LA JOLLA, Calif., April 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MediciNova, Inc., a biopharmaceutical firm listed on NASDAQ (MNOV) and the Tokyo Stock Exchange (Code Number: 4875), has Announced significant findings from a study conducted by researchers at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO). The study reveals that the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)-mediated reprogramming of CD74-positive microglia and macrophages represents a critical vulnerability in brain metastasis. This research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Cancer Research in March 2026, highlights a potential new therapeutic strategy to combat brain cancer.
Led by Dr. Manuel Valiente, head of the CNIO Brain Metastasis group, the study demonstrates how tumor-derived MIF alters the functional states of microglia and infiltrating macrophages in the brain. Instead of serving a protective role, these immune cells become pro-metastatic, aiding the growth and spread of cancer. The researchers found that pharmacological modulation of this pathway using ibudilast, a brain-penetrant small molecule, can effectively inhibit the MIF-CD74 signaling pathway, significantly reducing metastatic progression in various experimental models and fresh patient-derived brain metastasis samples. Learn more on Investopedia.
Significant Findings on Immune Reprogramming
The research illustrates a paradigm shift in understanding brain metastasis, which often occurs in patients with advanced solid tumors such as lung, breast, melanoma, and colorectal cancers. Brain metastases develop in up to 30% of these patients, highlighting a substantial unmet medical need. Despite advancements in systemic therapies, individuals with brain metastases have historically been excluded from many clinical trials, hindering the development of targeted treatments. Dr. Valiente stated, "By focusing on brain-specific immune-microenvironment interactions rather than tumor-intrinsic alterations alone, the CNIO findings open a new therapeutic avenue that may be applicable across multiple primary tumor types." This approach could lead to better-targeted therapies and improved outcomes for patients suffering from metastatic brain tumors.
Furthermore, the study identified secreted MIF as a potential liquid biopsy biomarker, detectable in cerebrospinal fluid. This discovery supports a translational, biomarker-guided clinical strategy, paving the way for personalized medicine approaches in treating brain metastases. The findings emphasize the importance of understanding the tumor microenvironment and its interactions with the immune system, which could lead to more effective treatments.
Ibudilast's Role in Targeting Brain Metastasis
The study's results underscore the potential of ibudilast (MN-166), MediciNova's leading product, as a therapeutic option for managing brain metastasis. The research demonstrates that ibudilast can reverse the pro-metastatic immune reprogramming caused by MIF, suppressing the growth of brain metastases in preclinical systems. The ability to target this specific signaling axis could provide a new pathway for treatment, offering hope for patients with limited options.
Dr. Kazuko Matsuda, Chief Medical Officer at MediciNova, emphasized the urgency of addressing brain metastasis in oncology. "Brain metastasis represents one of the most urgent and challenging frontiers in oncology," she remarked. The publication of these findings in Cancer Research not only provides strong mechanistic insights but also lays the groundwork for future clinical applications and trials.
Future Clinical Research Directions
MediciNova is actively planning to collaborate with Dr. Valiente and CNIO on upcoming clinical studies targeting patients with solid tumors that have metastasized to the brain. The goal is to translate these findings into clinical settings, potentially leading to new standards of care for affected patients. With a focus on developing biomarker-guided treatment strategies, the collaboration aims to enhance patient stratification in clinical trials, ensuring that treatments are tailored to individual needs.
As the landscape of cancer research continues to evolve, the integration of immune-targeted therapies may indeed pave the way for breakthroughs in managing brain metastasis. The insights gained from this study not only enhance our understanding of immune interactions in the tumor microenvironment but also highlight the importance of developing innovative therapeutic strategies to combat one of oncology's most pressing challenges.
Originally reported by Globe Newswire. View original.