S.
or foreign laws; or
any of the issued patents under which we hold rights may not be valid or enforceable or may be circumvented successfully in light of the
continuing evolution of domestic and foreign patent laws.
Confidentiality agreements with employees and others may not adequately prevent disclosure of our trade secrets and other proprietary information
and may not adequately protect our intellectual property, which could limit our ability to compete.
Because we operate in the highly technical field of research and development of small molecule drugs, we rely in part on trade secret protection in
order to protect our proprietary trade secrets and unpatented know-how. However, trade secrets are difficult to protect, and we cannot be certain that others
will not develop the same or similar technologies on their own. We have taken steps, including entering into confidentiality agreements with our
employees, consultants, outside scientific collaborators, sponsored researchers and other advisors, to protect our trade secrets and unpatented know-how.
These agreements generally require that the other party keep confidential and not disclose to third parties all confidential information developed by the
party or made known to the party by us during the course of the party’s relationship with us. We also typically obtain agreements from these parties which
provide that inventions conceived by the party in the course of rendering services to us will be our exclusive property. However, these agreements may not
be honored and may not effectively assign intellectual property rights to us. Further, we have limited control, if any, over the protection of trade secrets
developed by our licensors. Enforcing a claim that a party illegally obtained and is using our trade secrets or know-how is difficult, expensive and time
consuming, and the outcome is unpredictable. In addition, courts outside the United States may be less willing to protect trade secrets or know-how. The
failure to obtain or maintain trade secret protection could adversely affect our competitive position.
A dispute concerning the infringement or misappropriation of our proprietary rights or the proprietary rights of others could be time consuming and
costly, and an unfavorable outcome could harm our business.
There is significant litigation in our industry regarding patent and other intellectual property rights. While we are not currently subject to any pending
intellectual property litigation, and are not aware of any such threatened litigation, we may be exposed to future litigation by third parties based on claims
that our product candidates, their methods of use, manufacturing or other technologies or activities infringe the intellectual property rights of such third
parties. There are many patents relating to chemical compounds and methods of use. If our compounds or their methods of use or manufacture are found to
infringe any such patents, we may have to pay significant damages or seek licenses under such patents. We have not conducted comprehensive searches for
unexpired patents issued to third parties relating to our product candidates. Consequently, no assurance can be given that unexpired, third party patents
containing claims covering our product candidates, their methods of use or manufacture do not exist. Moreover, because some patent applications in the
United States may be maintained in secrecy until the patents are issued, and because patent applications in the United States and many foreign jurisdictions
are typically not published until 18 months after filing, we cannot be certain that others have not filed patent applications that will mature into issued
patents that relate to our current or future product candidates and which could have a material effect in developing and commercializing one or more of our
product candidates. The owner of a patent that is arguably infringed can bring a civil action seeking to enjoin an accused infringer from importing, making,
marketing, distributing, using or selling an infringing product. We may need to resort to litigation to enforce our intellectual property rights or to seek a
declaratory judgment concerning the scope, validity or enforceability of third party proprietary rights. Similarly, we may be subject to claims that we have
inappropriately used or disclosed trade secrets or other proprietary information of third parties. If we become involved in litigation, it could consume a
substantial portion of our managerial and financial resources, regardless of whether we win or lose. Some of our competitors may be able to sustain the
costs of complex intellectual property litigation more effectively than we can because they have substantially greater resources. We may not be able to
afford the costs of litigation. Any legal action against us or our collaborators could lead to:
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liable is deemed willful, or a case against us is determined by a judge to be exceptional;
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injunctive or other equitable relief that may effectively block our ability to further develop, commercialize and sell our products;
having to enter into license arrangements that may not be available on reasonable or commercially acceptable terms; or
significant cost and expense, as well as distraction of our management from our business.
As a result, we could lose our ability to develop and commercialize current or future product candidates.
We may be subject to claims that our employees have wrongfully used or disclosed alleged trade secrets of their former employers.
As is common in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, we employ individuals who were previously employed at other biotechnology or
pharmaceutical companies, including our competitors or potential competitors. From time to time, we may be subject to claims that these employees or we
have inadvertently or otherwise used or disclosed trade secrets or other proprietary information of their former employers. Litigation may be necessary to
defend against these claims. Even if we are successful in defending against these claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to
management.
Risks Related to the Securities Markets and Investment in Our Common Stock
Our stock price may be volatile, and you may not be able to resell our shares at a profit or at all.
Despite the listing of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market and the JASDAQ Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange in Japan, trading
volume in our securities has been light and an active trading market may not develop for our common stock. In 2021, our average trading volume was
approximately 625,731 shares per day on the NASDAQ Global Market and approximately 100,482 shares per day on the JASDAQ Market.
The market prices for securities of biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and early-stage drug discovery and development companies like
us in particular, have historically been highly volatile and may continue to be highly volatile in the future. For example, since the date of our initial public
offering in Japan on February 8, 2005 through December 31, 2021, our common stock has traded as high as approximately $42.00 and as low as
approximately $1.30. The following factors, in addition to other risk factors described in this section, may have a significant impact on the market price of
our common stock:
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the development status of our product candidates, including clinical trial results and determinations by regulatory authorities with respect to our
product candidates;
the initiation, termination, or reduction in the scope of any collaboration arrangements or any disputes or developments regarding such
collaborations;
FDA or foreign regulatory actions, including failure to receive regulatory approval for any of our product candidates;
announcements of technological innovations, new commercial products or other material events by us or our competitors;
disputes or other developments concerning our intellectual property rights;
market conditions in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors;
actual and anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly or annual operating results;
price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock markets;
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changes in, or failure to meet, securities analysts’ or investors’ expectations of our financial performance;
additions or departures of key personnel;
discussions of our business, management, products, financial performance, prospects or stock price by the financial and scientific press and
online investor communities;
litigation or public concern about the safety of our potential products;
public concern as to, and legislative action with respect to, the pricing and availability of prescription drugs or the safety of drugs and drug
delivery techniques; or
regulatory developments in the United States and in foreign countries.
Broad market and industry factors, as well as economic and political factors, also may materially adversely affect the market price of our common
stock.
Our common stock may be delisted on the NASDAQ Global Market or the JASDAQ Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
In addition to the risks identified immediately above, the market price of our common stock, and your ability to sell your shares at a profit, or at all,
may be affected by the delisting of our shares for failure to meet applicable listing standards. For example, price per share minimums are maintained by the
NASDAQ Global Market, and our share price has, in the past, fallen below the required minimum. Failure to meet these or other listing requirements for
either of the stock exchanges on which our common stock is listed could adversely affect the market price for our common stock and your ability to sell
your shares at a profit, or at all.
The sale of additional common stock under our existing at-the-market issuance sales agreement may cause substantial dilution to our existing
stockholders and/or the price of our common stock to decline.
On August 23, 2019, we entered into an at market issuance sales agreement (the “2019 ATM Agreement”) with B. Riley FBR, Inc. (B. Riley FBR)
pursuant to which we may sell common stock through B. Riley FBR from time to time up to an aggregate offering price of $75.0 million. From time to
time, we may sell additional shares of our common stock under the 2019 ATM Agreement. Depending upon market liquidity at the time, sales of shares of
our common stock under the 2019 ATM Agreement may cause the trading price of our common stock to decline and may result in substantial dilution to
the interests of other holders of our common stock. The sale of a substantial number of shares of our common stock under the 2019 ATM Agreement, or
anticipation of such sales, could make it more difficult for us to sell equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and at a price that we might
otherwise wish to effect sales.
We may become involved in securities class action litigation that could divert management’s attention and harm our business.
The stock markets have from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have affected the market prices for the common
stock of biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies. These broad market fluctuations may cause the market price of our common stock to decline. In
the past, securities class action litigation has often been brought against a company following a decline in the market price of its securities. This risk is
especially relevant for us because biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies have in the past experienced significant stock price volatility. We may
become involved in this type of litigation in the future. Litigation often is expensive and diverts management’s attention and resources, which could
adversely affect our business.
Future sales of our common stock may cause our stock price to decline and may make it difficult for us to raise additional capital or for you to sell your
shares.
Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock, or the availability of such common stock for sale, could adversely affect the prevailing market
prices for our common stock. If this occurs and continues, it could impair our
55
ability to raise additional capital through the sale of securities if we should desire to do so. In addition, it may be difficult, or even impossible, to find a
buyer for shares of our common stock.
We have also registered all common stock that we may issue under our current employee benefits plans. As a result, these shares can be freely sold in
the public market upon issuance, subject to the terms of the underlying agreements governing the grants and the restrictions of the securities laws. In
addition, our directors and officers may in the future establish programmed selling plans under Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act, for the purpose of
effecting sales of our common stock. If any of these events cause a large number of our shares to be sold in the public market, the sales could reduce the
trading price of our common stock and impede our ability to raise future capital.
Anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents and under Delaware law may make an acquisition of us more complicated and the removal and
replacement of our directors and management more difficult.
Our restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws contain provisions that may delay or prevent a change in control,
discourage bids at a premium over the market price of our common stock or adversely affect the market price of our common stock and the voting and
other rights of the holders of our common stock. These provisions may also make it difficult for stockholders to remove and replace our board of directors
and management. These provisions:
•
•
•
•
•
•
establish that members of the board of directors may be removed only for cause upon the affirmative vote of stockholders owning at least a
majority of our capital stock;
authorize the issuance of “blank check” preferred stock that could be issued by our board of directors in a discriminatory fashion designed to
increase the number of outstanding shares and prevent or delay a takeover attempt;
limit who may call a special meeting of stockholders;
establish advance notice requirements for nominations for election to the board of directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon at
stockholder meetings;
prohibit our stockholders from making certain changes to our restated certificate of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws except with
66-2/3% stockholder approval; and
provide for a classified board of directors with staggered terms.
We also may be subject to provisions of the Delaware corporation law that, in general, prohibit any business combination with a beneficial owner of
15% or more of our common stock for three years unless the holder’s acquisition of our stock was approved in advance by our board of directors. Although
we believe these provisions collectively provide for an opportunity to receive higher bids by requiring potential acquirers to negotiate with our board of
directors, they would apply even if the offer may be considered beneficial by some stockholders. In any event, these provisions may delay or prevent a third
party from acquiring us. Any such delay or prevention could cause the market price of our common stock to decline.
