-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----
Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR
Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov
Originator-Key-Asymmetric:
 MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen
 TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB
MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA,
 T57N0PHakxZdi5Y0Jxd3pZdYIjV6o4lFPwLdm5seJ6d0ypgN+717BEZQ3O1X8GHh
 fG1YSQoLoUpEw0jtrevT2A==

<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001193805-09-002564.txt : 20091224
<SEC-HEADER>0001193805-09-002564.hdr.sgml : 20091224
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20091224155225
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001193805-09-002564
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	3
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		1
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20091218
FILED AS OF DATE:		20091224
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20091224

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			LAMPERT MARK N
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001233840

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		3
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-33185
		FILM NUMBER:		091260404

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		2415 GREEN ST
		CITY:			SAN FRANCISCO
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			94123

ISSUER:		

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			MEDICINOVA INC
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001226616
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS [2834]
		IRS NUMBER:				330927979
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		4350 LA JOLLA VILLAGE DRIVE
		STREET 2:		SUITE 950
		CITY:			SAN DIEGO
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			92122
		BUSINESS PHONE:		858-373-1500

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		4350 LA JOLLA VILLAGE DRIVE
		STREET 2:		SUITE 950
		CITY:			SAN DIEGO
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			92122

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			BIOTECHNOLOGY VALUE FUND L P
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000918923
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	INVESTMENT ADVICE [6282]
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		3
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-33185
		FILM NUMBER:		091260402

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		900 N. MICHIGAN AVENUE, SUITE 1100
		CITY:			CHICAGO
		STATE:			IL
		ZIP:			60611
		BUSINESS PHONE:		3125066500

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		900 N. MICHIGAN AVENUE, SUITE 1100
		CITY:			CHICAGO
		STATE:			IL
		ZIP:			60611

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			BVF PARTNERS L P/IL
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001055947

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		3
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-33185
		FILM NUMBER:		091260403

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		ONE SANSOME ST
		STREET 2:		39TH FL
		CITY:			SAN FRANCISCO
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			94104
		BUSINESS PHONE:		3125066500

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		900 N. MICHIGAN AVENUE
		STREET 2:		SUITE 1100
		CITY:			CHICAGO
		STATE:			IL
		ZIP:			60611

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			BVF INC/IL
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001056807
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		3
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-33185
		FILM NUMBER:		091260399

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		ONE SANSOME ST
		STREET 2:		39TH FLOOR
		CITY:			SAN FRANCISCO
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			94104
		BUSINESS PHONE:		3125066500

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		C/O GROSVENOR CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
		STREET 2:		900 N. MICHIGAN AVENUE, SUITE 1100
		CITY:			CHICAGO
		STATE:			IL
		ZIP:			60611

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			BIOTECHNOLOGY VALUE FUND II LP
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001102444
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		3
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-33185
		FILM NUMBER:		091260401

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		ONE SANSOME ST
		STREET 2:		39TH FL.
		CITY:			SAN FRANCISCO
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			94104
		BUSINESS PHONE:		3125066500

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		C/O GROSVENOR CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
		STREET 2:		900 N. MICHIGAN AVENUE, SUITE 1100
		CITY:			CHICAGO
		STATE:			IL
		ZIP:			60611

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			BVF INVESTMENTS LLC
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001132245
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		3
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-33185
		FILM NUMBER:		091260400

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		ONE SANSOME ST. 39TH FL
		CITY:			SAN FRANCISCO
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			94104
		BUSINESS PHONE:		3125066500

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		C/O GROSVENOR CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LP
		STREET 2:		900 N. MICHIGAN AVENUE, SUITE 1100
		CITY:			CHICAGO
		STATE:			IL
		ZIP:			60611
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>3
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>e606224_ex.xml
<TEXT>
<XML>
<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ownershipDocument>

