September 27, 2017

VIA EDGAR

Division of Corporation Finance

United States Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, N.E.

Mail Stop 4546

Washington, D.C. 20549

Attention:         Ms. Ada D. Sarmento, Senior Counsel

 

Re:	Acceleration Request of MediciNova, Inc.

Registration Statement on Form S-3, filed September 22, 2017

(File No. 333-220593)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Pursuant to Rules 460 and 461 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, MediciNova, Inc. (the “Registrant”) hereby requests that the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) accelerate the effectiveness of the above-referenced Registration Statement, to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on Monday, October 2, 2017, or as soon thereafter as practicable.

Thank you for your assistance. If you should have any questions, please contact Kirt Shuldberg of Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian, LLP, counsel to the Registrant, at (858) 436-8060.