56
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Not applicable.
Item 2. Properties
We executed a sublease agreement for our headquarters effective December 1, 2017 (the “Sublease”) with Cardinal Health 127 Inc., the sublessor, to
which Irvine Company, the master lessor, had provided its consent. The Sublease was for approximately 4,400 square feet and had a term of four years and
one month. We have now extended this lease for an additional 5 years through January 31, 2027.
In June 2005, we leased office space in Tokyo, Japan under a non-cancelable operating lease with an original expiration date of May 2013 and an
auto-renewal two-year extension. The lease was renewed in May 2021 and has a term of two years with an auto-renewal, two year extension. We have no
laboratory, research or manufacturing facilities, and we currently do not plan to purchase or lease any such facilities, as such services are provided to us by
third party service providers. We believe that our current facilities are adequate for our needs for the immediate future and that, should it be needed,
suitable additional space will be available to accommodate expansion of our operations on commercially reasonable terms.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
We are not involved in any material legal proceedings as of the date of this report. We may become involved in various disputes and legal
proceedings which arise in the ordinary course of business. Our assessment of the likely impact of our pending litigation may change over time. An adverse
result in any of these matters may occur which could harm our business and result in a material liability.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
57
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information
Our common stock is listed on the JASDAQ Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange and trades under the code “4875,” and is listed on the NASDAQ
Global Market and trades under the symbol “MNOV.”
Holders of Common Stock
As of December 31, 2021, there were approximately 14 holders of record of our common stock. Because many of our shares of common stock are
held by brokers or other institutions on behalf of stockholders, we are unable to estimate the total number of stockholders represented by the record holders.
Dividend Policy
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our capital stock, and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
We expect to retain our future earnings, if any, to fund the growth and development of our business.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
Information regarding the securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans can be found under Item 12 of this Annual Report on
Form 10-K.
Item 6. [Reserved.]
58
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
You should read the following discussion and analysis together with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results
could differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under the
caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”
Overview
Background
We are a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel, therapeutics for the treatment of serious diseases with unmet medical needs and a
commercial focus on the United States market. Our current strategy is to focus our development activities on MN-166 (ibudilast) for neurological and other
disorders such as progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, degenerative
cervical myelopathy, glioblastoma, substance dependence and addiction (e.g., methamphetamine dependence, opioid dependence, and alcohol dependence),
and prevention of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and MN-001 (tipelukast) for fibrotic diseases such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Our pipeline also includes MN-221 (bedoradrine) for the treatment of acute exacerbation of asthma and MN-029
(denibulin) for solid tumor cancers. We were incorporated in Delaware in September 2000.
We have incurred significant net losses since our inception. For the year ended December 31, 2021, we had a net loss of $10.1 million. At
December 31, 2021, from inception, our accumulated deficit was $393.1 million. We expect to incur substantial net losses for the next several years as we
continue to develop certain of our existing product development programs, and over the long-term if we expand our research and development programs
and acquire or in-license products, technologies or businesses that are complementary to our own.
Upon completion of proof-of-concept Phase 2 clinical trials, we intend to discuss strategic alliances with leading pharmaceutical or biotechnology
companies who seek late stage product candidates to support further clinical development and product commercialization. Depending on decisions we may
make as to further clinical development, we may seek to raise additional capital. We may also pursue potential partnerships and potential acquirers of
license rights to our programs in markets outside the United States.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements,
which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). The preparation of the consolidated
financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the
related disclosure of contingent liabilities. We review our estimates on an ongoing basis, including those related to our significant accruals. We base our
estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the
basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K. Our most critical accounting estimates include research, development and patent expenses which impacts operating expenses and
accrued liabilities. We review our estimates and assumptions periodically and reflect the effects of revisions in the period in which they are deemed to be
necessary. We believe that the following accounting policies are critical to the judgments and estimates used in preparation of our consolidated financial
statements.
Research, Development and Patent Expenses
Our research, development and patents expenses consist primarily of license fees related to our product candidates, salaries and related employee
benefits, costs associated with the preclinical and clinical development of our product development programs, costs associated with non-clinical activities,
such as regulatory expenses, and
59
pre-commercialization manufacturing development activities. We use external service providers to manufacture our compounds to be used in clinical trials
and for the majority of the services performed in connection with the preclinical and clinical development of our product candidates. Research,
development and patents expenses include fees paid to consultants, contract research organizations, contract manufacturers and other external service
providers, including professional fees and costs associated with legal services, patents and patent applications for our intellectual property. Internal research
and development expenses include costs of compensation and other expenses for research and development personnel, supplies, facility costs and
depreciation. To date, our accrued research, development and patent expenses have not differed significantly from the actual expenses incurred.
The following table summarizes our research, development and patent expenses for the periods indicated for each of our product development
programs. To the extent that costs, including personnel costs, are not tracked to a specific product development program, such costs are included in the
“Other R&D expense” category (in thousands):
External development expense:
MN-221
MN-166
MN-001
MN-029
Other
Total external development expense
R&D personnel expense
R&D facility and depreciation expense
Patent expense
Other R&D expense
Total research, development and patent expense
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Year Ended December 31,
2021
2020
$
$
11 $
5,962
192
3
28
6,196
1,378
47
438
479
8,538 $
2
4,250
197
3
240
4,692
2,149
47
357
240
7,485
The impact of recent accounting pronouncements is more fully described in Note 1 of our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Results of Operations
Comparison of the Years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
Revenues
We recognized $4.0 million of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2021 related to the achievement of milestones from an assignment
agreement with Genzyme. No revenue was recognized for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Research, Development and Patent Expenses
Research, development and patent expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased by $1.0 million to $8.5 million as compared to the same
period in 2020 of $7.5 million, primarily due to higher clinical trial expenses from the ongoing clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) in ALS.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021 decreased by $1.0 million to $5.7 million compared to the same period in
2020 of $6.7 million, primarily driven by a decrease in stock compensation expense for performance-based stock options and lower legal expenses. The
decrease in performance-based stock options was due to a 55% approval of performance options by the Board in 2021 compared to a range of 45% -
60
100% approval in 2020, including a decrease in the estimated fair value of the options granted for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to
December 31, 2020.
Other Expense, net
Other expense for the years ended 2021 and 2020 was approximately $59,000 and $38,000, respectively. Other expense consisted of interest expense
and net transaction losses related to vendor invoices denominated in foreign currencies.
Interest Income
Interest income for the year ended December 31, 2021 was approximately $0.1 million, as compared to approximately $0.4 million for the same
period in 2020. The decrease was primarily due to lower interest rates available in 2021. Interest income consists of interest earned on our cash and cash
equivalents.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We incurred losses of $10.1 million and $13.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. At December 31, 2021, our
accumulated deficit was $393.1 million as compared to $382.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Our operating losses to date have been
funded primarily through the private placement of our equity securities, the public sale of our common stock, long-term debt, development agreements with
partners and the exercise of warrants, net of treasury stock repurchases.
The following table shows a summary of our cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):
Net cash (used in) provided by:
Operating activities
Investing activities
Financing activities
Total
Equity Financing
2021
2020
(9,382)
(29)
20,778
11,367 $
(10,826)
(36)
7,106
(3,756)
$
On August 23, 2019, we entered into an at market issuance sales agreement (the “2019 ATM Agreement”) with B. Riley FBR, Inc. (B. Riley FBR)
pursuant to which we may sell common stock through B. Riley FBR from time to time up to an aggregate offering price of $75.0 million. Sales of our
common stock through B. Riley FBR, if any, will be made by any method that is deemed to be an “at-the-market” equity offering as defined in Rule 415
promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including sales made directly on NASDAQ, on any other existing trading market for the
common stock or through a market maker. B. Riley FBR may also sell the common stock in privately negotiated transactions, subject to our prior
approval. We agreed to pay B. Riley FBR an aggregate commission rate of up to 3.5% of the gross proceeds of any common stock sold under this
agreement. Proceeds from sales of common stock will depend on the number of shares of common stock sold to B. Riley FBR and the per share purchase
price of each transaction.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, we sold and issued 3,656,307 shares of our common stock at a price of $5.47 per share for approximately
$20 million in gross proceeds in a private placement of stock on January 29, 2021. These proceeds will be used for the normal operating expenses of the
business including increased R&D activities. For the year ended December 31, 2020, we generated gross and net proceeds of $6.4 million and $6.2 million,
respectively, on sales of 824,798 shares of our common stock at prices ranging from $5.55 to $10.45 per share.
61
Factors That May Affect Future Financial Condition and Liquidity
As of December 31, 2021, we had available cash and cash equivalents of $71.4 million and working capital of $69.2 million. As of the date of this
report, we believe we have sufficient working capital to fund operations at least through the end of 2023. This is based on our expected operating cash
needs for 2022 to be approximately $21.3 million and assuming we keep our spend at a similar level for 2023. This increase in operating spend is expected
to meet the businesses needs for additional research and development to help monetize our products in development.
Our future funding requirements will depend on many factors, including, but not limited to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
progress in, and the costs of, future planned clinical trials and other research and development activities;
the scope, prioritization and number of our product development programs;
our obligations under our license agreements, pursuant to which we may be required to make future milestone payments upon the achievement
of various milestones related to clinical, regulatory or commercial events;
our ability to establish and maintain strategic collaborations, including licensing and other arrangements, and to complete acquisitions of
additional product candidates;
the time and costs involved in obtaining regulatory approvals;
the costs of securing manufacturing arrangements for clinical or commercial production of our product candidates;
the costs associated with any expansion of our management, personnel, systems and facilities;
the costs associated with any litigation;
the costs associated with the operations or wind-down of any business we may acquire;
the costs involved in filing, prosecuting, enforcing and defending patent claims and other intellectual property rights; and
the costs of establishing or contracting for sales and marketing capabilities and commercialization activities if we obtain regulatory approval to
market any of our product candidates.
