Prospectus Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5) (424b5)

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-208274

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

(to the Prospectus dated August 29, 2016)

$29,967,000

LOGO

MEDICINOVA, INC.

Common Stock

We are offering up to an aggregate of $29,967,000 of shares of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share, pursuant to our sales agreement with MLV & Co. LLC (“MLV”), dated May 22, 2015, as amended on September 16, 2016 to include FBR Capital Markets & Co. (“FBR”) as an agent (the “Sales Agreement”). The amended Sales Agreement contains substantially identical terms as the original sales agreement. We originally filed a prospectus supplement for up to $30,000,000 of shares of our common stock pursuant to the Sales Agreement under a registration statement that expired by its terms on December 3, 2015. To continue the sale of shares pursuant to the Sales Agreement, we are filing this prospectus supplement to the registration statement and accompanying prospectus, dated August 29, 2016, referenced above. The shares of common stock offered by this prospectus supplement represent the remaining shares we previously offered for sale under the Sales Agreement, and we are not offering any additional shares for sale pursuant to the Sales Agreement.

Our common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “MNOV” and on the Jasdaq Market of the Tokyo Securities Exchange under the code “4875.” The last reported sale price of our common stock on The NASDAQ Global Market on September 14, 2016 was $6.69 per share.

Sales of our common stock, if any, under this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be made in sales deemed to be “at the market offerings” as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), including sales made directly on or through The NASDAQ Global Market, the existing trading market for our common stock, sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange or otherwise, in negotiated transactions at market prices prevailing at the time of sale or at prices related to such prevailing market prices and/or any other method permitted by law. FBR and MLV will act as sales agents using commercially reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices, on mutually agreed terms between FBR, MLV and us. There is no arrangement for funds to be received in any escrow, trust or similar arrangement.

The compensation to FBR and MLV for sales of common stock sold pursuant to the sales agreement will be up to 4% of the gross proceeds from each sale. We have also agreed to reimburse FBR and MLV for certain of their expenses. In connection with the sale of the common stock on our behalf, FBR and MLV will each be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and the compensation of FBR and MLV will be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts. We have also agreed to provide indemnification and contribution to FBR and MLV with respect to certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. See “Plan of Distribution” for more information about these arrangements.

Before buying shares of our common stock, you should carefully consider the risk factors described in “ Risk Factors ” beginning on page S-6 of this prospectus supplement.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

FBR MLV & Co.

The date of this prospectus supplement is September 16, 2016.

TABLE OF CONTENTS


	Page

Prospectus Supplement

About This Prospectus Supplement		S-1
Prospectus Supplement Summary		S-2
The Offering		S-5
Risk Factors		S-6
Forward-looking Statements		S-7
Use of Proceeds		S-9
Dilution		S-10
Dividend Policy		S-12
Plan of Distribution		S-13
Legal Matters		S-15
Experts		S-15
Where You Can Find More Information		S-15
Information Incorporated by Reference		S-16

Prospectus

About This Prospectus		1
Risk Factors		4
Forward-Looking Statements		4
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends		5
Use of Proceeds		5
Description of Common Stock		6
Description of Preferred Stock		8
Description of Depositary Shares		8
Description of Debt Securities		10
Description of Warrants		18
Description of Rights		19
Selling Stockholders		20
Plan of Distribution		20
Legal Matters		23
Experts		23
Where You Can Find More Information		24
Information Incorporated by Reference		24

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the specific terms of this “at the market offering” and also adds to and updates information contained in the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference therein. The second part, the accompanying prospectus, provides more general information. Generally, when we refer to this prospectus, we are referring to both the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. To the extent there is a conflict between the information contained in this prospectus supplement and the information contained in the accompanying prospectus or any document incorporated by reference therein filed prior to the date of this prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in this prospectus supplement. In addition, if any statement in one of these documents is inconsistent with a statement in another document having a later date—for example, a document incorporated by reference in the accompanying prospectus—the statement in the document having the later date modifies or supersedes the earlier statement.

We further note that the representations, warranties and covenants made by us in any agreement that is filed as an exhibit to any document that is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus were made solely for the benefit of the parties to such agreement, including, in some cases, for the purpose of allocating risk among the parties to such agreements, and should not be deemed to be a representation, warranty or covenant to you. Moreover, such representations, warranties or covenants were accurate only as of the dates when made. Accordingly, such representations, warranties and covenants should not be relied on as accurately representing the current state of our affairs.

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, or incorporated by reference herein or therein, or contained in any free writing prospectus that we may authorize for use in connection with this offering. We have not authorized, and neither FBR Capital Markets & Co., nor MLV & Co. LLC has authorized, anyone to provide you with information that is different. The information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, or incorporated by reference herein or therein, or contained in any free writing prospectus that we may authorize for use in connection with this offering, is accurate only as of the respective dates thereof, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, any free writing prospectus that we may authorize for use in connection with this offering or of any sale of our common stock. It is important for you to read and consider all information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein, or contained in any free writing prospectus that we may authorize for use in connection with this offering in making your investment decision. You should also read and consider the information in the documents to which we have referred you in the sections entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference” in this prospectus supplement and in the accompanying prospectus.

All references in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus to “MediciNova,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or similar references refer to MediciNova, Inc. and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, except where the context otherwise requires or as otherwise indicated.

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PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY

This summary highlights certain information about us, this offering and selected information contained elsewhere in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement. This summary is not complete and does not contain all of the information that you should consider before deciding whether to invest in our common stock. For a more complete understanding of our company and this offering, we encourage you to read and consider carefully the more detailed information in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including the information referred to under the heading “Risk Factors” in this prospectus supplement beginning on page S-6, the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and the information included in any free writing prospectus that we have authorized for use in connection with this offering.

About MediciNova, Inc.

Overview

We are a biopharmaceutical company focused on acquiring and developing novel, small molecule therapeutics for the treatment of serious diseases with unmet medical needs and a commercial focus on the U.S. market. Our current strategy is to focus our development activities on MN-166 (ibudilast) for neurological disorders such as progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and substance dependence (e.g., methamphetamine dependence, opioid dependence and alcohol dependence), and MN-001 (tipelukast) for fibrotic diseases such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Our pipeline also includes MN-221 (bedoradrine) for the treatment of acute exacerbations of asthma and MN-029 (denibulin) for solid tumor cancers. We were incorporated in Delaware in September 2000.

We have incurred significant net losses since our inception. As of June 30, 2016, we had an accumulated deficit of $326.0 million and expect to incur substantial net losses for the next several years as we continue to develop certain of our existing product development programs, and over the long-term if we expand our research and development programs and acquire or in-license products, technologies or businesses that are complementary to our own.

Our goal is to build a sustainable biopharmaceutical business through the successful development of differentiated products for the treatment of serious diseases with unmet medical needs in high-value therapeutic areas. Key elements of our strategy are as follows:

•

Pursue the development of MN-166 for multiple potential indications primarily through non-dilutive financings.

We intend to advance our diverse MN-166 (ibudilast) program through a combination of investigator-sponsored trials and trials funded through government grants or other grants. In addition to providing drug supply and regulatory support, we are funding portions of the consortium-sponsored trials. For example, we have contributed financially to the Secondary and Primary Progressive Ibudilast NeuroNEXT Trial in Multiple Sclerosis (SPRINT-MS) Phase 2 clinical trial of MN-166 for the treatment of progressive MS, which is primarily funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and are contributing financially to the Carolinas Neuromuscular ALS-MDA Center clinical trial of MN-166 for the treatment of ALS. We intend to enter into additional strategic alliances to support further clinical development of MN-166.

•

Pursue the development of MN-001 for fibrotic diseases such as NASH and IPF.

We intend to advance development of MN-001 through a combination of investigator-sponsored trials with or without grant funding as well as trials we may fund.

•

Strategically partner with one or more leading pharmaceutical companies to complete late-stage product development and successfully commercialize our products.

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We develop and maintain relationships with pharmaceutical companies that are therapeutic category leaders. Upon completion of proof-of-concept Phase 2 clinical trials, we intend to enter into strategic alliances with leading pharmaceutical companies who seek late-stage product candidates, such as MN-166, MN-221, MN-001 and MN-029, to support further clinical development and product commercialization.

We entered into an agreement to form a joint venture company with Zhejiang Medicine Co., Ltd. and Beijing Medfron Technologies Co., Ltd. (formerly Beijing Make-Friend Medicine Technology Co., Ltd.) effective September 27, 2011. The joint venture agreement provides for the joint venture company, Zhejiang Sunmy Bio-Medical Co., Ltd. (“Zhejiang Sunmy”), to develop and commercialize MN-221 in China and search for additional compounds to develop. A sublicense would be required under which Zhejiang Sunmy would license MN-221 from us. In accordance with the joint venture agreement, in March 2012 we paid $680,000 for our 30% interest in Zhejiang Sunmy. The other parties to the joint venture agreement provided funding for their combined 70% interest. In December 2013, the Board of Directors of Zhejiang Sunmy agreed to amend the joint venture agreement to allow for the departure of Zhejiang Medicine Co., Ltd. subject to the approval of the government of the People’s Republic of China. In August 2014, the Chinese government approved the amendment to the joint venture agreement to allow for the departure of Zhejiang Medicine Co., Ltd. and for Beijing Medfron Medical Technologies Co., Ltd. and MediciNova to each have a 50% interest in Zhejiang Sunmy. No additional capital was contributed by either remaining party. We have not entered into the sublicense of MN-221 with Zhejiang Sunmy as of the date of this prospectus supplement. There is no assurance the sublicense will be executed and there is no assurance that Zhejiang Sunmy will be able to proceed with the development of MN-221 in China.

