On April 27, 2026 MediciNova, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company traded on the NASDAQ Global Market (NASDAQ: MNOV) and the Standard Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (Code Number: 4875), reported that a study conducted by researchers at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) has identified macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)–mediated reprogramming of CD74‑positive microglia and macrophages as a central vulnerability in brain metastasis. The research, recently published in the peer‑reviewed journal "Cancer Research" (March 2026), demonstrates pharmacological modulation of this pathway using the brain‑penetrant small molecule ibudilast.
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The work, led by Manuel Valiente PhD, head of CNIO Brain Metastasis group, and colleagues at CNIO, shows that tumor‑derived MIF alters the functional state of microglia and infiltrating macrophages in the brain, converting them from a potentially protective role into a pro‑metastatic one. In multiple experimental models and fresh patient‑derived brain metastasis samples, inhibition of the MIF–CD74 signaling axis significantly reduced metastatic progression. Importantly, the investigators also identified secreted MIF as a candidate liquid biopsy biomarker detectable in cerebrospinal fluid, supporting a translational, biomarker‑guided clinical strategy.
The study further demonstrates that ibudilast can effectively block MIF–CD74 signaling, reverse pro‑metastatic immune reprogramming, and suppress brain metastasis growth in preclinical systems. In addition, transcriptomic analyses define predictive biomarker signatures associated with treatment response, reinforcing the potential for patient stratification in future clinical studies. The findings suggest translational potential for MN-166 (ibudilast), the company’s leading product, in future therapeutic strategies for brain metastasis within neuro-oncology.
MediciNova plans to collaborate with Dr. Valiente and CNIO on future clinical research aimed at patients with solid tumors having brain metastases.
Dr. Valiente commented on the findings, "Brain metastases develop in up to 30% of patients with advanced solid tumors, most commonly arising from lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, and colorectal cancer, and remain an area of substantial unmet medical need. Despite recent advances in systemic therapies, patients with brain metastases have historically been excluded from many clinical trials, limiting progress in the development of targeted treatments. 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."
"Brain metastasis represents one of the most urgent and challenging frontiers in oncology," said Dr. Kazuko Matsuda, Chief Medical Officer. "The publication of this work in Cancer Research provides strong mechanistic and translational rationale to pursue biomarker‑driven clinical strategies. We hold granted patents covering MN‑166 for preventing and minimizing cancer metastasis across multiple solid tumor types, including pancreatic, lung, breast, colorectal and ovarian cancers, as well as melanoma. Our focus is now on advancing future clinical investigations and responsibly translating these insights into studies designed for patients with brain metastases."
The full study, "MIF‑Induced CD74+ Microglia and Macrophages Promote Progression of Brain Metastasis and Are Clinically Relevant Across Central Nervous System Disorders," is available online in Cancer Research. (View Source )
(Press release, MediciNova, APR 27, 2026, View Source [SID1234664821])