At December 31, 2021, we did not have any off balance sheet activity and we did not have any relationship with unconsolidated entities or financial
partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance, variable interest, or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the
purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. In addition, we did not engage in trading activities
involving non-exchange traded contracts. As a result, we are not exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged
in such relationships. We do not have relationships and transactions with persons and entities that derive benefits from their non-independent relationship
with us or our related parties except as disclosed herein.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Not applicable.
62
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (BDO USA, LLP; San Diego, California; PCAOB ID#243)
Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Page
64
66
67
68
69
70
63
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Shareholders and Board of Directors
MediciNova, Inc.
La Jolla, California
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of MediciNova, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related
consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years then ended, and the related notes
(collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended,
in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s
consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the
applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not
required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain
an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal
control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or
fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and
disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was
communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated
financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not
alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below,
providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Clinical Trial Accruals
As described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company recognizes costs it incurs for preclinical studies, clinical trials and
manufacturing activities as research and development expenses based on its evaluation of its vendors’ progress toward completion of specific tasks.
Payment timing may differ significantly from the period in which the costs are recognized as expense. Costs for services incurred that have not yet been
billed or paid are recognized as accrued expenses. In estimating the vendors’ progress toward completion of specific
64
tasks, the Company uses data such as patient enrollment, clinical site activations or vendor information of actual costs incurred. This data is obtained
through reports from or discussions with Company personnel and outside service providers as to the progress or state of completion of trials, or the
completion of services. As of December 31, 2021, the Company recorded $1.1 million in clinical trial accruals.
We identified the clinical trial accruals as a critical audit matter due to significant management judgment to estimate the progress toward completion of
specific tasks that is dependent upon data and information from internal clinical personnel and third-party service providers. Auditing these elements
involved especially challenging auditor judgment due to the nature and extent of audit effort required to address these matters.
The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included:
•
•
•
Testing the appropriate measurement of clinical trial accruals by obtaining and inspecting significant agreements and agreement amendments,
evaluating the Company’s documentation of trial progress and status (including consideration of measures such as patient enrollment and
milestones achieved), and testing a sample of transactions and comparing the costs against related invoices and contracts.
Testing the completeness of the Company’s clinical trial accruals by evaluating publicly available information (such as press releases and
public databases that track clinical trials) and board of directors’ materials regarding the status of clinical trials and inquiring of clinical staff to
gain an understanding of the status of significant on-going clinical trials.
Testing a sample of subsequent payments to evaluate the completeness of clinical trial accruals at the end of the year.
/s/ BDO USA, LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2015.
San Diego, California
February 16, 2022
65
MEDICINOVA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Assets:
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Total current assets
Goodwill
In-process research and development
Property and equipment, net
Right-of-use asset
Other non-current assets
Total assets
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities
Operating lease liability
Total current liabilities
Long-term deferred revenue
Deferred tax liability
Other non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Commitments and contingencies (Note 5)
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized at
December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020; 49,043,246 and 45,024,560
shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021 and December 31,
2020, respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Accumulated deficit
Total stockholders’ equity
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
$
$
December 31,
2021
2020
71,430,954 $
577,992
72,008,946
9,600,240
4,800,000
57,565
824,215
115,492
87,406,458 $
402,740 $
2,298,203
131,965
2,832,908
—
201,792
694,674
3,729,374
60,036,763
680,171
60,716,934
9,600,240
4,800,000
55,700
170,857
75,379
75,419,110
616,629
1,391,293
186,028
2,193,950
1,694,163
201,792
2,705
4,092,610
49,043
476,788,012
(98,877)
(393,061,094)
83,677,084
87,406,458 $
45,025
454,296,536
(88,219)
(382,926,842)
71,326,500
75,419,110
$
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
66
MEDICINOVA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Revenues
Operating expenses:
Research, development and patents
General and administrative
Total operating expenses
Operating loss
Interest income
Other expense, net
Loss before income taxes
Income tax benefit (expense)
Net loss applicable to common stockholders
Basic and diluted net loss per common share
Shares used to compute basic and diluted net loss per common share
Net loss applicable to common stockholders
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Comprehensive loss
Years ended December 31,
2021
2020
$
4,037,500 $
—
8,538,027
5,715,285
14,253,312
(10,215,812)
143,626
(59,498)
(10,131,684)
(2,568)
(10,134,252) $
(0.21) $
48,596,255
(10,134,252) $
7,484,835
6,693,488
14,178,323
(14,178,323)
361,182
(38,404)
(13,855,545)
1,648
(13,853,897)
(0.31)
44,413,441
(13,853,897)
(10,658)
(10,144,910) $
4,462
(13,849,435)
$
$
$
$
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
67
MEDICINOVA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock
Balance at December 31, 2019
Share-based compensation
Issuance of shares under an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)
Issuance of common stock under at-the-market equity distribution
and sales agreements, net of offering costs
Issuance of common stock for option exercises
Net loss
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Balance at December 31, 2020
Share-based compensation
Issuance of shares under an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)
Issuance of common stock in a private placement transaction, net of issuance
costs
Issuance of common stock for option exercises
Net loss
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Balance at December 31, 2021
Shares
43,908,065
—
3,834
824,798
287,863
—
—
45,024,560
—
1,424
3,656,307
360,955
—
—
49,043,246
$
$
Additional
paid-in
capital
$ 444,016,341
3,175,553
11,704
6,187,254
905,684
—
—
454,296,536
1,717,513
6,108
Amount
43,908
—
4
825
288
—
—
45,025
—
2
3,656
360
—
—
49,043
19,877,976
889,879
—
—
$ 476,788,012
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
Accumulated
deficit
$
(92,681) $ (369,072,945) $
—
—
—
—
—
4,462
—
—
—
—
(13,853,897)
—
(88,219) (382,926,842)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(10,134,252)
$
(10,658)
(98,877) $ (393,061,094) $
—
Total
stockholders’
equity
74,894,623
3,175,553
11,708
6,188,079
905,972
(13,853,897)
4,462
71,326,500
1,717,513
6,110
19,881,632
890,239
(10,134,252)
(10,658)
83,677,084
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
68
MEDICINOVA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Operating activities:
Net loss
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Non-cash stock-based compensation
Depreciation and amortization
Loss on disposal
Reduction in carrying amount of ROU assets
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities
Operating lease liabilities
Net cash used in operating activities
Investing activities:
Acquisitions of property and equipment
Net cash used in investing activities
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock and exercise of common
stock options
Common stock issuance costs
Proceeds from issuance of equity under ESPP
Net cash provided by financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Income taxes paid
Right-of-use asset obtained in exchange for operating lease liability
Years ended December 31,
2021
2020
$
(10,134,252) $
(13,853,897)
1,717,513
26,149
286
216,640
50,319
(1,026,525)
(231,735)
(9,381,605)
(28,732)
(28,732)
20,890,239
(118,368)
6,110
20,777,981
26,547
11,394,191
60,036,763
71,430,954 $
3,175,553
21,342
—
210,213
(155,259)
(4,772)
(219,542)
(10,826,362)
(36,492)
(36,492)
7,297,891
(203,840)
11,708
7,105,759
1,201
(3,755,894)
63,792,657
60,036,763
— $
870,373 $
1,485
170,857
$
$
$
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
69
MEDICINOVA, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Organization and Business
MediciNova, Inc. (the “Company” or “MediciNova”) was incorporated in the state of Delaware in September 2000 and is a public company. The
Company’s common stock is listed in both the United States and Japan and trades on the NASDAQ Global Market and the JASDAQ Market of the Tokyo
Stock Exchange. The Company is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapeutics for the treatment of serious diseases with unmet
medical needs with a commercial focus on the United States market. The Company’s current strategy is to focus its development activities on MN-166
(ibudilast) for neurological and other disorders such as progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), chemotherapy-induced
peripheral neuropathy, degenerative cervical myelopathy, glioblastoma, substance dependence and addiction (e.g., methamphetamine dependence, opioid
dependence, and alcohol dependence), and prevention of acute respiratory distress syndrome, and MN-001 (tipelukast) for fibrotic diseases such as
nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The Company’s pipeline also includes MN-221 (bedoradrine) for the
treatment of acute exacerbation of asthma, and MN-029 (denibulin) for solid tumor cancers.
Reclassification
Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. “Right-of-use asset” was
previously presented within “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” and was reclassified to its own line on the consolidated balance sheet for the year
ended December 31, 2020. ‘Operating lease liability” was previously presented within “Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities” and was reclassified
to its own line on the consolidated balance sheet for the year ended December 31, 2020. Such reclassifications also resulted in a change to the presentation
of items within operating activities in the statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2020. There was no change to total net cash used in
operating activities. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported results of operations, cash flows, or retained earnings.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MediciNova, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries MediciNova Japan, Inc.,
MediciNova (Europe) Limited, MediciNova Europe GmbH and Avigen Inc. The financial statements of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are measured
using their local currency as the functional currency. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income or
loss. Intercompany transaction gains or losses at each period end are included as translation adjustments and recorded within other comprehensive income
or loss. All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.
Segment Reporting
Operating segments are identified as components of an enterprise about which separate discrete financial information is available for evaluation by the
chief operating decision-maker in making decisions regarding resource allocation and assessing performance. The Company operates in a single operating
segment – the acquisition and development of small molecule therapeutics for the treatment of serious diseases with unmet medical needs.
Impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s Business
The pandemic caused by an outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19” or “the pandemic”) has resulted, and is likely to continue to result,
in significant national and global economic disruption and may adversely affect the Company’s business. Although the pandemic resulted in a decrease in
the number of patient visits at certain of the Company’s clinical trial sites, the Company expects this effect to be temporary. The Company has
70
seen an increase in the number of patient visits compared to earlier in the pandemic and the Company continues to enroll patients in clinical trials.