Zhejiang Sunmy is a variable interest entity for which we are not the primary beneficiary as we do not have a majority of the board seats and we do not have power to direct or significantly influence the actions of the entity. We therefore account for the activities of Zhejiang Sunmy under the equity method whereby we absorb any loss or income generated by Zhejiang Sunmy according to our percentage ownership. At June 30, 2016, we reflect a long-term asset on our consolidated balance sheet which represents our investment in Zhejiang Sunmy, net of our portion of any generated loss or income.

Depending on decisions we may make as to further clinical development or acquiring additional product candidates, we may seek to raise additional capital. We may also pursue potential partnerships and potential acquirers of license rights to our programs in markets outside the United States.

Risk Factors

An investment in our common stock is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Before investing in our common stock, you should carefully consider the following, as well as the information contained under “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-6 of this prospectus supplement and in the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement.

•

We have incurred significant operating losses since our inception and expect that we will incur continued losses for the foreseeable future.

•

If we fail to obtain the capital necessary to fund our operations, we will be unable to develop and commercialize our product candidates.

•

We do not have any products that are approved for commercial sale and therefore do not expect to generate any revenues from product sales in the foreseeable future, if ever.

•

We are largely dependent on the success of our MN-166 (ibudilast) and MN-001 (tipelukast) product candidates and we cannot be certain that these product candidates will receive regulatory approval or be successfully commercialized.

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•

Our ability to compete may decline if we do not adequately protect our proprietary rights.

•

Our stock price may be volatile, and you may not be able to resell our shares at a profit or at all.

Company Information

We were incorporated in the State of Delaware in September 2000. Our principal executive offices are located at 4275 Executive Square, Suite 650, La Jolla, CA 92037. Our telephone number is (858) 373-1500. Our website is www.medicinova.com, which includes links to reports we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, our website is not part of, and is not incorporated into, this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus and should not be considered part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.

S-4

THE OFFERING

Common stock offered by us pursuant to this prospectus supplement

Shares having an aggregate offering price of up to $29,967,000.

Common stock to be outstanding after this offering

Up to 38,947,567 shares, assuming the sale of 4,479,372 shares of our common stock in this offering at an assumed offering price of $6.69 per share, which was the last reported sale price of our common stock on The NASDAQ Global Market on September 14, 2016. The actual number of shares issued will vary depending on the actual sales prices under this offering.

Manner of offering

“At the market offering” that may be made from time to time through FBR Capital Markets & Co. and MLV & Co. LLC. See “Plan of Distribution” on page S-13.

Use of proceeds

We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to fund our research and development efforts, and for general corporate purposes, including working capital and other general and administrative purposes. See “Use of Proceeds” on page S-9.

NASDAQ Global Market symbol

MNOV

Tokyo Securities Exchange code

4875

Risk factors

This investment involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-6 of this prospectus supplement as well as the other information included in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus for a discussion of factors you should consider carefully before making an investment decision.

The number of shares of our common stock shown above to be outstanding immediately after this offering is based on 34,468,195 shares outstanding as of June 30, 2016 and excludes as of such date:

•

5,071,884 shares of common stock reserved for the exercise of options outstanding at a weighted average exercise price of $4.42;

•

576,625 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our stock incentive plan;

•

1,067,067 shares of common stock reserved for the exercise of warrants outstanding at a weighted-average exercise price of $3.72; and

•

190,060 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our employee stock purchase plan.

S-5

RISK FACTORS

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should review carefully the risks and uncertainties described below and those under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, which have been filed with the SEC and are incorporated by reference in this prospectus, as well as any updates thereto contained in subsequent filings with the SEC or any applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, before deciding whether to purchase any of the securities being registered pursuant to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Each of the risk factors could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition, as well as adversely affect the value of an investment in our securities, and the occurrence of any of these risks might cause you to lose all or a part of your investment. Moreover, the risks described are not the only risks that we face. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently believe are immaterial may also significantly impair our business operations.

Risks Related to this Offering

Sales of our common stock in this offering, or the perception that such sales may occur, could cause the market price of our common stock to fall.

We may issue and sell shares of our common stock for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $29,967,000 from time to time in connection with this offering. The issuance and sale from time to time of these new shares of common stock, or our ability to issue these new shares of common stock in this offering, could have the effect of depressing the market price of our common stock.

Our management team will have broad discretion over the use of the net proceeds from this offering.

Our management will use its discretion to direct the net proceeds from this offering. We intend to use all of the net proceeds, together with cash on hand, for research and development and general corporate purposes. General corporate purposes may include working capital, capital expenditures, development costs, strategic investments or possible acquisitions. Our management’s judgments may not result in positive returns on your investment and you will not have an opportunity to evaluate the economic, financial or other information upon which our management bases its decisions.

If you purchase the common stock sold in this offering, you will experience immediate dilution in your investment. You may experience further dilution if we issue additional equity securities in future fundraising transactions.

Since the price per share of our common stock being offered is substantially higher than the net tangible book value per share of our common stock, you will suffer substantial dilution in the net tangible book value of the common stock you purchase in this offering. Based on the public offering of $29,967,000 of shares of our common stock at the assumed public offering price of $6.69 per share (the last reported sales price of our common stock The Nasdaq Global Market on September 14, 2016) and after deducting sales agent fees and estimated offering expenses payable by us, and based on a net tangible book value of our common stock of $0.666 per share as of June 30, 2016, if you purchase shares of common stock in this offering, you will suffer immediate and substantial dilution of $5.366 per share in the net tangible book value of common stock. See the section entitled “Dilution” below for a more detailed discussion of the dilution you will incur if you purchase common stock in this offering

We do not anticipate declaring any cash dividends on our common stock. Investors in this offering may never obtain a return on their investment.

We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not plan to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Our current policy is to retain all funds and earnings for use in the operation and expansion of our business. As a result, capital appreciation, if any, of our common stock will be the sole source of gain for the foreseeable future for holders of our common stock.

S-6

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, the documents we have filed with the SEC that are incorporated by reference and any free writing prospectus that we have authorized for use in connection with this offering contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. These statements relate to future events or to our future operating or financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about:

•

the potential for our product candidates to receive regulatory approval for one or more indications on a timely basis, or at all;

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the success, timing, design and results of clinical trials for our product candidates, including any delays in commencing or completing enrollment for our ongoing or planned clinical trials;

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plans for future clinical trials and regulatory submissions;

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unexpected adverse side effects or inadequate therapeutic efficacy of our product candidates that could delay or prevent regulatory approval or commercialization or that could result in product liability claims;

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other difficulties or delays in development, testing, manufacturing and marketing of and obtaining regulatory approval for our product candidates;

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the continuation and success of our collaborations with our licensors;

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the performance of third party service providers and manufacturers;

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intellectual property rights and disputes, including the scope and validity of patent protection for our product candidates;

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the size and growth of the potential markets for our product candidates and our ability to serve those markets;

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the potential to attract one or more strategic partners and terms of any related transactions;

•

intense competition and our ability to compete if any of our product candidates are ever commercialized;

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regulatory developments in the United States and foreign countries;

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the potential impact of uncertainties in the credit and capital markets or a future deterioration of these markets on our investment portfolio; and

•

our ability to raise sufficient capital when needed, or at all.

In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “projects,” “predicts,” “potential” and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We discuss many of these risks in greater detail under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in this prospectus supplement and in our SEC filings. Also, these forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of the document containing the applicable statements.

You should read this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, the documents we have filed with the SEC that are incorporated by reference and any free writing prospectus that we have authorized for use

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in connection with this offering completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. We qualify all of the forward-looking statements in the foregoing documents by these cautionary statements.

You should rely only on the information contained, or incorporated by reference, in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any free writing prospectus that we have authorized for use in connection with this offering. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. The securities offered under this prospectus are not being offered in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus and any free writing prospectus that we have authorized for use in connection with this offering is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, as applicable, or that any information incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of the document so incorporated by reference. Unless required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information or future events or developments. Thus, you should not assume that our silence over time means that actual events are bearing out as expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities under this prospectus supplement to fund our research and development efforts, and for general corporate purposes, including working capital. Specifically, we intend to use a portion of such net proceeds to fund development work for research and development on MN-166 (ibudilast) and MN-001 (tipelukast). We may also use a portion of the net proceeds to acquire or invest in complementary businesses, technologies, product candidates or other intellectual property, although we have no present commitments or agreements to do so.

The amounts and timing of these expenditures will depend on a number of factors, such as the timing and progress of our research and development efforts, technological advances and the competitive environment for our product candidates. As of the date of this prospectus supplement, we cannot specify with certainty all of the particular uses for the net proceeds to us from this offering. Accordingly, we will retain broad discretion over the use of these proceeds. Pending use of the net proceeds as described above, we intend to temporarily invest the proceeds in short and long-term interest bearing instruments.

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DILUTION

Our net tangible book value as of June 30, 2016 was $22,972,489, or $0.666 per share of common stock. Net tangible book value per share is calculated by subtracting our total liabilities from our total tangible assets, which is total assets less intangible assets, and dividing this amount by the number of shares of common stock outstanding. Dilution in net tangible book value per share represents the difference between the amount per share paid by purchasers of shares of common stock in this offering and the as-adjusted net tangible book value per share of our common stock immediately after giving effect to this offering.

