v3.26.1
Document and Entity Information - shares
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
May 12, 2026
Cover [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2026  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2026  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Trading Symbol MNOV  
Entity Registrant Name MEDICINOVA, INC.  
Entity Central Index Key 0001226616  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business true  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   49,221,246
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity File Number 001-33185  
Entity Tax Identification Number 33-0927979  
Entity Address, Address Line One 4275 Executive Square  
Entity Address, Address Line Two Suite 300  
Entity Address, City or Town La Jolla  
Entity Address, State or Province CA  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 92037  
City Area Code 858  
Local Phone Number 373-1500  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Transition Report false  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, $0.001 par value  
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