The European Commission designated as an orphan drug MediciNova Inc.'s MN-166 treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.

The development offers potential benefits including protocol assistance, fee reductions and a 10-year market exclusivity once the medicine is introduced in the European market.

The drug is also designated as an orphan drug for ALS in the U.S. and is marketed in Japan and Korea to treat post-stroke complications and bronchial asthma.