    <schemaVersion>X0203</schemaVersion>

    <documentType>3</documentType>

    <periodOfReport>2009-12-18</periodOfReport>

    <noSecuritiesOwned>0</noSecuritiesOwned>

    <issuer>
        <issuerCik>0001226616</issuerCik>
        <issuerName>MEDICINOVA INC</issuerName>
        <issuerTradingSymbol>MNOV</issuerTradingSymbol>
    </issuer>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001055947</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>BVF PARTNERS L P/IL</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>900 NORTH MICHIGAN AVENUE</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>SUITE 1100</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>CHICAGO</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>IL</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>60611</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>0</isOther>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0000918923</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>BIOTECHNOLOGY VALUE FUND L P</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>900 NORTH MICHIGAN AVENUE</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>SUITE 1100</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>CHICAGO</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>IL</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>60611</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>0</isOther>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001102444</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>BIOTECHNOLOGY VALUE FUND II LP</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>900 NORTH MICHIGAN AVENUE</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>SUITE 1100</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>CHICAGO</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>IL</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>60611</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>0</isOther>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001132245</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>BVF INVESTMENTS LLC</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>900 NORTH MICHIGAN AVENUE</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>SUITE 1100</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>CHICAGO</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>IL</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>60611</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>0</isOther>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001056807</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>BVF INC/IL</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>900 NORTH MICHIGAN AVENUE</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>SUITE 1100</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>CHICAGO</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>IL</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>60611</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>0</isOther>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001233840</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>LAMPERT MARK N</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>900 NORTH MICHIGAN AVENUE</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>SUITE 1100</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>CHICAGO</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>IL</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>60611</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>0</isOther>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <derivativeTable>
        <derivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Secured Convertible Note</value>
                <footnoteId id="F1"/>
            </securityTitle>
            <conversionOrExercisePrice>
                <value>6.8000</value>
            </conversionOrExercisePrice>
            <exerciseDate>
                <value>2009-12-18</value>
            </exerciseDate>
            <expirationDate>
                <value>2011-06-18</value>
            </expirationDate>
            <underlyingSecurity>
                <underlyingSecurityTitle>
                    <value>Common Stock, $0.001 par value</value>
                </underlyingSecurityTitle>
                <underlyingSecurityShares>
                    <value>224859</value>
                </underlyingSecurityShares>
            </underlyingSecurity>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F2"/>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Biotechnology Value Fund II, L.P.</value>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </derivativeHolding>
        <derivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Secured Convertible Note</value>
                <footnoteId id="F1"/>
            </securityTitle>
            <conversionOrExercisePrice>
                <value>6.8000</value>
            </conversionOrExercisePrice>
            <exerciseDate>
                <value>2009-12-18</value>
            </exerciseDate>
            <expirationDate>
                <value>2011-06-18</value>
            </expirationDate>
            <underlyingSecurity>
                <underlyingSecurityTitle>
                    <value>Common Stock, $0.001 par value</value>
                </underlyingSecurityTitle>
                <underlyingSecurityShares>
                    <value>325414</value>
                </underlyingSecurityShares>
            </underlyingSecurity>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F3"/>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Biotechnology Value Fund, L.P.</value>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </derivativeHolding>
        <derivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Secured Convertible Note</value>
                <footnoteId id="F1"/>
            </securityTitle>
            <conversionOrExercisePrice>
                <value>6.8000</value>
            </conversionOrExercisePrice>
            <exerciseDate>
                <value>2009-12-18</value>
            </exerciseDate>
            <expirationDate>
                <value>2011-06-18</value>
            </expirationDate>
            <underlyingSecurity>
                <underlyingSecurityTitle>
                    <value>Common Stock, $0.001 par value</value>
                </underlyingSecurityTitle>
                <underlyingSecurityShares>
                    <value>821233</value>
                </underlyingSecurityShares>
            </underlyingSecurity>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F4"/>
                    <footnoteId id="F5"/>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By BVF Investments, L.L.C.</value>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </derivativeHolding>
    </derivativeTable>

    <footnotes>
        <footnote id="F1">Each of the Reporting Persons is a member of a Section 13(d) group with respect to the securities of the Issuer that
 beneficially owns in excess of 10% of the Issuer's outstanding Shares.  The Reporting Persons disclaim beneficial ownership
 of the securities of the Issuer beneficially owned by the other members of the group except to the extent of his or its
 pecuniary interest therein.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F2">Securities owned directly by Biotechnology Value Fund II, L.P. (&quot;BVF2&quot;). As the general partner of BVF2, BVF Partners L.P.
 (&quot;Partners&quot;) may be deemed to beneficially own the Shares owned by BVF2. As the general partner of Partners, BVF Inc. may be
 deemed to beneficially own the Shares owned by BVF2. As the sole shareholder, sole director, and an officer of BVF Inc.,
 Mark N. Lampert may be deemed to beneficially own the Shares owned by BVF2.  Partners, BVF Inc. and Mr. Lampert each
 disclaim beneficial ownership of such Shares except to the extent of his or its pecuniary interest therein.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F3">Securities owned directly by Biotechnology Value Fund, L.P. (&quot;BVF&quot;). As the general partner of BVF, Partners may be deemed to
 beneficially own the Shares owned by BVF. As the general partner of Partners, BVF Inc. may be deemed to beneficially own the
 Shares owned by BVF. As the sole shareholder, sole director, and an officer of BVF Inc., Mr. Lampert may be deemed to
 beneficially own the Shares owned by BVF.  Partners, BVF Inc. and Mr. Lampert each disclaim beneficial ownership of such
 Shares except to the extent of his or its pecuniary interest therein.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F4">Securities owned directly by BVF Investments, L.L.C. (&quot;BVFLLC&quot;). As the manager of BVFLLC, Partners may be deemed to
 beneficially own the Shares owned by BVFLLC. As the general partner of Partners, BVF Inc. may be deemed to beneficially own
 the Shares owned by BVFLLC. As the sole shareholder, sole director, and an officer of BVF Inc., Mr. Lampert may be deemed to
 beneficially own the Shares owned by BVFLLC.  Partners, BVF Inc. and Mr. Lampert each disclaim beneficial ownership of such
 Shares except to the extent of his or its pecuniary interest therein.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F5">Pursuant to the operating agreement of BVFLLC, Partners is authorized, among other things, to invest the contributed capital
 of Samana Capital, L.P., the majority member of BVFLLC, in the Shares and other securities and to vote, exercise or convert
 and dispose of such securities and is entitled to receive fees based on assets under management and, subject to certain
 exceptions, allocations based on realized and unrealized gains on such assets.</footnote>
    </footnotes>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>By: BVF Partners L.P.; By: BVF Inc., its general partner; By: /s/ Mark N. Lampert, President</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2009-12-24</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>By: Biotechnology Value Fund, L.P.; By: BVF Partners L.P., its general partner; By: BVF Inc., its general partner; By: /s/ Mark N. Lampert, President</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2009-12-24</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>By: Biotechnology Value Fund II, L.P.; By: BVF Partners L.P., its general partner; By: BVF Inc., its general partner; By: /s/ Mark N. Lampert, President</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2009-12-24</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>By: BVF Investments, L.L.C.; By: BVF Partners L.P., its manager; By: BVF Inc., its general partner; By: /s/ Mark N. Lampert, President</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2009-12-24</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>By: BVF Inc.; By: /s/ Mark N. Lampert, President</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2009-12-24</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>/s/ Lampert, Mark N.</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2009-12-24</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>
</ownershipDocument>
</XML>
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
</SEC-DOCUMENT>
-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----