Throughout the pandemic, the Company has continued with routine clinical trial activities including executing new clinical trial agreements, negotiating
budgets, institutional review board (IRB) approvals, site training, and other activities related to the initiation of new clinical trial sites. In addition,
following the outbreak of the pandemic, the Company designed a clinical trial to evaluate MN-166 (ibudilast) for prevention of acute respiratory distress
syndrome (ARDS) caused by COVID-19. Based on the Company’s current assessment, the Company does not expect a material negative impact on its
clinical development plans, long-term development timeline or liquidity due to the worldwide spread of the COVID-19 virus. However, the Company is
actively monitoring this situation and the possible effects on its financial condition, liquidity, operations, suppliers, industry, and workforce.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect
the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and other highly liquid investments, including money market accounts, with original maturities of three
months or less from the date of purchase.
Concentrations and Credit Risk
The Company maintains cash balances at various financial institutions and such balances commonly exceed the $250,000 amount insured by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Company also maintains money market funds at various financial institutions which are not federally insured
although are invested primarily in U.S. government securities. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and management believes
that the Company does not have significant credit risk with respect to such cash and cash equivalents.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Financial instruments, including cash equivalents and accounts payable, are carried at cost, which management believes approximates fair value
because of the short-term nature of these instruments.
IPR&D, Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill
Amounts incurred related to in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) or asset purchases of IPR&D are expensed as incurred. Amounts
allocated to IPR&D in connection with a business combination are recorded at fair value and are considered indefinite-lived intangible assets until
completion or abandonment of the associated research and development efforts. If and when development is complete, which generally occurs when
regulatory approval to market a product is obtained, the associated assets are deemed finite-lived and amortized over a period that best reflects the
economic benefits provided by these assets. During the period the assets are considered indefinite-lived, they will not be amortized but will be tested
annually for impairment or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. The Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more
likely than not that the fair value of the IPR&D is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative
assessment. If, after assessing qualitative factors, the Company determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value is less than its carrying amount,
then a quantitative assessment is unnecessary. If the quantitative assessment is deemed necessary, the excess of the carrying value over fair value will be
recorded as an impairment. The qualitative assessment focuses on the key inputs, assumptions and rationale utilized in the establishment of the carrying
value and related changes since the last quantitative assessment. Based on the results of the Company’s annual qualitative assessment, the Company
concluded that it is not more likely than not that IPR&D was impaired for any of the periods presented.
The Company’s long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset
(or asset group) may not be recoverable, and the Company will perform
71
an impairment analysis. Long-lived assets are deemed to be impaired when the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset (or asset
group) are less than the asset’s carrying amount. Any required impairment loss would be measured as the amount by which the asset’s (or asset group’s)
carrying value exceeds its fair value and would be recorded as a reduction in the carrying value of the related asset and a charge to operating expense.
There were no events or changes in circumstances to indicate that the carrying value of an asset (or asset group) may not be recoverable for any of the
periods presented.
Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually (as of December 31st) or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. As the Company operates in
a single operating segment and reporting unit, goodwill is assessed at a consolidated level. The Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine
whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. If so, the Company will
proceed with a quantitative assessment that compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount. If the fair value exceeds the carrying
value as a result of either the qualitative or quantitative test, goodwill is not considered impaired. The qualitative factors include economic environment,
business climate, market capitalization, operating performance, competition, and other factors. The Company placed the highest weight in excess cushion
of the market capitalization to the equity carrying value in the analysis. Based on the results of the Company’s annual qualitative assessment, the Company
concluded that it is not more likely than not that goodwill was impaired for any of the periods presented.
Research, Development and Patents
Research and development costs are expensed in the period incurred. Research and development costs primarily consist of salaries and related
expenses for personnel, facilities and depreciation, research and development supplies, licenses and outside services. Such research and development costs
totaled $8.1 million and $7.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Costs related to filing and pursuing patent applications are expensed as incurred, as recoverability of such expenditures is uncertain. The Company
includes all external costs related to the filing of patents in Research, Development and Patents expenses. Such patent-related expenses totaled $0.4 million
and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Leases
The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception and if so, determines whether the lease qualifies as an operating or finance lease.
The Company does not recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for leases with a term of 12 months or less and does not separate non-lease
components from lease. Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease
payments over the lease term. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is included in general and
administrative expense. As most of the Company’s operating leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based
on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate is the rate that the
Company would expect to pay to borrow on a collateralized and fully amortizing basis over a similar term an amount equal to the lease payments in a
similar economic environment.
Clinical Trial Accruals and Prepaid Expenses
Costs for preclinical studies, clinical studies and manufacturing activities are recognized as research and development expenses based on an
evaluation of the progress by Company vendors towards completion of specific tasks, using data such as patient enrollment, clinical site activations or
information provided to the Company by such vendors regarding their actual costs incurred. Payments for these activities are based on the terms of
individual contracts and payment timing may differ significantly from the period in which the services are performed. The Company determines accrual
estimates through reports from and discussions with applicable personnel and outside service providers as to the progress or state of completion of studies,
or the services completed. The Company’s estimates of accrued expenses as of each balance sheet date are based on the facts and circumstances known at
the time. Costs that are paid in advance of performance are deferred as a prepaid expense and amortized over the service period as the services are
provided. As of December 31, 2021, the Company recorded $1.1 million and $0.4 million in clinical trial accruals and prepaid expenses, respectively. As of
December 31, 2020, the Company recorded $0.4 million and $0.5 million in clinical trial accruals and prepaid expenses, respectively.
72
Share-Based Compensation
The Company estimates the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model on the date of grant. The fair value of equity
instruments expected to vest are recognized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally three to
four years; however, the Company’s equity compensation plans provide for any vesting schedule as the board may deem appropriate. Forfeitures are
recognized as they occur.
The Company issues employee performance-based stock options, the vesting of which is based on a determination made by the board of directors as to
the achievement of certain corporate objectives at the end of the performance period. The grant date of such awards is the date on which the board of
directors makes its determination. For periods preceding the grant date, the expense related to these awards is measured based on their fair value at each
reporting date and the expected number of options based upon the expected performance compared to the performance objectives.
Net Loss Per Share
The Company computes basic net loss per share using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss
per share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares and potentially dilutive securities (common share equivalents) outstanding during
the period. Common share equivalents outstanding, determined using the treasury stock method, are comprised of shares that may be issued under the
Company’s outstanding stock option agreements. Common share equivalents are excluded from the diluted net loss per share calculation if their effect is
anti-dilutive.
Potentially dilutive outstanding securities of 7,974,250 and 7,401,387 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, were excluded
from diluted net loss per common share because of their anti-dilutive effect.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments
— Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). The ASU introduced a new credit loss
methodology, the Current Expected Credit Losses (“CECL”) methodology, which requires earlier recognition of credit losses, while also providing
additional transparency about credit risk. The CECL methodology utilizes a lifetime “expected credit loss” measurement objective for the recognition of
credit losses for loans, held-to maturity debt securities, trade receivables and other receivables measured at amortized cost at the time the financial asset is
originated or acquired. Subsequent to the issuance of ASU 2016-13, the FASB issued several additional ASUs to clarify implementation guidance, provide
narrow-scope improvements and provide additional disclosure guidance. In November 2019, the FASB issued an amendment making this ASU effective
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022 for smaller reporting companies. The new standard will be effective for the Company on January 1,
2023 or at such earlier time where it is no longer a smaller reporting company. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact that this standard
may have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and
Hedging – Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40) (“ASU 2020-06”). ASU 2020-06 simplifies the accounting for convertible debt instruments
by reducing the number of accounting models and the number of embedded features that could be recognized separately from the host contract.
Consequently, more convertible debt instruments will be accounted for as a single liability measured at its amortized cost, as long as no other features
require bifurcation and recognition as derivatives. ASU 2020-06 also requires use of the if-converted method in the diluted earnings per share calculation
for convertible instruments. ASU 2020-06 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years for
smaller reporting companies, with early adoption permitted. The new standard will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2024 or at such earlier time
where it is no longer a smaller reporting company. The Company is currently
73
evaluating the potential impact that this standard may have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (“ASU 2019-12”).
ASU 2019-12 simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. ASU 2019-12 also
improves the consistent application, and the simplification, of other areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance. ASU 2019-12 is
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company
adopted ASU 2019-12 on January 1, 2021 with no material impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
2. Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition Policy
Revenues historically have consisted mainly of research and development services performed under a contract with a customer. The Company
evaluates the separate performance obligation(s) under each contract, allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation considering the
estimated stand-alone selling prices of the services and recognizes revenue upon the satisfaction of such obligations at a point in time or over time
dependent on the satisfaction of one of the following criteria: (1) the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the economic benefits provided by
the vendor’s performance (2) the vendor creates or enhances an asset controlled by the customer (3) the vendor’s performance does not create an asset for
which the vendor has an alternative use, and (4) the vendor has an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date.
Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd
In October 2011, the Company entered into a collaboration agreement with Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., (“Kissei”), to perform research and
development services relating to MN-221 (bedoradrine) in exchange for a non-refundable upfront payment of $2.5 million. Under the terms of the
agreement, the Company is responsible for all costs to be incurred in the performance of these services. The Company assessed the services in accordance
with the authoritative guidance and concluded that its meets the definition of a collaborative arrangement per ASC 808 which is outside of the scope of
ASC 606. Since ASC 808 does not provide recognition and measurement guidance for collaborative arrangements, the Company analogized to ASC 606.
The Company concluded the two studies to be performed under the agreement represented two separate performance obligations. The transaction
price was allocated between the two studies that were deemed separate performance obligations based on the expected costs to be incurred for each
obligation. Revenue is recognized proportional to the total costs expected for each performance obligation as incurred over the service period. The first
study was completed in 2013. The amount received from Kissei and allocated, net of the amount recorded as revenue, is included on the balance sheet as
deferred revenue as of December 31, 2020. No revenue was recognized for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 in connection with the
collaboration agreement with Kissei. As of December 31, 2021, the Company and Kissei were working to mutually terminate the collaboration agreement
and cancel the second study contemplated thereunder. In October 2021, the Company refunded $1.3 million of the prepayment and the Company expects to
finalize the termination agreement in 2022.
