TORONTO and HOUSTON, Dec. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. (“Medicenna” or the “Company”) (TSX: MDNA, OTCQX: MDNAF), a clinical-stage immunotherapy company focused on the development of Superkines for the treatment of cancer as well as autoimmune and inflammatory diseases is pleased to announce that it will host a live webinar on December 10, 2025 at 08:30 AM Eastern Time. As previously announced, Medicenna will present updated clinical data from the ABILITY-1 Phase 1/2 Study, evalu ...

Core Insights - Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. is set to present updated clinical data for MDNA11 at the ESMO Immuno-Oncology Congress 2025 in London from December 10-12, 2025 [1][2] - The presentation will focus on the Phase 1/2 ABILITY-1 Study, evaluating MDNA11 as a monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab for advanced solid tumors [2] Company Overview - Medicenna is a clinical-stage immunotherapy company specializing in the development of Superkines targeting cancer and autoimmune diseases [1][3] - The company’s lead product, MDNA11, is a long-acting IL-2 Superkine designed to preferentially stimulate cancer-killing effector T cells and NK cells [3] - Medicenna is also developing MDNA113, a bispecific targeting PD-1 and IL-2 for solid tumors, utilizing proprietary platforms BiSKITs™ and T-MASK™ [3] - Bizaxofusp, an IL-4 Empowered Superkine, has been studied in five clinical trials with over 130 patients and has received FastTrack and Orphan Drug status from the FDA and EMA [3]

Summary of Medicenna Therapeutics Conference Call Company Overview - Medicenna Therapeutics is a publicly listed company on the TSX main board and OTCQX under the symbol MDNA, focused on developing immunotherapies for late-stage diseases, particularly cancer [1][2] - The company specializes in a class of molecules known as cytokines, aiming to develop enhanced versions called Superkines [1][2] Core Points and Arguments Development and Collaborations - Medicenna licensed the Superkines platform from Stanford University in 2016 and has exclusive worldwide rights [2] - The company has a clinical collaboration with Merck, utilizing Keytruda, the world's best-selling drug, in combination with its own therapies [2][3] Clinical Trials and Data - Medicenna is preparing to provide updates on its Superkine MDNA11, with over 100 patient data points collected [3][6] - The company has received FDA agreement on a phase 3 design for its brain cancer drug, indicating significant progress in its development pipeline [3][5] - MDNA11 has shown promising results, with tumor shrinkage observed in 30% to 50% of patients who have previously failed other therapies [12][14] Market Opportunity - Keytruda, which is set to go off patent in 2028, currently generates nearly $30 billion in annual sales, highlighting a significant market opportunity for alternatives like MDNA11 [11][12] - Medicenna's valuation is approximately $60 million USD, with potential for substantial growth given the response rates observed in clinical trials compared to competitors [18][19] Competitive Landscape - The company is positioned against competitors like Replimune and Iovance, which have higher valuations despite similar response rates [19][20] - Recent multibillion-dollar transactions in the bispecific molecule space, such as the $11.2 billion deal between Takeda and Innovent, indicate a growing interest in this area [21][22] Pipeline and Future Developments - Medicenna is advancing multiple drugs, including MDNA113, a bispecific molecule combining anti-PD-1 and IL-2, with data expected soon [21][23] - The brain cancer program shows potential for significant market impact, with an estimated $4 billion opportunity across various brain cancer types [25][26] Important but Overlooked Content - The company has a strong advisory team, including leading experts in brain cancer and skin cancer, which enhances its credibility and potential for success [4] - Medicenna's approach to IL-2 therapy addresses previous challenges with safety and efficacy, aiming to provide a safer treatment option that effectively shrinks tumors [10][11][13] - The company has a cash runway into Q3 of the following year, allowing it to continue its development efforts without immediate financial pressure [26][40] Upcoming Milestones - Key data readouts are expected by the end of the year, particularly at a major cancer conference in the UK [27][40] - The company plans to meet with regulators to discuss pathways for accelerated approval based on upcoming clinical trial results [28][40]