After giving effect to the sale of our common stock in the aggregate amount of $29,967,000 at an assumed offering price of $6.69 per share, the last reported sale price of our common stock on The NASDAQ Global Market on September 14, 2016, and after deducting estimated offering commissions and expenses payable by us, our net tangible book value as of June 30, 2016 would have been $51,570,809, or $1.324 per share of common stock. This represents an immediate increase in the net tangible book value of $0.658 per share to our existing stockholders and an immediate and substantial dilution in net tangible book value of $5.366 per share to new investors. The following table illustrates this per share dilution:


Assumed public offering price per share			$	6.69
Net tangible book value per share as of June 30, 2016	$	0.666
Increase per share attributable to investors purchasing our common stock in this offering	$	0.658
As adjusted net tangible book value per share as of June 30, 2016, after giving effect to this offering			$	1.324
Dilution in net tangible book value per share to investors purchasing our common stock in this offering			$	5.366

The table above assumes for illustrative purposes that an aggregate of 4,479,372 shares of our common stock are sold at an assumed price of $6.69 per share, which was the last reported sale price of our common stock on The NASDAQ Global Market on September 14, 2016. The shares sold in this offering, if any, will be sold from time to time at various prices. An increase of $1.00 per share in the price at which the shares are sold from the assumed offering price of $6.69 per share shown in the table above, assuming all of our common stock in the aggregate amount of $29,967,000 is sold at that price, would increase our adjusted net tangible book value per share after the offering to $1.344 per share and would increase the dilution in net tangible book value per share to new investors in this offering to $6.346 per share, after deducting commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. A decrease of $1.00 per share in the price at which the shares are sold from the assumed offering price of $6.69 per share shown in the table above, assuming all of our common stock in the gross aggregate amount of $29,967,000 is sold at that price, would adjust our adjusted net tangible book value per share after the offering to $1.298 per share and would decrease the dilution in net tangible book value per share to new investors in this offering to $4.392 per share, after deducting commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. This information is supplied for illustrative purposes only.

The calculations above are based upon 34,468,195 shares of common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2016 and exclude:

•

5,071,884 shares of common stock reserved for the exercise of options outstanding at a weighted average exercise price of $4.42;

•

576,625 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our stock incentive plan;

•

1,067,067 shares of common stock reserved for the exercise of warrants outstanding at a weighted-average exercise price of $3.72; and

•

190,060 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our employee stock purchase plan.

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To the extent options or warrants outstanding as of June 30, 2016 have been or may be exercised or other shares have been issued, there may be further dilution to investors. In addition, we may choose to raise additional capital due to market conditions or strategic considerations even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. To the extent that additional capital is raised through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the issuance of these securities could result in further dilution to our stockholders.

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DIVIDEND POLICY

We have never declared or paid dividends on our common stock. We currently expect to retain future earnings, if any, for use in the operation and expansion of our business and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to pay dividends on our common stock is subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon various factors, including, without limitation, our results of operations and financial condition.

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We previously entered into an at-the-market issuance sales agreement, or original sales agreement, with MLV & Co. LLC, or MLV, and we originally filed a prospectus supplement, or the original prospectus supplement, for $30,000,000 of shares of our common stock pursuant to the original sales agreement. On September 16, 2016, we entered into an amendment to the original sales agreement to also include FBR Capital Markets & Co., or FBR, as a sales agent. MLV and FBR are referred to herein as the sales agents. The amended sales agreement, or sales agreement, contains substantially identical terms as the original sales agreement. We are filing this prospectus supplement to replace the original prospectus supplement, which related to our shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (333-185022) that expired by its terms on December 3, 2015. Therefore, in order to continue to sell shares pursuant to the original sales agreement, we are required to file this prospectus supplement to a registration statement on Form S-3 and accompanying prospectus dated August 29, 2016. The $29,967,000 of shares of common stock offered by this prospectus supplement represent the remaining shares available for sale under the original prospectus supplement and we are not offering any additional shares for sale pursuant to the sales agreement.

We may issue and sell shares of our common stock having aggregate sales proceeds of up to $29,967,000 from time to time through FBR and MLV, which will act as our sales agents. The sales agents may sell the common stock by any method that is deemed to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act, including sales made directly on or through The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC or any other existing trading market for the common stock or to or through a market maker. The sales agents may also sell the common stock in negotiated transactions, subject to our prior approval.

Each time we wish to issue and sell common stock under the sales agreement, we will notify a sales agent of the number of shares to be issued, the dates on which such sales are anticipated to be made, and any minimum price below which sales may not be made. Once we have so instructed such sales agent, unless such sales agent declines to accept the terms of such notice, such sales agent has agreed to use its commercially reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices to sell such shares up to the amount specified on such terms. The obligations of the sales agents under the sales agreement to sell our common stock are subject to a number of customary conditions that we must meet.

Settlement for shares of our common stock will occur on the third trading day following the date on which the sale was made. Sales of our common stock as contemplated in this prospectus supplement will be settled through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company or by such other means as we and the sales agents may agree upon. There is no arrangement for funds to be received in an escrow, trust or similar arrangement.

We will pay the sales agents a commission of up to 4% of the gross proceeds from each sale. We have also agreed to reimburse the sales agents for their legal expenses up to $25,000 in the aggregate. Because there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition to close this offering, the actual total public offering amount, commissions and proceeds to us, if any, are not determinable at this time. In connection with the sale of the common stock on our behalf, each of FBR and MLV will be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act as amended, and the compensation of FBR and MLV will be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts. We have agreed to provide indemnification and contribution to FBR and MLV with respect to certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. We estimate that the total expenses for the offering, excluding compensation payable to the sales agents under the terms of the sales agreement, will be up to approximately $170,000.

The offering of our common stock pursuant to the sales agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (i) the sale of all of our common stock provided for in this prospectus supplement, or (ii) the termination of the sales agreement as permitted therein.

S-13

This summary of the material provisions of the sales agreement does not purport to be a complete statement of its terms and conditions. A copy of the sales agreement is filed with the SEC and is incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement is a part. See “Where You Can Find More Information” below.

MLV & Co. LLC is an affiliate of FBR Capital Markets & Co.

To the extent required by Regulation M under the Exchange Act, the sales agents will not engage in any market making activities involving our common stock while the offering is ongoing under this prospectus.

The sales agents and their affiliates may in the future provide various investment banking and other financial services for us and our affiliates, for which services they may in the future receive customary fees.

In addition, the sales agreement provides that we will not (i) take any action designed to cause or result in, or that constitutes or would reasonably be expected to constitute, the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any of our securities to facilitate the sale or resale of common stock, (ii) sell, bid for, or purchase common stock in violation of Regulation M, or pay anyone any compensation for soliciting purchases of the common stock under the sales agreement other than the sales agents or (iii) engage in solicitations of sales in Japan in a manner that would not be exempt from registration or qualification requirements of the offering regulations under Japanese securities laws.

S-14

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the common stock offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus will be passed upon for us by Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian, LLP, San Diego, California. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for FBR Capital Markets & Co. and MLV & Co. LLC by Duane Morris LLP, Newark, New Jersey.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015 and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus have been so incorporated in reliance on the reports of BDO USA, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated herein by reference, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

The consolidated financial statements of MediciNova, Inc. appearing in MediciNova, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report, given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are part of the registration statement on Form S-3 we filed with the SEC under the Securities Act and do not contain all the information set forth in the registration statement. Whenever a reference is made in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus to any of our contracts, agreements or other documents, the reference may not be complete and you should refer to the exhibits that are a part of the registration statement or the exhibits to the reports or other documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus for a copy of such contract, agreement or other document. Because we are subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, we file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the Public Reference Room.

S-15

INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information from other documents that we file with them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and information that we file with the SEC in the future and incorporate by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings (other than Current Reports on Form 8-K furnished under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 and exhibits filed on such form that are related to such items) we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus supplement and before the sale of all the securities covered by this prospectus supplement:

•

our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (filed on February 25, 2016);

•

our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016 (filed on April 27, 2016 and July 26, 2016, respectively);

•

our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 31, 2016, June 13, 2016 and September 16, 2016 (other than the portions of any of these reports furnished but not filed pursuant to SEC rules and the exhibits filed on such form that relate to such portions);

•

the information specifically incorporated by reference into our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 from our definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A, filed with the SEC on April 27, 2016; and

•

the description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on January 26, 2005.

You can request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address or telephone number:

MediciNova, Inc.

4275 Executive Square, Suite 650

La Jolla, CA 92037

(858) 373-1500

Attn: Investor Relations

S-16

PROSPECTUS

$100,000,000

LOGO

MEDICINOVA, INC.

Common Stock, Preferred Stock,

Depositary Shares, Debt Securities,

Warrants and Rights

2,000,000 Shares of Common Stock Offered by

Selling Stockholders

We may, from time to time, offer and sell common stock, preferred stock, either separately or represented by depositary shares, debt securities, warrants or rights, either separately or together in any combination, in one or more offerings. The preferred stock, debt securities and warrants may be convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common or preferred stock or debt securities. The rights may be exercisable for common or preferred stock. The aggregate initial offering price of all securities sold under this prospectus will not exceed $100,000,000.