74
Genzyme Corporation
In December 2005, Avigen, Inc. and Genzyme Corporation (“Genzyme”) entered into an Assignment Agreement (the “Genzyme Agreement”) in
which Genzyme acquired certain gene therapy intellectual property, programs and other related assets from Avigen, Inc. in exchange for an initial $12
million payment. Avigen could also receive additional development milestone payments, sublicensing fees, and royalty payments based on the successful
development of products by Genzyme utilizing technologies previously developed by Avigen. Avigen was subsequently acquired by the Company in
December 2009 along with Avigen’s rights and obligations under the Genzyme Agreement. If Genzyme fails to diligently pursue the commercialization or
marketing of products using the assigned technology, as specified in the Genzyme Agreement, some of the rights assigned could revert back to the
Company at a future date.
The development milestones outlined in the Genzyme Agreement did not meet the definition of a substantive milestone obligation under authoritative
guidance on revenue recognition for milestone payments, as Genzyme is responsible for the development of the product and there is no further substantive
service effort required by the Company. In March 2021, the Company received notice that a gene therapy product based on AAV (adeno-associated virus)
vector technology, which is covered under the Genzyme Agreement, achieved two clinical development milestones, triggering two milestone payments.
Accordingly, the Company recognized revenue of $4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.
3. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction
between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants
would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, a three-tier fair value hierarchy has been established, which
prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
Level 1:
Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;
Level 2:
Inputs are quoted prices for similar items in active markets or inputs are quoted prices for identical or similar items in markets
that are not active near the measurement date; and
Level 3:
Unobservable inputs due to little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions
Cash equivalents including money market accounts of $0.7 million and $0.7 million measured at fair value as of December 31, 2021 and 2020,
respectively, are classified within Level 1.
4. Balance Sheet Details
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, net, consist of the following:
Leasehold improvements
Furniture and equipment
Software
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
Property and equipment, net
December 31,
2021
2020
15,409 $
124,731
342,628
482,768
(425,203)
57,565 $
17,191
244,021
318,105
579,317
(523,617)
55,700
$
$
The Company uses the straight-line method to record depreciation expense with useful lives of three to five years. Leasehold improvements are
amortized over a useful life of five years. Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment of $26,149 and $21,342 was recorded for the years
ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
75
Accrued Liabilities and Other Current Liabilities
Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities consist of the following:
Accrued compensation
Clinical trial accruals
Professional services fees
Other
Total accrued liabilities and other current liabilities
December 31,
2021
2020
$
$
636,481 $
1,076,411
38,041
547,270
2,298,203 $
823,254
401,789
65,207
101,043
1,391,293
5. Commitments and Contingencies
Lease Commitments
The Company has operating leases primarily for real estate in the United States and Japan. The United States lease is for the Company’s
headquarters in San Diego and is for a term of four years and one month initially ending December 31, 2021, but was extended one month in August 2021
to January 31, 2022. The Company’s new San Diego lease has a term of five years commencing February 1, 2022 and ending January 31, 2027, with
annual escalations. The Company’s lease in Tokyo, Japan was renewed in May 2021 and has a term of two years with an auto-renewal, two-year extension.
The real estate operating leases are included in "Right-of-use asset" on the Company's balance sheet and represents the Company’s right to use the
underlying assets for the lease term. The Company’s obligation to make lease payments are included in "Operating lease liability" and "Other non-current
liabilities" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet.
Information related to the Company’s right-of-use assets and related lease liabilities are as follows:
Cash paid for operating lease liabilities
Operating lease costs
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease obligations
Current operating lease liabilities
Non-current operating lease liabilities
Total operating lease liabilities
Weighted-average remaining lease term
Weighted-average discount rate
76
$
$
$
Year Ended
December 31,
2021
2020
242,676
228,779
870,373
131,965
694,674
826,639
$
$
$
4.54
9.8%
248,648
240,467
—
186,028
2,705
188,733
0.86
8.8%
Maturities of operating lease liabilities as of December 31, 2021 were as follows:
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Thereafter
Total minimum payments
Less imputed interest
Total lease liabilities
Product Liability
$
$
$
210,816
221,104
189,170
197,586
206,483
17,269
1,042,428
(215,789)
826,639
The Company’s business exposes it to liability risks from its potential drug products. A successful product liability claim or series of claims brought
against the Company could result in the payment of significant amounts of money and divert management’s attention from running the business. The
Company may not be able to maintain insurance on acceptable terms, or the insurance may not provide adequate protection in the case of a product liability
claim. To the extent that product liability insurance, if available, does not cover potential claims, the Company would be required to self-insure the risks
associated with such claims. The Company believes it carries reasonably adequate insurance for product liability.
License and Research Agreements
The Company has entered into in-licensing agreements with various pharmaceutical companies. Under the terms of these agreements, the Company
has received licenses to research, know-how and technology claimed, in certain patents or patent applications. Under these license agreements, the
Company is generally required to make upfront payments and additional payments upon the achievement of milestones and/or royalties on future sales of
products until the later of the expiration of the applicable patent or the applicable last date of market exclusivity after the first commercial sale, on a
country-by-country basis.
No amounts have been expended under these agreements during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. For products currently in
development, future potential milestone payments based on product development of MN-166 (ibudilast) and MN-001 (tipelukast) are $10 million as of
December 31, 2021. For all other products, future potential milestone payments related to development milestones and commercialization milestones
totaled $33.5 million as of December 31, 2021. There are no minimum royalties required under any of the license agreements. The Company is unable to
estimate with certainty the timing on when these milestone payments will occur as these payments are dependent upon the progress of the Company’s
product development programs.
Legal Proceedings
From time to time, the Company may be subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business. The Company is not aware of any
such proceedings or claims that it believes will have, individually or in aggregate, a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition or results of
operations.
77
6. Share-based Compensation
Stock Incentive Plans
In June 2013, the Company adopted the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan, or 2013 Plan, under which the Company may grant stock options, stock
appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other awards to individuals who are then employees, officers, non-employee directors or
consultants of the Company or its subsidiaries. The 2013 Plan is the successor to the Company’s Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, or
2004 Plan. A total of 2,500,000 shares of common stock were initially reserved for issuance under the 2013 Plan. The Company’s stockholders have
subsequently approved increases to the number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2013 plan, including approval of an additional 1,500,000 shares at
the annual meeting of stockholders held in June 2020. As of December 31, 2021, a total of 8,700,000 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance
under the 2013 Plan. In addition, “returning shares” that may become available from time to time are added back to the plan. Returning shares are shares
that are subject to outstanding awards granted under the 2004 Plan that expire or terminate prior to exercise or settlement, are forfeited because of the
failure to vest, are repurchased, or are withheld to satisfy tax withholding or purchase price obligations in connection with such awards. Although the
Company no longer grants equity awards under the 2004 Plan, all outstanding stock awards granted under the 2004 Plan will continue to be subject to the
terms and conditions as set forth in the agreements evidencing such stock awards and the terms of the 2004 Plan. As of December 31, 2021, 1,963,317
shares remain available for future grant under the 2013 Plan.
Certain of the employee stock options granted contain performance conditions, the vesting of which is based on a determination made by the
compensation committee followed by an approval of the board of directors as to the achievement of certain corporate objectives at the end of the
performance period. The grant date of such awards is the date on which the board of directors makes its determination. For periods preceding the grant
date, the expense related to these awards is measured based on their fair value at each reporting date. As of December 31, 2021, there were a total of
1,186,000 shares underlying performance options that were subject to vesting based on achievement of performance milestones for 2021. In January 2022,
the compensation committee and the board of directors determined that the performance milestones were achieved at the 55% level and accordingly
652,300 of these options vested and the remaining shares were forfeited.
Stock Options
Options granted under the 2013 Plan and 2004 Plan have terms of ten years from the date of grant unless earlier terminated and generally vest over a
one to four-year period.
The exercise price of all options granted during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was equal to the market value of the Company’s
common stock on the date of grant.
A summary of stock option activity and related information for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 is as follows:
Outstanding at December 31, 2019
Granted
Exercised
Cancelled
Outstanding at December 31, 2020
Granted
Exercised
Cancelled
Outstanding at December 31, 2021
Exercisable at December 31, 2021
78
Number of
Option Shares
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
6,802,093 $
1,382,000 $
(287,863) $
(494,843) $
7,401,387 $
1,315,000 $
(360,955) $
(381,182) $
7,974,250 $
6,687,917 $
5.61
6.67
3.15
8.73
5.70
5.82
2.47
6.77
5.81
5.81
Non-vested at December 31, 2020
Granted
Vested
Forfeitures
Non-vested at December 31, 2021
Number of
Option Shares
1,280,500 $
1,315,000 $
(1,133,167) $
(176,000) $
1,286,333 $
Weighted Average
Grant-Date Fair Value
3.74
3.51
3.70
3.81
3.54
The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised was $0.7 million and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2021 had a weighted average contractual life of 5.81 years and 5.17 years, respectively.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the total intrinsic value of options outstanding was $32,840 and $5.7 million, respectively. Total intrinsic value
of options exercisable was $32,840 and $5.7 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Total fair value of options vested was $4.2 million
and $3.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Under the Company’s 2007 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), 300,000 shares of common stock were originally reserved for issuance. In
addition, the shares reserved automatically increase each year by a number equal to the lesser of: (i) 15,000 shares; (ii) 1% of the outstanding shares of
common stock on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year; or (iii) such lesser amount as determined by the Board. The ESPP permits full-time
employees to purchase common stock through payroll deductions (which cannot exceed 15% of each employee’s compensation) at the lower of 85% of fair
market value at the beginning of the offering period or the end of each six-month offering period. The ESPP is considered a compensatory plan and the
Company records compensation expense.
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 an aggregate of 1,424 and 3,834 shares, respectively were issued under the ESPP. No further shares
will be issued under the ESPP.