Core Insights - Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. is a clinical-stage immunotherapy company focused on developing Superkines for cancer and autoimmune diseases, participating in several upcoming conferences to showcase its innovative therapies and engage with the investment community [1][5]. Upcoming Conference Participation - Medicenna will participate in the Planet MicroCap Showcase in Toronto in 2025, BIO-Europe 2025 in Vienna, and the Oppenheimer Miami Oncology Summit [2][3][4]. - The BIO-Europe event is one of the largest life sciences partnering events, providing Medicenna a platform to engage with potential partners and investors [7]. - The Oppenheimer Miami Oncology Summit will focus on oncology advancements, allowing Medicenna to discuss its immunotherapy innovations [7]. Company Overview - Medicenna is developing novel, highly selective versions of IL-2, IL-4, and IL-13 Superkines, including the long-acting IL-2 Superkine, MDNA11, which preferentially stimulates cancer-killing effector T cells and NK cells [5]. - The IL-4 Empowered Superkine, bizaxofusp, has been studied in five clinical trials with over 130 patients, including a Phase 2b trial for recurrent GBM, and has received FastTrack and Orphan Drug status from the FDA and EMA [5]. - Medicenna's early-stage BiSKITs™ and T-MASK™ programs aim to enhance the effectiveness of Superkines in treating immunologically "cold" tumors [5].

Core Insights - Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. is a clinical-stage immunotherapy company focused on developing Superkines for cancer and autoimmune diseases [1][3] - Dr. Fahar Merchant, President and CEO, will participate in the ROTH 4 Annual Healthcare Opportunities Conference on October 8-9, 2025 [1][5] Company Overview - Medicenna specializes in novel, highly selective versions of IL-2, IL-4, and IL-13 Superkines, including first-in-class Empowered Superkines [3] - The company's long-acting IL-2 Superkine, MDNA11, has superior affinity toward CD122 and preferentially stimulates cancer-killing effector T cells and NK cells [3] - Bizaxofusp, an IL-4 Empowered Superkine, has been studied in five clinical trials with over 130 patients, including a Phase 2b trial for recurrent GBM [3] - Bizaxofusp has received FastTrack and Orphan Drug status from the FDA and FDA/EMA, respectively [3] - Medicenna is also developing early-stage BiSKITs™ and T-MASK™ programs aimed at treating immunologically "cold" tumors [3] Event Details - The ROTH 4 Annual Healthcare Opportunities Conference will feature 1-on-1 and small group meetings for institutional investors to interact with executive management [2][5] - The conference will take place at the Metropolitan Club in New York City [5]

Core Points - Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. held its annual meeting of shareholders on September 25, 2025, where all nominees listed in the management information circular were elected as directors [1][2] - A total of 55.75% of the issued and outstanding common shares were represented at the meeting [2] Election Results - Dr. Fahar Merchant received 35,539,547 votes (99.25% for, 0.75% against) - Mr. Albert Beraldo received 35,572,009 votes (99.35% for, 0.65% against) - Dr. John (Jack) Geltosky received 35,432,573 votes (98.96% for, 1.04% against) - Ms. Karen Dawes received 35,574,263 votes (99.35% for, 0.65% against) - Mr. Karim Lalji received 35,401,699 votes (98.87% for, 1.13% against) [2] Board Changes - Dr. John H. Sampson did not stand for re-election but will continue to support the company as a clinical advisor [3] - Mr. Albert Beraldo expressed gratitude for Dr. Sampson's service and ongoing support [3] Company Overview - Medicenna is focused on developing Superkines, including long-acting IL-2 Superkine MDNA11, which preferentially stimulates cancer-killing effector T cells and NK cells [4] - The company’s IL-4 Empowered Superkine, bizaxofusp, has been studied in five clinical trials with over 130 patients, including a Phase 2b trial for recurrent GBM [4] - Bizaxofusp has received FastTrack and Orphan Drug status from the FDA and FDA/EMA, respectively [4] - Medicenna is also developing early-stage BiSKITs™ and T-MASK™ programs aimed at treating immunologically "cold" tumors [4]

