MediciNova Posts Strong NASH Results

MediciNova has posted positive results from a study that examined the potential clinical efficacy of MN-001 for the treatment ofnonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

MN-001, administered orally once daily (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg) for three weeks, was evaluated in the STAM mouse model of NASH, as measured by liver biochemistry and histopathology, NAFLD activity score (NAS), and percent of fibrosis and gene expression.

MN-001, in a dose-dependent manner, significantly reduced fibrosis area compared with vehicle, as demonstrated by a reduction in liver hydroxyproline content, supporting MN-001’s anti-fibrotic properties. MN-001 significantly improved NAS, and this was most likely attributed to the reduction in lobular inflammation and hepatocyte ballooning. Gene expression data implied that MN-001 prevents the formation of fibrosis in the NASH model.

MediciNova is preparing to initiate a Phase II trial in the U.S. for the treatment of NASH.