Compensation Expense
The estimated fair value of each stock option award was determined on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model with the
following weighted-average assumptions for stock option grants:
Stock Options
Risk-free interest rate
Expected volatility of common stock
Dividend yield
Expected option term (in years)
79
Year Ended
December 31,
2021
2020
0.58%
72.41%
0.00%
5.48
0.41%
74.08%
0.00%
4.69
The estimated fair value of employee stock purchase rights under the Company’s ESPP was determined on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes
option valuation model with the following weighted-average assumptions for stock option grants:
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Risk-free interest rate
Expected volatility of common stock
Dividend yield
Expected option term (in years)
Year Ended
December 31,
2021
2020
0.05%
83.40%
0.00%
0.5
0.15%
81.49%
0.00%
0.5
The risk-free interest rate assumption is based upon observed interest rates appropriate for the expected term of employee stock options. The
expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock. The Company has not paid nor does the Company anticipate
paying dividends on its common stock in the foreseeable future. The expected term of employee stock options is based on the simplified method as
provided by the authoritative guidance on stock compensation, as the historical stock option exercise experience does not provide a reasonable basis to
estimate the expected term. The simplified method approximates the average historical exercise for stock options.
The weighted-average fair value of each stock option granted during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, estimated as of the grant date
using the Black-Scholes option valuation model, was $3.51 per option and $3.70 per option, respectively.
Stock-based compensation expense for stock option awards and ESPP shares are reflected in total operating expenses for each respective year.
The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:
Research, development and patents
General and administrative
Total stock-based compensation expense
December 31,
2021
2020
$
$
640,340 $
1,077,173
1,717,513 $
1,090,839
2,084,714
3,175,553
As of December 31, 2021, there was $0.3 million of unamortized compensation cost related to unvested stock option awards which is expected to be
recognized over a remaining weighted-average vesting period of 0.13 years, on a straight-line basis.
7. Stockholders’ Equity
At-The-Market Issuance Sales Agreement
On August 23, 2019, the Company entered into an at the market issuance sales agreement (the “2019 ATM Agreement”) with B. Riley FBR, Inc.
(B. Riley FBR) pursuant to which the Company may sell common stock through B. Riley FBR from time to time up to an aggregate offering price of $75.0
million. Sales of the Company’s common stock through B. Riley FBR, if any, will be made by any method that is deemed to be an “at-the-market” equity
offering as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including sales made directly on NASDAQ, on any other
existing trading market for the common stock or through a market maker. B. Riley FBR may also sell the common stock in privately negotiated
transactions, subject to the Company’s prior approval. The Company agreed to pay B. Riley FBR an aggregate commission rate of up to 3.5% of the gross
proceeds of any common stock sold under this agreement. Proceeds from sales of common stock will depend on the number of shares of common stock
sold to B. Riley FBR and the per share purchase price of each transaction.
80
The following table summarizes the activity under the ATM agreements for the following periods:
Gross proceeds
Net proceeds
Shares sold
Price range
Private Placement Transactions
Years Ended December 31,
2021
2020
$
$
-
-
-
-
6,391,919
6,188,079
824,798
$5.55 - 10.45
$
$
$
On January 29, 2021, the Company sold and issued to an investor 3,656,307 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $5.47 per share
for approximately $20 million in cash proceeds, net of approximately $0.1 million in issuance costs, in a private placement pursuant to the terms and
conditions of a Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of January 11, 2021 by and between the Company and such investor.
Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuance
The following table summarizes common stock reserved for future issuance at December 31, 2021:
Common stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of
options outstanding (under the 2004 Plan and
2013 Plan)
Common stock reserved for future equity awards (under
the 2013 Plan)
7,974,250
1,963,317
9,937,567
8. Income Taxes
A reconciliation of loss before income taxes for domestic and foreign locations for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 is as follows:
United States
Foreign
Loss before income taxes
Year Ended
December 31,
2021
(10,145,822) $
14,138
(10,131,684) $
2020
(13,865,784)
10,239
(13,855,545)
$
$
81
A reconciliation of income tax benefit (expense) for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 is as follows:
Year Ended
December 31,
Current:
Federal
State
Foreign
Total current income tax benefit (expense)
Deferred:
Federal
State
Foreign
Total deferred income tax benefit (expense)
Total income tax benefit (expense)
2021
2020
$
$
— $
—
(2,568)
(2,568)
—
—
—
—
(2,568) $
—
—
1,648
1,648
—
—
—
—
1,648
The significant components of deferred income taxes at December 31, 2021 and 2020 are as follows:
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards
Capitalized licenses
Research tax credits
Stock options
Other, net
Right-of-use asset
Total deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities
Right-of-use liability
In process R&D
Total deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax assets
Valuation allowance
Net deferred tax liability
Year Ended
December 31,
2021
2020
$
68,485,037 $
30,784
9,262,071
1,601,862
423,279
196,059
79,999,092
(196,059)
(1,343,213)
(1,539,272)
78,459,820
(78,661,612)
$
(201,792) $
67,403,329
98,411
8,980,935
2,902,963
770,100
39,615
80,195,353
(35,726)
(1,343,213)
(1,378,939)
78,816,414
(79,018,206)
(201,792)
The Company has established a valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty that such assets will be realized. The net
change in the valuation allowance during the year ended December 31, 2021 was an increase of $0.4 million. The Company periodically evaluates the
recoverability of the deferred tax assets. At such time as it is determined that it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will be realizable, the
valuation allowance will be reduced.
At December 31, 2021, the Company has federal and California net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards of approximately $273.1 million and $169.6
million, respectively. The federal NOL carryforwards began to expire in 2022, and the California NOL carryforwards will begin to expire in 2028. At
December 31, 2021, the Company also had federal and California research tax credit carry-forwards of approximately $7.5 million and $2.2 million,
respectively. The federal research tax credit carryforwards will begin to expire in 2024, and the California research tax credit carryforward does not expire
and can be carried forward indefinitely until utilized.
On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was signed into law in response to the economic challenges facing US businesses. Under the CARES Act, the
Internal Revenue Code was amended to allow for federal NOL carrybacks for five years to offset previous years income, or can be carried forward
indefinitely to offset 100% of taxable income for the tax year 2020 and 80% of taxable income for tax years 2021 and thereafter.
82
The above NOL carryforward and the research tax credit carryforwards are subject to an annual limitation under Section 382 and 383 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, and similar state provisions due to ownership change limitations that have occurred which will limit the amount of NOL and tax
credit carryforwards that can be utilized to offset future taxable income and tax, respectively. In general, an ownership change, as defined by Section 382
and 383, results from transactions increasing ownership of certain stockholders or public groups in the stock of the corporation by more than 50 percentage
points over a three-year period. The Company has not completed an IRC Section 382/383 analysis since 2011 regarding the limitation of net operating loss
and research and development credit carryforwards. There is a risk that additional changes in ownership have occurred since the completion of the
Company’s analysis, which was through December 2011. If a change in ownership were to have occurred, additional NOL and tax credit carryforwards
could be eliminated or restricted. If eliminated, the related asset would be removed from the deferred tax asset schedule with a corresponding reduction in
the valuation allowance. Due to the existence of the valuation allowance, limitations created by future ownership changes, if any, related to the Company’s
operations in the United States will not impact the Company’s effective tax rate.
A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate is as follows:
Federal statutory income tax rate
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
Tax credits
Change in valuation allowance
Permanent differences
Expiration of attributes
Stock compensation
Uncertain tax positions
Other
Provision for income taxes
Year Ended
December 31,
2021
2020
21.0%
2.7
2.8
3.5
(0.2)
(10.4)
(12.4)
(7.0)
—
0.0%
21.0%
5.2
2.1
(21.4)
—
(1.8)
(5.2)
—
0.1
0.0%
The Company determines its uncertain tax positions based on a determination of whether and how much of a tax benefit taken by the Company in its
tax filings is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the relevant income tax authorities.
The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits:
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at January 1
Additions for tax positions taken in the current year
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31
Year Ended
December 31,
2021
2020
$
$
-
893,371
893,371
$
$
-
-
-
If recognized, none of the unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2021 would reduce the annual effective tax rate, primarily due to
corresponding adjustments to the valuation allowance.
The Company files income tax returns in the United States, California and foreign jurisdictions. Due to the Company’s losses incurred, the Company
is essentially subject to income tax examination by tax authorities from inception to date. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest expense and
penalties related to income tax matters as tax expense. At December 31, 2021, there are no significant accruals for interest related to unrecognized tax
benefits or tax penalties. The Company does not expect the unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly over the next twelve months.
83
9. Employee Savings Plan
The Company has an employee savings plan available to substantially all employees. Under the plan, an employee may elect salary reductions which
are contributed to the plan. The plan provides for discretionary contributions by the Company, which totaled $72,330 and $81,647 for the years ended
December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
An evaluation was performed by our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our
disclosure controls and procedures as defined in the Rules 13(a)-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).
Disclosure controls and procedures are those controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be
disclosed in our Exchange Act filings is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange
Commission’s rules and forms, and (2) accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer,
as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
concluded that, as of December 31, 2021, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our procedures or our internal controls will
prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. An internal control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute,
assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of our controls can
provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There was no change in internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) during our
fourth fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Internal control over financial reporting refers to the process designed by, or under the supervision of, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer, and effected by our board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and
includes those policies and procedures that:
(1) Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
(2) Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorization of our
management and directors; and
(3) Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could
have a material effect on the financial statements.
84
Internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving financial reporting objectives because of its inherent
limitations. Internal control over financial reporting is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and
breakdowns resulting from human failures. Internal control over financial reporting also can be circumvented by collusion or improper management
override. Because of such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over
financial reporting. However, these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process. Therefore, it is possible to design into the
process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk. Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over
financial reporting for the company.
Management has used the framework set forth in the report entitled Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013 framework) published by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, known as COSO, to evaluate the effectiveness of our internal control over financial
reporting. Based on this assessment, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2021.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdiction the Prevent Inspections
None.
85
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
PART III
The information required by this item and not set forth below will be contained in the sections titled “Election of Directors,” “Section 16(a)
Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance”, “Corporate Governance,” “Meetings and Committees of the Board”, and “Executive Officers” in our
definitive proxy statement for our 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the conclusion of our fiscal year
ended December 31, 2021 (the “Proxy Statement”) and is incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K by reference.
