On Jun. 7, 2021, MediciNova announced it had initiated a sheep study to investigate MN-166 (ibudilast) in an ovine model of chlorine-induced acute lung injury.

Following treatment of the sheep with MN-166 (ibudilast) or control, the study evaluated pulmonary function, lung injury and edema formation, cardiopulmonary hemodynamics, and systemic vascular permeability.

MediciNova has partnered 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 repurpose 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).