In addition, certain of our stockholders may, from time to time, offer and sell up to an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of our common stock in one or more offerings. Unless otherwise stated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of our common stock by the selling stockholders.

We will specify in an accompanying prospectus supplement more specific information about any such offering, the identity of any selling stockholders and the number of shares that any such selling stockholders will be selling. This prospectus may not be used to sell any of these securities unless accompanied by the applicable prospectus supplement.

We and the selling stockholders may offer and sell the securities described in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement directly to investors or through underwriters, dealers or agents. We will set forth the names of any underwriters, dealers or agents and their compensation in the accompanying prospectus supplement.

Our common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “MNOV” and on the Jasdaq Market of the Tokyo Securities Exchange under the code “4875.” On August 23, 2016, the last reported sale price of our common stock on The NASDAQ Global Market was $6.55 per share.

Investing in our securities involves risks. See the section entitled “ Risk Factors ” in the accompanying prospectus supplement and in the documents we incorporate by reference in this prospectus.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is August 29, 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS


	Page
About This Prospectus		1
Risk Factors		4
Forward-Looking Statements		4
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends		5
Use of Proceeds		5
Description of Common Stock		6
Description of Preferred Stock		8
Description of Depositary Shares		8
Description of Debt Securities		10
Description of Warrants		18
Description of Rights		19
Selling Stockholders		20
Plan of Distribution		20
Legal Matters		23
Experts		23
Where You Can Find More Information		24
Information Incorporated by Reference		24

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, using a “shelf” registration, or continuous offering, process. Under this shelf registration process, we may, from time to time, offer and sell separately or together in any combination the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings up to a maximum aggregate offering price of $100,000,000. In addition to securities we may offer and sell, certain of our stockholders may, from time to time, offer and sell up to an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of our common stock in one or more offerings.

This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we and the selling stockholders may offer. Each time we or the selling stockholders sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering and the offered securities. Any prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. Any statement that we make in this prospectus will be modified or superseded by any inconsistent statement made by us in a prospectus supplement. The registration statement we filed with the SEC includes exhibits that provide more detail of the matters discussed in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the related exhibits filed with the SEC and any prospectus supplement, together with additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information,” before making your investment decision.

You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and the registration statement. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, or incorporated by reference, is accurate only as of the dates of those documents. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement to “MediciNova,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to MediciNova, Inc.

The MediciNova logo is a registered trademark of MediciNova, Inc. This prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus may also contain trademarks and trade names that are the property of their respective owners. We do not intend our use or display of other companies’ trade names, trademarks or service marks to imply relationships with, or endorsements or sponsorship of us by, these other companies.

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary description about us and our business highlights selected information contained elsewhere in this prospectus or incorporated in this prospectus by reference. This summary does not contain all of the information you should consider before buying securities in this offering. You should carefully read this entire prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, including each of the documents incorporated herein or therein by reference, before making an investment decision

About MediciNova, Inc.

Overview

•

Pursue the development of MN-166 for multiple potential indications primarily through non-dilutive financings.

•

Pursue the development of MN-001 for fibrotic diseases such as NASH and IPF.

We intend to advance development of MN-001 through a combination of investigator-sponsored trials with or without grant funding as well as trials we may fund.

•

Strategically partner with one or more leading pharmaceutical companies to complete late-stage product development and successfully commercialize our products.

We entered into an agreement to form a joint venture company with Zhejiang Medicine Co., Ltd. and Beijing Medfron Technologies Co., Ltd. (formerly Beijing Make-Friend Medicine Technology Co., Ltd.) effective September 27, 2011. The joint venture agreement provides for the joint venture company, Zhejiang Sunmy Bio-Medical Co., Ltd. (“Zhejiang Sunmy”), to develop and commercialize MN-221 in China and search for additional compounds to develop. A sublicense would be required under which Zhejiang Sunmy would license MN-221 from us. In accordance with the joint venture agreement, in March 2012 we paid $680,000 for our 30% interest in Zhejiang Sunmy. The other parties to the joint venture agreement provided funding for their combined 70% interest. In December 2013, the Board of Directors of Zhejiang Sunmy agreed to amend the joint venture agreement to allow for the departure of Zhejiang Medicine Co., Ltd. subject to the approval of the government of the People’s Republic of China. In August 2014, the Chinese government approved the amendment to the joint venture agreement to allow for the departure of Zhejiang Medicine Co., Ltd. and for Beijing Medfron Medical Technologies Co., Ltd. and MediciNova to each have a 50% interest in Zhejiang Sunmy. No additional capital was contributed by either remaining party. We have not entered into the sublicense of MN-221 with Zhejiang Sunmy as of the date of this report. There is no assurance the sublicense will be executed and there is no assurance that Zhejiang Sunmy will be able to proceed with the development of MN-221 in China.

Depending on decisions we may make as to further clinical development, we may seek to raise additional capital. We may also pursue potential partnerships and potential acquirers of license rights to our programs in markets outside the United States.

Company Information

We were incorporated in the State of Delaware in September 2000. Our principal executive offices are located at 4275 Executive Square, Suite 650, La Jolla, CA 92037. Our telephone number is (858) 373-1500. Our website is www.medicinova.com, which includes links to reports we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, our website is not part of, and is not incorporated into, this prospectus and should not be considered part of this prospectus.

RISK FACTORS

Investing in our securities involves risk. The prospectus supplement relating to a particular offering will contain a discussion of risks applicable to an investment in the securities offered. Prior to making a decision about investing in our securities, you should carefully consider the specific factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the applicable prospectus supplement together with all of the other information contained in the prospectus supplement or appearing or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, including the risk factors incorporated by reference to our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K. The occurrence of any of these risks might cause you to lose all or part of your investment in the offered securities.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

When used in this prospectus, the words “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “may,” “could,” “intends,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or otherwise implied by the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this prospectus. Given these risks and uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We will discuss many of these risks and uncertainties in greater detail in any prospectus supplement under the heading “Risk Factors.” Additional cautionary statements or discussions of risks and uncertainties that could affect our results or the achievement of the expectations described in forward-looking statements may also be contained in the documents we incorporate by reference into this prospectus.

These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this prospectus. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. You should, however, review additional disclosures we make in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC.

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS

The following table sets forth our ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred stock dividends on a historical basis for the periods indicated. The ratios are calculated by dividing earnings by the fixed charges.

Fiscal Year Ended December 31,

Six Months
Ended June 30,

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred stock dividends (1)

N/A

(1)

For the purposes of computing ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of loss before income taxes plus fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest charges. Earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $6.6 million, $8.8 million, $9.2 million, $4.0 million, $10.9 million and $17.7 million, respectively.

USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities offered by this prospectus for general corporate purposes. General corporate purposes may include additions to working capital, financing of capital expenditures, repayment or redemption of existing indebtedness, and future acquisitions and strategic investment opportunities. Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, pending the application of net proceeds, we expect to invest the net proceeds in short- and intermediate-term, interest-bearing obligations, investment-grade instruments, certificates of deposit or direct or guaranteed obligations of the U.S. government. Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of our common stock by the selling stockholders.

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

This section describes the general terms and provisions of the shares of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share. This description is only a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the description of our common stock incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Our restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, and our amended and restated bylaws have been filed as exhibits to our periodic reports filed with the SEC, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You should read our restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, and our amended and restated bylaws for additional information before you buy any of our common stock or other securities. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

We have 100,000,000 shares of authorized common stock. As of August 17, 2016, there were 34,471,495 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. We have not provided for cumulative voting for the election of directors in our restated certificate of incorporation, as amended. This means that the holders of a majority of the shares voted can elect all of the directors then standing for election. Subject to preferences that may apply to shares of preferred stock outstanding at the time, the holders of outstanding shares of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends out of assets legally available at the times and in the amounts that our board of directors may determine from time to time. Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, the holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of all liabilities and the liquidation preferences of any outstanding preferred stock. Holders of common stock have no preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. All outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and non-assessable.

Registration Rights

As of August 17, 2016, the holders of approximately 1,911,781 shares of our common stock are entitled to contractual rights to require us to register those shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act). These rights are provided under the terms of our amended and restated registration rights agreement. We will pay all expenses relating to any such registration, other than underwriting discounts and selling commissions. The registration rights terminate with respect to any holder if all of the following conditions are met: (a) as reflected on our books and records, such holder (together with its affiliates) holds less than 1% of our outstanding common stock (on an as-if-converted to common stock basis), (b) our securities trade on a national securities exchange or list on a national automatic quotation system, in each case, located in the United States, and (c) all shares of common stock issued or issuable upon conversion of the registrable securities held by such holder (and its affiliates) either (i) may be sold pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act during any ninety (90) day period or (ii) have ceased to be outstanding.

Piggyback Registration Rights . If we propose to register any of our securities under the Securities Act either for our own account or for the account of other stockholders, the holders of shares having registration rights will, subject to certain exceptions, be entitled to include their shares in our registration statement. These piggyback registration rights are subject to specified conditions and limitations, including the right of the underwriters to limit the number of shares included in any such registration statement under certain circumstances, but not below 25% of the total number of shares covered by the registration statement without the consent of more than 50% of the holders of registrable securities.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Delaware Law, Our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as Amended, and Bylaws

Certain provisions of Delaware law, our restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, and our amended and restated bylaws could have the effect of delaying, deferring or discouraging another party from acquiring control of us. These provisions, which are summarized below, are expected to discourage certain types of coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed, in part, to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our board of directors.

Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws . Our restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, and amended and restated bylaws include provisions that:

•

authorize our board of directors to issue, without further action by the stockholders, up to 3,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock;

•

require that any action to be taken by our stockholders be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting and not by written consent;

•

specify that special meetings of our stockholders can be called only at the request of the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or by a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of our board of directors;

•

establish an advance notice procedure for stockholder approvals to be brought before an annual meeting of our stockholders, including proposed nominations of persons for election to our board of directors;

•

establish that our board of directors is divided into three classes, Class I, Class II and Class III, with each class serving staggered terms;

•

provide that our directors may be removed only for cause; and

•

provide that vacancies on our board of directors may be filled only by a majority of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum.

Delaware Law . We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware regulating corporate takeovers. In general, those provisions prohibit a publicly-held Delaware corporation from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:

•

the transaction is approved by the board of directors of the corporation before the date the interested stockholder attained that status;

•

upon completion of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding (1) shares owned by persons who are directors and also officers and (2) shares owned by employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or

•

on or after the date the business combination is approved by the board of directors of the corporation and authorized at a meeting of stockholders by at least 66-2/3% of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.

Section 203 defines “business combination” to include the following:

•

any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder;

•

any sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition of 10% or more of the assets of the corporation involving the interested stockholder;

•

subject to certain exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder;

•

any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the corporation beneficially owned by the interested stockholder; or

•

the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation.

In general, Section 203 defines an interested stockholder as any entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation and any entity or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by any of these entities or persons.

A Delaware corporation may opt out of these provisions either with an express provision in its original certificate of incorporation or in an amendment to its certificate of incorporation or bylaws approved by its stockholders. However, we have not opted out, and do not currently intend to opt out of, these provisions. The statute could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts and, accordingly, may discourage attempts to acquire us.

Transfer Agent

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

As of August 17, 2016, our authorized preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, was 3,000,000 shares, none of which were issued and outstanding. We may issue preferred stock, in series, with such designations, powers, preferences and other rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions as our board of directors may authorize, without further action by our stockholders, including:

•

the distinctive designation of each series and the number of shares that will constitute the series;

•

the voting rights, if any, of shares of the series and the terms and conditions of the voting rights;

•

the dividend rate on the shares of the series, the dates on which dividends are payable, any restriction, limitation or condition upon the payment of dividends, whether dividends will be cumulative, and the dates from and after which dividends shall accumulate;

•

the prices at which, and the terms and conditions on which, the shares of the series may be redeemed, if the shares are redeemable;

•

the terms and conditions of a sinking or purchase fund for the purchase or redemption of shares of the series, if such a fund is provided;

•

any preferential amount payable upon shares of the series in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of, or upon the distribution of any of our assets; and

•

the prices or rates of conversion or exchange at which, and the terms and conditions on which, the shares of the series may be converted or exchanged into other securities, if the shares are convertible or exchangeable.

The particular terms of any series of preferred stock, and the transfer agent and registrar for that series, will be described in a prospectus supplement. Any material United States federal income tax consequences and other special considerations with respect to any preferred stock offered under this prospectus will also be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

The following description of the depositary shares does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by the relevant deposit agreement and the depositary receipts with respect to the depositary shares relating to any particular series of preferred stock. You should read these documents as they, and not this description, will define your rights as a holder of depositary shares. Forms of these documents will be filed with the SEC in connection with the offering of depositary shares.

General

If we elect to offer fractional interests in shares of preferred stock, we will provide for the issuance by a depositary to the public of receipts for depositary shares. Each depositary share will represent fractional interests of preferred stock. We will deposit the shares of preferred stock underlying the depositary shares under a deposit agreement between us and a bank or trust company selected by us. The bank or trust company must have its principal office in the United States and a combined capital and surplus of at least $50 million. The depositary receipts will evidence the depositary shares issued under the deposit agreement.

The deposit agreement will contain terms applicable to the holders of depositary shares in addition to the terms stated in the depositary receipts. Each owner of depositary shares will be entitled to all the rights and preferences of the preferred stock underlying the depositary shares in proportion to the applicable fractional interest in the underlying shares of preferred stock. The depositary will issue the depositary receipts to individuals purchasing the fractional interests in shares of the related preferred stock according to the terms of the offering described in a prospectus supplement.

Dividends and Other Distributions

The depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions received for the preferred stock to the entitled record holders of depositary shares in proportion to the number of depositary shares that the holder owns on the relevant record date. The depositary will distribute only an amount that can be distributed without attributing to any holder of depositary shares a fraction of one cent. The depositary will add the undistributed balance to and treat it as part of the next sum received by the depositary for distribution to holders of depositary shares.

If there is a non-cash distribution, the depositary will distribute property received by it to the entitled record holders of depositary shares, in proportion, insofar as possible, to the number of depositary shares owned by the holders, unless the depositary determines, after consultation with us, that it is not feasible to make such distribution. If this occurs, the depositary may, with our approval, sell such property and distribute the net proceeds from the sale to the holders. The deposit agreement also will contain provisions relating to how any subscription or similar rights that we may offer to holders of the preferred stock will be available to the holders of the depositary shares.

Conversion, Exchange, Redemption and Liquidation

If any series of preferred stock underlying the depositary shares may be converted or exchanged, each record holder of depositary receipts will have the right or obligation to convert or exchange the depositary shares represented by the depositary receipts.

The terms on which the depositary shares relating to the preferred stock of any series may be redeemed, and any amounts distributable upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, will be described in the relevant prospectus supplement.

Voting

When the depositary receives notice of a meeting at which the holders of the preferred stock are entitled to vote, the depositary will mail the particulars of the meeting to the record holders of the depositary shares. Each record holder of depositary shares on the record date may instruct the depositary on how to vote the shares of preferred stock underlying the holder’s depositary shares. The depositary will try, if practical, to vote the number of shares of preferred stock underlying the depositary shares according to the instructions. We will agree to take all reasonable action requested by the depositary to enable it to vote as instructed.

Amendments

We and the depositary may agree to amend the deposit agreement and the depositary receipt evidencing the depositary shares. Any amendment that (a) imposes or increases certain fees, taxes or other charges payable by the holders of the depositary shares as described in the deposit agreement or that (b) otherwise prejudices any substantial existing right of holders of depositary shares, will not take effect until 30 days after the depositary has mailed notice of the amendment to the record holders of depositary shares. Any holder of depositary shares that continues to hold its shares at the end of the 30-day period will be deemed to have agreed to the amendment.

Termination

We may direct the depositary to terminate the deposit agreement by mailing a notice of termination to holders of depositary shares at least 30 days prior to termination. In addition, a deposit agreement will automatically terminate if the depositary has redeemed all related outstanding depositary shares, or we have liquidated, terminated or wound up our business and the depositary has distributed the preferred stock of the relevant series to the holders of the related depositary shares.

Payment of Fees and Expenses

We will pay all fees, charges and expenses of the depositary, including the initial deposit of the preferred stock and any redemption of the preferred stock. Holders of depositary shares will pay transfer and other taxes and governmental charges and any other charges as are stated in the deposit agreement for their accounts.

Resignation and Removal of Depositary

At any time, the depositary may resign by delivering notice to us, and we may remove the depositary. Resignations or removals will take effect upon the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of the appointment. The successor depositary must be appointed within 60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal and must be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50 million.

Reports

The depositary will forward to the holders of depositary shares all reports and communications from us that are delivered to the depositary and that we are required by law, the rules of an applicable securities exchange or our restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, to furnish to the holders of the preferred stock. Neither we nor the depositary will be liable if the depositary is prevented or delayed by law or any circumstances beyond its control in performing its obligations under the deposit agreement. The deposit agreement limits our obligations and the depositary’s obligations to performance in good faith of the duties stated in the deposit agreement. Neither we nor the depositary will be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding connected with any depositary shares or preferred stock unless the holders of depositary shares requesting us to do so furnish us with satisfactory indemnity. In performing our obligations, we and the depositary may rely upon the written advice of our counsel or accountants, on any information that competent people provide to us and on documents that we believe are genuine.

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

The following is a summary of the general terms of the debt securities. We will file a prospectus supplement that may contain additional terms when we issue debt securities. The terms presented here, together with the terms in a related prospectus supplement, together with any pricing supplement or term sheet, will be a description of the material terms of the debt securities.

We may issue, from time to time, debt securities, in one or more series. These debt securities that we may issue include senior debt securities, senior subordinated debt securities, subordinated debt securities, convertible debt securities and exchangeable debt securities. The debt securities we offer will be issued under an indenture between us and the trustee named in the indenture. The following is a summary of the material provisions of the form of indenture filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. For each series of debt securities, the applicable prospectus supplement for the series may change and supplement the summary below.

General Terms of the Indenture

The indenture does not limit the amount of debt securities that we may issue. It provides that we may issue debt securities for any series of debt securities up to the principal amount that we may authorize. Except for the limitations on consolidation, merger and sale of all or substantially all of our assets contained in the indenture, the terms of the indenture do not contain any covenants or other provisions designed to give holders of any debt securities protection against changes in our operations, financial condition or transactions involving us. For each series of debt securities, any restrictive covenants for those debt securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement for those debt securities.