We have adopted a Code of Ethics for Senior Officers, or Code of Ethics, that applies to our Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial
Officer and key management employees (including other senior financial officers) who have been identified by our Board of Directors. We have also
adopted a Code of Business Conduct that applies to all of our officers, directors, employees, consultants and representatives. Each of the Code of Ethics
and Code of Business Conduct are available on our website at www.medicinova.com under the Corporate Governance section of our Investor Relations
page. We will promptly post on our website (i) any waiver, if and when granted, to any provision of the Code of Ethics or Code of Business Conduct (for
executive officers or directors) and (ii) any amendment to the Code of Ethics or Code of Business Conduct.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this item will be contained in the section titled “Executive Compensation” in our Proxy Statement and is incorporated in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Certain of the information required by this item will be contained in the section titled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management” in our Proxy Statement and is incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K by reference.
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2021 with respect to the shares of our common stock that may be issued under our
existing equity compensation plans.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Number of Securities
to be Issued
Upon Exercise of
Outstanding
Options and Rights
Weighted Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding
Options
and Rights
Number of Securities
Remaining
Available for Future
Issuance
Under Equity
Compensation Plans
7,974,250 $
7,974,250 $
5.81
5.81
1,963,317
1,963,317
Plan Category
Equity Compensation Plans Approved
by Stockholders (1)
Total
(1) Consists of the Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan and the 2007 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or
ESPP. Under the ESPP, the shares reserved automatically increase by a number equal to the lesser of: (i) 15,000 shares; (ii) 1% of the outstanding
shares of our common stock on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year; or (iii) such lesser amount as determined by the Board.
86
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this item will be contained in the sections titled “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and “Corporate
Governance” in our Proxy Statement and is incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required by this item will be contained in the section titled “Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm” in our Proxy Statement and is incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K by reference.
87
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) Documents filed as part of this report.
PART IV
1. Financial Statements. The following financial statements of MediciNova, Inc. and report of BDO USA, LLP, an independent registered public
accounting firm, are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Financial Statement Schedules. None.
3. Exhibits.
Page
64
66
67
68
69
70
Exhibit
Number
3.1
3.2
4.1
4.2
4.3
10.1*
Description
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-33185) filed August 9, 2012).
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on
Form S-1 (File No. 333-119433) filed October 1, 2004).
Specimen of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File
No. 001-33185) filed February 15, 2007).
Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated September 2, 2004, by and among the Registrant, its founders and the
investors named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-
119433) filed October 1, 2004).
Description of Capital Stock
Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Annual
Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-33185) filed March 29, 2012).
10.2*
Form of Indemnity Agreement between the Registrant and its officers and directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the
Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-33185) filed March 28, 2013).
10.3†
License Agreement, dated March 14, 2002, between the Registrant and Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.4 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-119433), originally filed on October 1,
2004).
10.4†
License Agreement, dated June 19, 2002, between the Registrant and Angiogene Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.5 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-119433), originally filed on October 1,
2004).
10.5†
Exclusive License Agreement, dated February 25, 2004, between the Registrant and Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-119433), originally filed on
October 1, 2004).
10.6†
License Agreement, dated October 22, 2004, between the Registrant and Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.18 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-119433), originally filed on October 1,
2004).
10.7†
License Agreement, dated October 31, 2006, by and between the Registrant and Meiji Seika Kaisha, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-51133) filed November 2, 2006).
88
Exhibit
Number
10.8†
10.9*
10.10*
10.11†
10.12†
10.13†
10.14*
10.15
10.16*
10.17*
10.18*
10.19*
10.20*
10.21*
Description
License Agreement, dated October 31, 2006, by and between the Registrant and Meiji Seika Kaisha, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-51133) filed November 2, 2006).
Executive Employment Agreement, dated April 1, 2007, between the Registrant and Yuichi Iwaki, M.D., Ph.D. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-33185) filed April 4, 2007).
2007 Employee Stock Purchase Plan of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Appendix A of the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy
Statement on Schedule 14A (File No. 001-33185) filed March 13, 2007).
Development and Supply Agreement, dated as of March 26, 2009, between the Registrant and Hospira Worldwide, Inc. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-33185) filed March 30, 2009).
Assignment Agreement, dated December 19, 2005, between Genzyme Corporation and Avigen, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.58 of Avigen, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-51133) filed February 16, 2006).
Asset Purchase Agreement, dated December 17, 2008, between Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Baxter International Inc., and Baxter
Healthcare S.A. and Avigen, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 of Avigen, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-
33185) filed March 31, 2009).
Form of Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated December 31, 2011, between the Registrant and Yuichi Iwaki, M.D., Ph.D.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-33185) filed January 4, 2011).
Sublease, by and between MediciNova, Inc. and Cardinal Health 127 Inc., dated August 31, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1
to Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-33185) filed with the SEC on September 7, 2017).
2013 Equity Incentive Plan of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
(File No. 001-33185) filed March 27, 2014).
Amended and Restated 2013 Equity Incentive Plan of the Registrant.* (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-33185) filed July 26, 2017).
Form of Notice of Stock Option Grant and Stock Option Agreement for awards pursuant to the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-33185) filed November 7, 2013).
Severance Protection Agreement, dated July 14, 2014, by and between MediciNova, Inc. and Dr. Yuichi Iwaki (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-33185) filed August 13, 2014).
Severance Protection Agreement, dated July 14, 2014, by and between MediciNova, Inc. and Dr. Kazuko Matsuda (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-33185) filed August 13, 2014).
Severance Protection Agreement, dated July 14, 2014, by and between MediciNova, Inc. and Geoffrey O’Brien (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.5 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-33185) filed August 13, 2014).
10.22
At Market Issuance Sales Agreement, dated August 23, 2019, by and between MediciNova, Inc. and B. Riley FBR, Inc. (incorporated by
10.23
10.24
reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-33185) filed August 23, 2019). Inc.
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated January 11, 2021, between the Company and 3D Opportunity Master Fund (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-33185) filed January 12, 2021.
Shareholder Rights Agreement, dated January 11, 2021, between the Company and 3D Opportunity Master Fund (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-33185) filed January 12, 2021.
89
Exhibit
Number
10.25
Description
Services Agreement, dated August 1, 2021, by and between MediciNova, Inc. and Signature Analytics LLC (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-33185) filed August 2, 2021.
10.26
Lease, dated July 20, 2021, by and between MediciNova, Inc. and the Irvine Company LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of
the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-33185) filed July 23, 2021.
23.1
24.1
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
101
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Powers of Attorney (see signature page).
Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933.
Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933.
Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002.
The following financial statements from MediciNova, Inc. on Form 10-K as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021 formatted in
Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations and
Comprehensive Loss; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) the notes
to the consolidated financial statements.
†
*
Portions of this Exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a grant of confidential treatment by the SEC.
Indicates management contract or compensatory plan.
90
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this Annual
Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SIGNATURES
MEDICINOVA, INC.
A Delaware Corporation
Date: February 16, 2022
By:
/s/ Yuichi Iwaki
Yuichi Iwaki, M.D., Ph.D.
President & Chief Executive Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Yuichi Iwaki his true and
lawful attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and
to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorney-in-fact or his substitute or substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been signed below by the following
persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
/s/ Yuichi Iwaki
Yuichi Iwaki, M.D., Ph.D.
/s/ Douglas Paulin
Douglas Paulin
/s/ Jeff Himawan
Jeff Himawan, Ph.D.
/s/ Carolyn Beaver
Carolyn Beaver
/s/ Kazuko Matsuda
Kazuko Matsuda
/s/ Hideki Nagao
Hideki Nagao
Title
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal executive officer)
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal financial and accounting officer)
Date
February 16, 2022
February 16, 2022
Chairman of the Board of Directors
February 16, 2022
Director
Director
Director
91
February 16, 2022
February 16, 2022
February 16, 2022
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
Exhibit 4.3
General
MediciNova, Inc. (“we,” “us,” and “our”) has one class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended - our common stock, $0.001 par value per share.
The following information describes our capital stock, as well as certain provisions of our restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, and
amended and restated bylaws. The summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our restated certificate of
incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, copies of which have been filed as exhibits to our public filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the “SEC”).
General
Our authorized capital stock consists of 100,000,000 shares of common stock, with a $0.001 par value per share, and 10,000,000 shares of
preferred stock, with a $0.01 par value per share, all of which shares of preferred stock are undesignated. Our board of directors may establish the rights
and preferences of the preferred stock from time to time. As of February 14, 2022, there were 49,043,246 shares of common stock issued and outstanding,
held of record by 14 stockholders, although we believe that there may be a significantly larger number of beneficial owners of our common stock. We
derived the number of stockholders by reviewing the listing of outstanding common stock recorded by our transfer agent as of February 14, 2022.
Common Stock
The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted upon by the stockholders. The holders of common
stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by the board of directors out of funds legally available,
subject to preferences that may be applicable to preferred stock, if any, then outstanding. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our
company, the holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities, subject to prior distribution rights of
preferred stock, if any, then outstanding. The common stock has no preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or
sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. All outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and non-assessable.
The rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of our common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the
holders of shares of any series of preferred stock that we may designate and issue in the future.
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “MNOV.” The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC. Its address is 6201 15th Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11219, and its telephone number is (718) 921-
8200.
Preferred Stock
Under the terms of our restated certificate of incorporation, our board of directors is authorized to issue shares of preferred stock in one or more
series without stockholder approval. Our board of directors has the discretion to determine the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, including
voting rights, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges and liquidation preferences, of each series of preferred stock. There are no
restrictions presently on the repurchase or redemption of any shares of our preferred stock.
The issuance of preferred stock will affect, and may adversely affect, the rights of holders of common stock. It is not possible to state the actual
effect of the issuance of any shares of preferred stock on the rights of holders of common stock
until the board of directors determines the specific rights attached to that preferred stock. The effects of issuing preferred stock could include one or more
of the following:
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restricting dividends on the common stock;
diluting the voting power of the common stock;
impairing the liquidation rights of the common stock; or
delaying or preventing changes in control or management of our company.
We have no present plans to issue any shares of preferred stock nor are any shares of our preferred stock presently outstanding. Preferred stock
will be fully paid and nonassessable upon issuance.
Effect of Certain Provisions of our Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
Provisions of our restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws could have the effect of delaying, deferring or
discouraging another party from acquiring control of us. These provisions, which are summarized below, may have the effect of discouraging takeover bids.
These provisions are also designed, in part, to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our board of directors. We believe
that the benefits of increased protection of our potential ability to negotiate with an unfriendly or unsolicited acquirer outweigh the disadvantages of
discouraging a proposal to acquire us because negotiation of these proposals could result in an improvement of their terms.
Undesignated Preferred Stock. The authority of our board of directors to issue preferred stock could potentially be used to discourage attempts
by third parties to obtain control of our company through a merger, tender offer, proxy contest, or otherwise by making it more difficult or more costly to
obtain control of our company. Our board of directors may issue preferred stock with voting rights or conversion rights that, if exercised, could adversely
affect the voting power of the holders of common stock.
Limits on Ability of Stockholders to Call a Special Meeting. Our restated certificate of incorporation, as amended and our amended and restated
bylaws generally provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called only by the Chairman of the board of directors, our Chief Executive
Officer or by resolution of the board of directors. Stockholders are not permitted to call a special meeting or require our board of directors to call a special
meeting.
Limits on Stockholder Action by Written Consent. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders must be taken at a duly called
annual or special meeting and not by written consent.
Classified Board of Directors. Our board of directors is divided into three classes, one class of which is elected each year by our stockholders.
The directors in each class serve for a three-year term. A third party may be discouraged from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain
control of us as it is more difficult and time consuming for stockholders to replace a majority of the directors on a classified board of directors.
Requirements for Advance Notification of Stockholder Nominations and Proposals. Our amended and restated bylaws establish advance notice
procedures with respect to stockholder proposals and the nomination of candidates for election as directors, other than nominations made by or at the
direction of our board of directors or a committee of our board of directors. However, our amended and restated bylaws may have the effect of precluding
the conduct of certain business at a meeting if the proper procedures are not followed. These provisions may also discourage or deter a potential acquirer
from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect the acquirer's own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of our company.
No Cumulative Voting. The Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”) provides that stockholders are not entitled to the right to cumulate
votes in the election of directors unless our restated certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Our restated certificate of incorporation and amended
and restated bylaws do not expressly provide for cumulative voting.
Size of Board and Vacancies. Our restated certificate provides that the number of directors on our board of directors is fixed exclusively by our
board of directors. Newly created directorships resulting from any increase in our authorized number of directors or any vacancies in the board of directors
resulting from death, resignation or other cause (including removal from office by a vote of the stockholders) may be filled only by a majority vote of the
directors based on the total number of designated directors, though less than a quorum, or by the sole remaining director. The directors so chosen shall
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hold office for a term expiring at the next annual meeting of stockholders, and until their respective successors are elected, except in the case of the death,
incapacity, resignation or removal of any director.
Amendments of Governance Documents. Our restated certificate of incorporation provides that the affirmative vote of the holders of at least
sixty-six and two-thirds (66 2⁄3%) of our voting stock then outstanding is required to amend certain provisions relating to the number, term, election and
removal of our directors, the filling of our board vacancies, the calling of special meetings of stockholders, and the indemnification of directors.
Limitations on Liability, Indemnification of Officers and Directors and Insurance.
The DGCL authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors to corporations and their stockholders for monetary
damages for breaches of directors’ fiduciary duties as directors, subject to certain exceptions, by provision of the corporation’s certificate of incorporation.
Our restated certificate of incorporation contains a provision eliminating the personal liability of our directors to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL.
In addition, our restated certificate of incorporation includes provisions that require us to indemnify, to the fullest extent allowable under the DGCL, our
directors and officers for monetary damages for actions taken as our director or officer, or for serving at our request as a director or officer or another
position at another corporation or enterprise, as the case may be. Our restated certificate of incorporation also provides that we must advance reasonable
expenses to our directors and officers, subject to our receipt of an undertaking from the indemnified party as may be required under the DGCL.
We are also expressly authorized by the DGCL to carry directors’ and officers’ insurance to protect us, our directors, officers and certain
employees for some liabilities. The limitation of liability and indemnification and advancements provisions in our restated certificate of incorporation and
amended and restated bylaws, respectively, may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their fiduciary duties.
These provisions may also have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though such an action, if
successful, might otherwise benefit us and our stockholders. However, the provision in our restated certificate of incorporation eliminating the personal
liability of our directors to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL does not limit or eliminate our rights, or those of any stockholder, to seek non-
monetary relief such as injunction or rescission in the event of a breach of a director’s fiduciary duties, including the duty of care. The indemnification
provisions will not alter the liability of directors under the federal securities laws. In addition, your investment may be adversely affected to the extent that,
in a derivative or direct suit, we pay the litigation costs of our directors and officers and the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and
officers pursuant to these indemnification and advancements provisions.
We expect to maintain standard policies of insurance that provide coverage (i) to our directors and officers against loss arising from claims made
by reason of breach of duty or other wrongful act and (ii) to us with respect to indemnification and advancements payments that we may make to such
directors and officers.
We have entered into an indemnification agreement with each of our officers and directors. These agreements require us to indemnify these
individuals to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law against liabilities that may arise by reason of their service to us, and to advance expenses
incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified. We believe that the limitation of liability provision in our
restated certificate of incorporation and the indemnification agreements will facilitate our ability to continue to attract and retain qualified individuals to
serve as directors and officers.
Insofar as the above described indemnification provisions permit indemnification of directors, officers or persons controlling us for liability
arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), we understand that in the opinion of the SEC, this indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
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Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute
We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL regulating corporate takeovers. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly-held
Delaware corporation from engaging in a business combination with an interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date on which the
person became an interested stockholder unless:
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prior to the date of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the board of directors of the
corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction;
upon completion of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at
least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining
the voting stock outstanding, but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder, (1) shares owned by persons who
are directors and also officers and (2) shares owned by employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to
determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or
at or subsequent to the date of the transaction, the business combination is approved by the board of directors of the corporation and
authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 662/3% of the
outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.
In general, Section 203 defines business combination to include the following:
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any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder;
any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, transfer, pledge or other disposition of 10% or more of either the assets or outstanding stock of the
corporation involving the interested stockholder;
subject to certain exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the
interested stockholder;
any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the
corporation beneficially owned by the interested stockholder; or
the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits by or through
the corporation.
In general, Section 203 defines interested stockholder as an entity or person who, together with affiliates and associates, beneficially owns, or
within three years prior to the determination of interested stockholder status did own, 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation.
The provisions of the DGCL, our restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws could have the effect of
discouraging others from attempting hostile takeovers and, as a consequence, they may also inhibit temporary fluctuations in the market price of our
common stock that often result from actual or rumored hostile takeover attempts. These provisions may also have the effect of preventing changes in our
management. It is possible that these provisions may make it more difficult to accomplish transactions that stockholders may otherwise deem to be in their
best interests.
Registration Rights
Certain holders of shares of our common stock are entitled to contractual rights to require us to register such shares under the Securities Act.
These rights are provided under the terms of our amended and restated registration rights agreement. We will pay all expenses relating to any such
registration, other than underwriting discounts and selling commissions. The registration rights terminate with respect to any holder if all of the following
conditions are met: (a) as reflected on our books and records, such holder (together with its affiliates) holds less than 1% of our outstanding common stock
(on an as-if-converted to common stock basis), (b) our securities trade on a national securities exchange or list on a national automatic quotation system, in
each case, located in the United States, and (c) all shares of common stock issued or issuable upon conversion of the registrable securities held by such
holder (and its affiliates) either (i) may be sold pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act during any ninety (90) day period or (ii) have
ceased to be outstanding.
Piggyback Registration Rights. If we propose to register any of our securities under the Securities Act either for our own account or for the
account of other stockholders, the holders of shares having registration rights will, subject to certain
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exceptions, be entitled to include their shares in our registration statement. These piggyback registration rights are subject to specified conditions and
limitations, including the right of the underwriters to limit the number of shares included in any such registration statement under certain circumstances, but
not below 25% of the total number of shares covered by the registration statement without the consent of more than 50% of the holders of registrable
securities.
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Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Exhibit 23.1
MediciNova, Inc.
La Jolla, California
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S 3 (Nos. 333-252592, 333-233201 and 333-208274) and Form
S-8 (Nos. 333-232239, 333-219491, 333-190490, 333-151808, 333-141694 and 333-122665) of MediciNova, Inc. of our report dated February 16, 2022,
relating to the consolidated financial statements, which appears in this Form 10-K.
/s/ BDO USA, LLP
San Diego, California
February 16, 2022
CERTIFICATION OF THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Exhibit 31.1
I, Yuichi Iwaki, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 of MediciNova, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for
the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to
ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities,
particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our
supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent
fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect,
the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the
registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably
likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control
over financial reporting.
Date: February 16, 2022
/s/ Yuichi Iwaki
Yuichi Iwaki, M.D., Ph.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal executive officer)
CERTIFICATION OF THE PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Exhibit 31.2
I, Douglas Paulin, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 of MediciNova, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for
the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to
ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities,
particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our
supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent
fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect,
the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the
registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably
likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control
over financial reporting.
Date: February 16, 2022
/s/ Douglas Paulin
Douglas Paulin
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal financial officer)
CERTIFICATION OF THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code)
Exhibit 32.1
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of MediciNova, Inc. (the “Company”) for the period ended December 31, 2021, as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Yuichi Iwaki, M.D., Ph.D., as President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Date: February 16, 2022
/s/ Yuichi Iwaki
Yuichi Iwaki, M.D., Ph.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal executive officer)
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely to accompany the Report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, and is not being filed for purposes of
Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company, whether made
before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing. A signed original of this written statement required by
Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff
upon request.
CERTIFICATION OF THE PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code)
Exhibit 32.2
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of MediciNova, Inc. (the “Company”) for the period ended December 31, 2021, as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”),
I, Douglas Paulin, as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Date: February 16, 2022
/s/ Douglas Paulin
Douglas Paulin
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal financial officer)
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely to accompany the Report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, and is not being filed for purposes of
Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company, whether made
before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing. A signed original of this written statement required by
Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff
upon request.