We may issue the debt securities issued under the indenture as “discount securities,” which means they may be sold at a discount below their stated principal amount. These debt securities, as well as other debt securities that are not issued at a discount, may, for United States federal income tax purposes, be treated as if they were issued with “original issue discount,” or OID, because of interest payment and other characteristics. Special United States federal income tax considerations applicable to debt securities issued with original issue discount will be described in more detail in any applicable prospectus supplement.

You should refer to the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of debt securities for a description of the following terms of the debt securities offered by that prospectus supplement and by this prospectus:

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the title and authorized denominations of those debt securities;

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any limit on the aggregate principal amount of that series of debt securities;

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the date or dates on which principal and premium, if any, of the debt securities of that series is payable;

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interest rates, and the dates from which interest, if any, on the debt securities of that series will accrue, and the dates when interest is payable and the maturity;

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the right, if any, to extend the interest payment periods and the duration of the extensions;

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if the amount of payments of principal or interest is to be determined by reference to an index or formula, or based on a coin or currency other than that in which the debt securities are stated to be payable, the manner in which these amounts are determined and the calculation agent, if any, with respect thereto;

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the place or places where and the manner in which principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the debt securities of that series will be payable and the place or places where those debt securities may be presented for transfer and, if applicable, conversion or exchange;

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the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which, and other terms and conditions upon which those debt securities may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at our option or the option of a holder of those securities, if we or a holder is to have that option;

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our obligation or right, if any, to redeem, repay or purchase those debt securities pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provision or at the option of a holder of those securities, and the terms and conditions upon which the debt securities will be redeemed, repaid or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to that obligation;

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the terms, if any, on which the debt securities of that series will be subordinate in right and priority of payment to our other debt;

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the denominations in which those debt securities will be issuable;

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if other than the entire principal amount of the debt securities when issued, the portion of the principal amount payable upon acceleration of maturity as a result of a default on our obligations;

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whether any securities of that series are to be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities and the depositary for those global securities;

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if the principal of or any premium or interest on the debt securities of that series is to be payable, or is to be payable at our election or the election of a holder of those securities, in securities or other property, the type and amount of those securities or other property, or the manner of determining that amount, and the period or periods within which, and the terms and conditions upon which, any such election may be made;

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the events of default and covenants relating to the debt securities that are in addition to, modify or delete those described in this prospectus;

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conversion or exchange provisions, if any, including conversion or exchange prices or rates and adjustments thereto;

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whether and upon what terms the debt securities may be defeased, if different from the provisions set forth in the indenture;

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the nature and terms of any security for any secured debt securities;

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the terms applicable to any debt securities issued at a discount from their stated principal amount; and

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any other specific terms of any debt securities.

The applicable prospectus supplement will present material United States federal income tax considerations for holders of any debt securities and the securities exchange or quotation system on which any debt securities are to be listed or quoted.

Conversion or Exchange Rights

Debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for shares of our equity securities or other securities. The terms and conditions of conversion or exchange will be stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms will include, among others, the following:

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the conversion or exchange price;

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the conversion or exchange period;

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provisions regarding our ability or the ability of any holder to convert or exchange the debt securities;

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events requiring adjustment to the conversion or exchange price; and

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provisions affecting conversion or exchange in the event of our redemption of the debt securities.

Consolidation, Merger or Sale

We cannot consolidate with or merge with or into, or transfer or lease all or substantially all of our assets to, any person, unless we are the surviving corporation or the successor person is a corporation organized under the laws of the United States, any state of the United States or the District of Columbia and expressly assumes our obligations under the debt securities and the indenture. In addition, we cannot complete such a transaction unless immediately after completing the transaction, no event of default under the indenture, and no event that, after

notice or lapse of time or both, would become an event of default under the indenture, has occurred and is continuing. When the successor person has assumed our obligations under the debt securities and the indenture, we will be discharged from all our obligations under the debt securities and the indenture except in limited circumstances.

This covenant would not apply to any recapitalization transaction, a change of control affecting us or a highly leveraged transaction, unless the transaction or change of control were structured to include a merger or consolidation or transfer or lease of all or substantially all of our assets.

Events of Default

The indenture provides that the following will be “events of default” with respect to any series of debt securities:

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failure to pay interest for 30 days after the date payment is due and payable;

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failure to pay principal or premium, if any, on any debt security when due, either at maturity, upon any redemption, by declaration or otherwise and, in the case of technical or administrative difficulties, only if such default persists for a period of more than three business days;

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failure to make sinking fund payments when due and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days;

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failure to perform other covenants for 60 days after notice that performance was required;

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events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization relating to us; or

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any other event of default provided in the applicable officer’s certificate, resolution of our board of directors or the supplemental indenture under which we issue a series of debt securities.

An event of default for a particular series of debt securities does not necessarily constitute an event of default for any other series of debt securities issued under the indenture. For each series of debt securities, any modifications to the above events of default will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement for those debt securities.

The indenture provides that if an event of default specified in the first, second, third, fourth or sixth bullets above occurs and is continuing, either the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may declare the principal amount of all those debt securities (or, in the case of discount securities or indexed securities, that portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series) to be due and payable immediately. If an event of default specified in the fifth bullet above occurs and is continuing, then the principal amount of all those debt securities (or, in the case of discount securities or indexed securities, that portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series) will be due and payable immediately, without any declaration or other act on the part of the trustee or any holder. In certain cases, holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may, on behalf of holders of all those debt securities, rescind and annul a declaration of acceleration.

The indenture imposes limitations on suits brought by holders of debt securities against us. Except for actions for payment of overdue principal or interest, no holder of debt securities of any series may institute any action against us under the indenture unless:

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the holder has previously given to the trustee written notice of default and continuance of such default;

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the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the affected series have requested that the trustee institute the action;

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the requesting holders have offered the trustee indemnity for the reasonable expenses and liabilities that may be incurred by bringing the action;

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the trustee has not instituted the action within 60 days of the request and offer of indemnity; and

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the trustee has not received inconsistent direction by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the affected series.

We will be required to file annually with the trustee a certificate, signed by one of our officers, stating whether or not the officer knows of any default by us in the performance, observance or fulfillment of any condition or covenant of the indenture.

Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

We can discharge or decrease our obligations under the indenture as stated below.

We may discharge obligations to holders of any series of debt securities that have not already been delivered to the trustee for cancellation and that have either become due and payable or are by their terms to become due and payable, or are scheduled for redemption, within one year. We may effect a discharge by irrevocably depositing with the trustee cash or government obligations, as trust funds, in an amount certified to be enough to pay when due, whether at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise, the principal of, and any premium and interest on, the debt securities and any mandatory sinking fund payments.

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may also discharge any and all of our obligations to holders of any series of debt securities at any time, which we refer to as defeasance. We may also be released from the obligations imposed by any covenants of any outstanding series of debt securities and provisions of the indenture, and we may omit to comply with those covenants without creating an event of default under the trust declaration, which we refer to as covenant defeasance. We may effect defeasance and covenant defeasance only if, among other things:

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we irrevocably deposit with the trustee cash or government obligations denominated in the currency of the debt securities, as trust funds, in an amount certified to be enough to pay at maturity, or upon redemption, the principal (including any mandatory sinking fund payments) of, and any premium and interest on, all outstanding debt securities of the series; and

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we deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel from a nationally recognized law firm to the effect that the holders of the series of debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the defeasance or covenant defeasance and that defeasance or covenant defeasance will not otherwise alter the holders’ U.S. federal income tax treatment of principal, and any premium and interest payments on, the series of debt securities.

In the case of a defeasance by us, the opinion we deliver must be based on a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service issued, or a change in U.S. federal income tax law occurring, after the date of the indenture, since such a result would not occur under the U.S. federal income tax laws in effect on that date.

Although we may discharge or decrease our obligations under the indenture as described in the two preceding paragraphs, we may not avoid, among other things, our duty to register the transfer or exchange of any series of debt securities, to replace any temporary, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen series of debt securities or to maintain an office or agency in respect of any series of debt securities.

Modification of the Indenture

The indenture provides that we and the trustee may enter into supplemental indentures without the consent of the holders of debt securities to, among other things:

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evidence the assumption by a successor entity of our obligations;

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add to our covenants for the benefit of the holders of debt securities, or to surrender any rights or power conferred upon us;

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add any additional events of default;

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add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of the indenture in a manner that will become effective only when there is no outstanding debt security which is entitled to the benefit of the provision as to which the modification would apply;

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add guarantees with respect to or secure any debt securities;

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establish the forms or terms of debt securities of any series;

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evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee and add to or change any of the provisions of the indenture as is necessary for the administration of the trusts by more than one trustee;

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cure any ambiguity or correct any inconsistency or defect in the indenture;

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modify, eliminate or add to the provisions of the indenture as shall be necessary to effect the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 or under any similar federal statute later enacted, and to add to the indenture such other provisions as may be expressly required by the Trust Indenture Act; and

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make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the indenture that will not be inconsistent with any provision of the indenture as long as the new provisions do not adversely affect the interests of the holders of any outstanding debt securities of any series created prior to the modification.

The indenture also provides that we and the trustee may, with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of debt securities of each series of debt securities affected by such supplemental indenture then outstanding, add any provisions to, or change in any manner, eliminate or modify in any way the provisions of, the indenture or any supplemental indenture or modify in any manner the rights of the holders of the debt securities. We and the trustee may not, however, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security affected thereby:

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extend the final maturity of any debt security;

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reduce the principal amount or premium, if any;

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reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest;

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reduce the amount of the principal of any debt security issued with an original issue discount that is payable upon acceleration;

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change the currency in which the principal, and any premium or interest, is payable;

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impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on any debt security when due;

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if applicable, adversely affect the right of a holder to convert or exchange a debt security; or

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reduce the percentage of holders of debt securities of any series whose consent is required for any modification of the indenture or for waivers of compliance with or defaults under the indenture with respect to debt securities of that series.

The indenture provides that the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities of any series, by notice to the relevant trustee, may on behalf of the holders of the debt securities of that series waive any default and its consequences under the indenture except:

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a default in the payment of, any premium and any interest on, or principal of, any such debt security held by a nonconsenting holder; or

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a default in respect of a covenant or provision of the indenture that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security of each series affected.

Registered Global Securities and Book Entry System

The debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in book-entry form and will be represented by one or more fully registered global securities. We will deposit any registered global securities with a depositary or with a nominee for a depositary identified in the applicable prospectus supplement and registered in the name of such depositary or nominee. In such case, we will issue one or more registered global securities denominated in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of all of the debt securities of the series to be issued and represented by such registered global security or securities. This means that we will not issue certificates to each holder.

Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for debt securities in definitive registered form, a registered global security may not be transferred except as a whole:

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by the depositary for the registered global security to its nominee;

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by a nominee of the depositary to the depositary or another nominee of the depositary; or

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by the depositary or its nominee to a successor of the depositary or a nominee of the successor.

The prospectus supplement relating to a series of debt securities will describe the specific terms of the depositary arrangement involving any portion of the series represented by a registered global security. We anticipate that the following provisions will apply to all depositary arrangements for debt securities:

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ownership of beneficial interests in a registered global security will be limited to persons that have accounts with the depositary for such registered global security, these persons being referred to as “participants,” or persons that may hold interests through participants;

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upon the issuance of a registered global security, the depositary for the registered global security will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the participants’ accounts with the respective principal amounts of the debt securities represented by the registered global security beneficially owned by the participants;

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any dealers, underwriters, or agents participating in the distribution of the debt securities will designate the accounts to be credited; and

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ownership of beneficial interest in the registered global security will be shown on, and the transfer of the ownership interest will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary for the registered global security for interests of participants, and on the records of participants for interests of persons holding through participants.

The laws of some states may require that specified purchasers of securities take physical delivery of the securities in definitive form. These laws may limit the ability of those persons to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interests in registered global securities.

So long as the depositary for a registered global security, or its nominee, is the registered owner of the registered global security, the depositary or such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the debt securities represented by the registered global security for all purposes under the indenture. Except as stated below, owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security:

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will not be entitled to have the debt securities represented by a registered global security registered in their names;

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will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the debt securities in the definitive form; and

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will not be considered the owners or holders of the debt securities under the relevant indenture.

Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a registered global security must rely on the procedures of the depositary for the registered global security and, if the person is not a participant, on the procedures of a participant through which the person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the indenture.

We understand that under existing industry practices, if we request any action of holders or if an owner of a beneficial interest in a registered global security desires to give or take any action that a holder is entitled to give or take under the indenture, the depositary for the registered global security would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take the action, and the participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through the participants to give or take the action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners holding through them.

We will make payments of principal and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on debt securities represented by a registered global security registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owners of the registered global security. Neither we nor the trustee, or any other agent of ours or the trustee will be responsible or liable for any aspect of the records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership interests in the registered global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to the beneficial ownership interests.

We expect that the depositary for any debt securities represented by a registered global security, upon receipt of any payments of principal and premium, if any, and interest, if any, in respect of the registered global security, will immediately credit participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the registered global security as shown on the records of the depositary. We also expect that standing customer instructions and customary practices will govern payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in the registered global security held through the participants, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name.” We also expect that any of these payments will be the responsibility of the participants.

If the depositary for any debt securities represented by a registered global security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or stops being a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, we will appoint an eligible successor depositary. If we fail to appoint an eligible successor depositary within 90 days, we will issue the debt securities in definitive form in exchange for the registered global security. In addition, we may at any time and in our sole discretion decide not to have any of the debt securities of a series represented by one or more registered global securities. In that event, we will issue debt securities of the series in a definitive form in exchange for all of the registered global securities representing the debt securities. The trustee will register any debt securities issued in definitive form in exchange for a registered global security in the name or names as the depositary, based upon instructions from its participants, shall instruct the trustee.

Concerning the Trustee

The indenture provides that there may be more than one trustee under the indenture, each for one or more series of debt securities. If there are different trustees for different series of debt securities, each trustee will be a trustee of a trust under the indenture separate and apart from the trust administered by any other trustee under that indenture. Except as otherwise indicated in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, any action permitted to be taken by a trustee may be taken by such trustee only on the one or more series of debt securities for which it is the trustee under the indenture. Any trustee under the indenture may resign or be removed from one or more series of debt securities. All payments of principal of, and any premium and interest on, and all registration, transfer, exchange, authentication and delivery of, the debt securities of a series will be effected by the trustee for that series at an office designated by the trustee in New York, New York.

The indenture provides that, except during the continuance of an event of default, the trustee will perform only such duties as are specifically set forth in the indenture. During the existence of an event of default, the

trustee will exercise those rights and powers vested in it under the indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a prudent person would exercise under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.

If the trustee becomes a creditor of ours, the indenture places limitations on the right of the trustee to obtain payment of claims or to realize on property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The trustee may engage in other transactions. If it acquires any conflicting interest relating to any duties concerning the debt securities, however, it must eliminate the conflict or resign as trustee.

No Individual Liability of Incorporators, Stockholders, Officers or Directors

The indenture provides that no past, present or future director, officer, stockholder or employee of ours, any of our affiliates, or any successor corporation, in their capacity as such, shall have any individual liability for any of our obligations, covenants or agreements under the debt securities or the indenture.

Governing Law

The indenture and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

We may issue warrants for the purchase of common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, debt securities or any combination thereof. We may issue warrants independently or together with any other securities offered by any prospectus supplement and may be attached to or separate from the other offered securities. Each series of warrants may be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into by us with a warrant agent. The applicable warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of warrants. Further terms of the warrants and the applicable warrant agreements will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

The applicable prospectus supplement relating to any particular issue of warrants will describe the terms of the warrants, including, as applicable, the following:

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the title of the warrants;

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the aggregate number of the warrants;

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the price or prices at which the warrants will be issued;

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the designation, terms and number of shares of common stock, preferred stock or debt securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants;

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the designation and terms of the offered securities, if any, with which the warrants are issued and the number of the warrants issued with each offered security;

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the date, if any, on and after which the warrants and the related common stock, preferred stock or debt securities will be separately transferable;

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the price at which each share of common stock, preferred stock or debt securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants may be purchased;

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the date on which the right to exercise the warrants shall commence and the date on which that right shall expire;

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the minimum or maximum amount of the warrants which may be exercised at any one time;

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information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any;

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a discussion of certain federal income tax considerations; and

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any other terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the warrants.

We and the applicable warrant agent may amend or supplement the warrant agreement for a series of warrants without the consent of the holders of the warrants issued thereunder to effect changes that are not inconsistent with the provisions of the warrants and that do not materially and adversely affect the interests of the holders of the warrants.

DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS

We may issue rights to purchase common stock or preferred stock. This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement will contain the material terms and conditions for each right. The accompanying prospectus supplement may add, update or change the terms and conditions of the rights as described in this prospectus.

We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms and conditions of the issue of rights being offered, the rights agreement relating to the rights and the rights certificates representing the rights, including, as applicable:

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the title of the rights;

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the date of determining the stockholders entitled to the rights distribution;

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the title, aggregate number of shares of common stock or preferred stock purchasable upon exercise of the rights;

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the exercise price;

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the aggregate number of rights issued;

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the date, if any, on and after which the rights will be separately transferable;

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the date on which the right to exercise the rights will commence and the date on which the right will expire; and

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any other terms of the rights, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the distribution, exchange and exercise of the rights.

Each right will entitle the holder of rights to purchase for cash the principal amount of shares of common stock or preferred stock at the exercise price provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. Rights may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date for the rights provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, all unexercised rights will be void.

Holders may exercise rights as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Upon receipt of payment and the rights certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the rights agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, forward the shares of common stock or preferred stock purchasable upon exercise of the rights. If less than all of the rights issued in any rights offering are exercised, we may offer any unsubscribed securities directly to persons other than stockholders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination of such methods, including pursuant to standby underwriting arrangements, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

This prospectus also relates to the possible resale by some of our stockholders of up to an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of our common stock that were issued and outstanding prior to the original date of filing of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part and may include shares acquired by our directors or entities affiliated with our directors that were issued in one or more of the following transactions: Prior to our initial public offering in 2005, we sold shares of our common stock and preferred stock in private placements to accredited investors, including some of our directors or entities affiliated with our directors. All outstanding shares of our preferred stock were converted to shares of our common stock in connection with the closing of our initial public offering in February 2005.

The selling stockholders may be our directors or entities affiliated with our directors. The prospectus supplement for any offering of common stock by selling stockholders will include the following information:

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the names of the selling stockholders;

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the nature of any position, office or other material relationship each selling stockholder has had within the last three years with us or any of our predecessors or affiliates;

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the number of shares held by each of the selling stockholders before and after the offering;

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the percentage of common stock held by each of the selling stockholders before and after the offering; and

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the number of shares of common stock offered by each of the selling stockholders.

Selling stockholders may not sell any shares of our common stock pursuant to this prospectus until we have identified those selling stockholders and the shares being offered for resale by those selling stockholders in a subsequent prospectus supplement. However, the selling stockholders may sell or transfer all or a portion of their shares of our common stock pursuant to any available exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

Company Distributions

We may sell the securities offered by this prospectus to one or more underwriters or dealers for public offering and sale by them or to investors directly or through agents. The accompanying prospectus supplement will set forth the terms of the offering and the method of distribution and will identify any firms acting as underwriters, dealers or agents in connection with the offering, including:

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the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents;

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the purchase price of the securities and the proceeds to us from the sale;

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any underwriting discounts and other items constituting compensation to underwriters, dealers or agents;

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any public offering price;

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any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers; and

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any securities exchange or market on which the securities offered in the prospectus supplement may be listed.

Only those underwriters identified in such prospectus supplement are deemed to be underwriters in connection with the securities offered in the prospectus supplement.

The distribution of the securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, or at prices determined as the applicable prospectus supplement specifies. The securities may be sold through an at-the-market offering, a rights offering, forward contracts or similar arrangements. In addition, we may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement so indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and, if not identified in this prospectus, will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement (or a post-effective amendment). In addition, we may otherwise loan or pledge securities to a financial institution or other third party that in turn may sell the securities short using this prospectus and an applicable prospectus supplement. Such financial institution or other third party may transfer its economic short position to investors in our securities or in connection with a concurrent offering of other securities.

In connection with the sale of the securities, underwriters, dealers or agents may be deemed to have received compensation from us in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions and also may receive commissions from securities purchasers for whom they may act as agent. Underwriters may sell the securities to or through dealers, and the dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent.

We will provide in the applicable prospectus supplement information regarding any underwriting discounts or other compensation that we pay to underwriters or agents in connection with the securities offering, and any discounts, concessions or commissions that underwriters allow to dealers. Underwriters, dealers and agents participating in the securities distribution may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts, commissions or concessions they receive and any profit they realize on the resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act of 1933. Underwriters and their controlling persons, dealers and agents may be entitled, under agreements entered into with us, to indemnification against and contribution toward specific civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Some of the underwriters, dealers or agents who participate in the securities distribution may engage in other transactions with, and perform other services for, us or our subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.

Our common stock is currently listed on The NASDAQ Global Market and the Jasdaq Market of the Tokyo Securities Exchange, but any other securities may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange. To facilitate the offering of securities, certain persons participating in the offering may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the securities. This may include over-allotments or short sales of the securities, which involve the sale by persons participating in the offering of more securities than were sold to them. In these circumstances, these persons would cover such over-allotments or short positions by making purchases in the open market or by exercising their over-allotment option, if any. In addition, these persons may stabilize or maintain the price of the securities by bidding for or purchasing securities in the open market or by imposing penalty bids, whereby selling concessions allowed to dealers participating in the offering may be reclaimed if securities sold by them are repurchased in connection with stabilization transactions. The effect of these transactions may be to stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. These transactions may be discontinued at any time.

Selling Stockholder Distributions

The selling stockholders, which as used herein includes donees, pledgees, transferees or other successors-in-interest selling shares of common stock or interests in shares of common stock received after the date of this prospectus from a selling stockholder as a gift, pledge, partnership distribution or other transfer, may, from time to time, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any or all of their shares of common stock or interests in shares of

common stock on any stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the shares are traded or in private transactions. These dispositions may be at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at prices related to the prevailing market price, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices.

The selling stockholders may use any one or more of the following methods when disposing of shares or interests therein:

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ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers;

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block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent, but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction;

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purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account;

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an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange;

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privately negotiated transactions;

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short sales effected after the date the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part is declared effective by the SEC;

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through the writing or settlement of options or other hedging transactions, whether through an options exchange or otherwise;

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broker-dealers may agree with the selling stockholders to sell a specified number of such shares at a stipulated price per share; and

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a combination of any such methods of sale.

The selling stockholders may, from time to time, pledge or grant a security interest in some or all of the shares of common stock owned by them and, if they default in the performance of their secured obligations, the pledgees or secured parties may offer and sell the shares of common stock, from time to time, under this prospectus, or under an amendment or supplement to this prospectus amending the list of selling stockholders to include the pledgee, transferee or other successors in interest as selling stockholders under this prospectus. The selling stockholders also may transfer the shares of common stock in other circumstances, in which case the transferees, pledgees or other successors in interest will be the selling beneficial owners for purposes of this prospectus.

In connection with the sale of our common stock or interests therein, the selling stockholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions, which may in turn engage in short sales of the common stock in the course of hedging the positions they assume. The selling stockholders may also sell shares of our common stock short and deliver these securities to close out their short positions, or loan or pledge the common stock to broker-dealers that in turn may sell these securities. The selling stockholders may also enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions or the creation of one or more derivative securities which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of shares offered by this prospectus, which shares such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus (as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction).

The aggregate proceeds to the selling stockholders from the sale of the common stock offered by them will be the purchase price of the common stock less discounts or commissions, if any. Each of the selling stockholders reserves the right to accept and, together with their agents from time to time, to reject, in whole or in part, any proposed purchase of common stock to be made directly or through agents. We will not receive any of the proceeds from this offering.

The selling stockholders also may resell all or a portion of the shares in open market transactions in reliance upon Rule 144 under the Securities Act, provided that they meet the criteria and conform to the requirements of that rule.

The selling stockholders and any underwriters, broker-dealers or agents that participate in the sale of the common stock or interests therein may be “underwriters” within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act. Any discounts, commissions, concessions or profit they earn on any resale of the shares may be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. Selling stockholders who are “underwriters” within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act will be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act. Underwriters and their controlling persons, dealers and agents may be entitled, under agreements entered into with us and the selling stockholders, to indemnification against and contribution toward specific civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

To the extent required, the shares of our common stock to be sold, the names of the selling stockholders, the respective purchase prices and public offering prices, the nature of any position, office, or other material relationship which the selling stockholders have had with us or any of our predecessors or affiliates within the past three years, the names of any agents, dealer or underwriter, and any applicable discounts, commissions, concessions or other compensation with respect to a particular offer will be set forth in an accompanying prospectus supplement or, if appropriate, a post-effective amendment to the registration statement that includes this prospectus.

To facilitate the offering of the shares offered by the selling stockholders, certain persons participating in the offering may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the common stock. This may include over-allotments or short sales, which involve the sale by persons participating in the offering of more shares than were sold to them. In these circumstances, these persons would cover such over-allotments or short positions by making purchases in the open market or by exercising their over-allotment option, if any. In addition, these persons may stabilize or maintain the price of the common stock by bidding for or purchasing shares in the open market or by imposing penalty bids, whereby selling concessions allowed to dealers participating in the offering may be reclaimed if shares sold by them are repurchased in connection with stabilization transactions. The effect of these transactions may be to stabilize or maintain the market price of the common stock at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. These transactions may be discontinued at any time.

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of any securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian, LLP, San Diego, California.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015 and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 incorporated by reference in this Prospectus have been so incorporated in reliance on the reports of BDO USA, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated herein by reference, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We have filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933. This prospectus is part of the registration statement but the registration statement includes and incorporates by reference additional information and exhibits. We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy the registration statement and any other document we file with the SEC at the public reference room maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a web site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding companies, such as ours, that file documents electronically with the SEC. The address of that site on the world wide web is http://www.sec.gov. The information on the SEC’s web site is not part of this prospectus, and any references to this web site or any other web site are inactive textual references only.

INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The SEC permits us to “incorporate by reference” the information contained in documents we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents rather than by including them in this prospectus. Information that is incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus and you should read it with the same care that you read this prospectus. Later information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the information that is either contained, or incorporated by reference, in this prospectus, and will be considered to be a part of this prospectus from the date those documents are filed. We have filed with the SEC, and incorporate by reference in this prospectus (excluding any portions of any Form 8-K that are not deemed “filed” pursuant to the General Instructions of Form 8-K):

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our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (filed on February 25, 2016);

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our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016 (filed on April 27, 2016 and July 26, 2016, respectively);

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our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 31, 2016 and June 13, 2016 (other than the portions of any of these reports furnished but not filed pursuant to SEC rules and the exhibits filed on such form that relate to such portions);

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the description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on January 26, 2005.

We are not, however, incorporating any documents or information that we are deemed to furnish and not file in accordance with SEC rules (including with respect to the above-listed periodic reports). We also incorporate by reference all additional documents that we file with the SEC under the terms of Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are made after the initial filing date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and the effectiveness of the registration statement, as well as between the date of this prospectus and the termination of any offering of securities offered by this prospectus.

You may request a copy of any or all of the documents incorporated by reference but not delivered with this prospectus, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address and number: Investor Relations, MediciNova, Inc., 4275 Executive Square, Suite 650, La Jolla, California 92037, telephone (858) 373-1500. We will not, however, send exhibits to those documents, unless the exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference in those documents.

$29,967,000

LOGO

MEDICINOVA, INC.

Common Stock

Prospectus Supplement