Core Insights - Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. is a clinical-stage cancer immunotherapy company focused on developing Superkines [1][4] - Dr. Fahar Merchant, President and CEO, will present at the H.C. Wainwright 27th Annual Global Investment Conference from September 8-10, 2025 [1][2] - The company is developing novel versions of IL-2, IL-4, and IL-13 Superkines, with a focus on enhancing cancer treatment [4] Presentation Details - The presentation is scheduled for September 9, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time) at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel [2] - A webcast of the presentation will be available for 90 days on Medicenna's investor relations website [2] Company Overview - Medicenna's long-acting IL-2 Superkine, MDNA11, has superior affinity toward CD122 and preferentially stimulates cancer-killing effector T cells and NK cells [4] - The IL-4 Empowered Superkine, bizaxofusp, has been studied in five clinical trials with over 130 patients, including a Phase 2b trial for recurrent GBM [4] - Bizaxofusp has received FastTrack and Orphan Drug status from the FDA and EMA [4] - Medicenna is also developing early-stage BiSKITs™ and T-MASK™ programs aimed at treating immunologically "cold" tumors [4]

Core Insights - Medicenna Therapeutics is encouraged by positive clinical results from the MDNA11 program, demonstrating best-in-class potential in treating checkpoint-resistant tumors [1][2] - The company is on track to complete enrollment in the Phase 1/2 ABILITY-1 trial and expects to provide top-line clinical data in the second half of 2025 [1][5] - Recent patent grants strengthen Medicenna's intellectual property position, with a total of 86 granted or allowed patents [6][7] Clinical Development - MDNA11 has shown durable efficacy with complete responses in pancreatic and melanoma cancer patients, remaining cancer-free for 18 and 6 months, respectively [1] - The company is advancing its MDNA113 candidate, a bispecific anti-PD1-IL2 Superkine, which has shown promising preclinical data [2][5] - Bizaxofusp, the IL-4 Superkine program, is seeking partnership opportunities for recurrent glioblastoma [4] Financial Overview - Medicenna reported cash and cash equivalents of $20.5 million as of June 30, 2025, providing a runway through mid-2026 [8] - Total operating costs for the quarter were $5.5 million, an increase from $4.0 million in the same quarter of the previous year, primarily due to higher R&D spending [9] - The net loss for the quarter was $4.9 million, compared to a net loss of $3.6 million in the prior year, attributed to increased R&D expenses and foreign exchange losses [10][11]

Core Insights - Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. has been granted five patents that enhance its intellectual property position for IL-2 and IL-4 Superkine platforms, which are crucial for its clinical and preclinical programs [1][2]. Patent Details - The newly granted patents cover various aspects including composition, formulation, combination, use, and therapeutic applications of IL-2 and IL-4 Superkines, with expiration dates ranging from 2033 to 2040 [2]. - Notable patents include coverage for IL-2 superagonists in combination with anti-PD-1 antibodies, which is significant for the ongoing Phase 1/2 ABILITY-1 study of MDNA11 [2][4]. - A novel formulation of bizaxofusp (MDNA55) has also received patent protection, which is used in a Phase 2b clinical trial for recurrent glioblastoma, enhancing its commercial exclusivity [2][3]. Company Overview - Medicenna is focused on developing novel immunotherapies, particularly Superkines, for oncology and autoimmune diseases [3]. - The company’s lead asset, MDNA11, is a long-acting IL-2 Superkine designed to preferentially stimulate cancer-fighting T cells and NK cells [3]. - Bizaxofusp has been involved in five clinical trials with over 130 patients and has received FastTrack and Orphan Drug status from the FDA and EMA [3]. Intellectual Property Portfolio - Medicenna's global intellectual property portfolio now includes 86 granted or allowed patents, supporting a diverse clinical pipeline [2].

Core Insights - Medicenna Therapeutics is advancing MDNA113, a novel IL-13Rα2 tumor-targeted and "masked" anti-PD-1-IL-2 Superkine, aimed at treating immunologically cold tumors with high unmet needs, such as pancreatic, liver, brain, breast, colon, and prostate cancers, affecting over 2 million patients annually worldwide [1][7] - The company presented new pre-clinical data at the 2025 AACR Annual Meeting, highlighting MDNA113's differentiated approach compared to existing anti-PD-1-IL-2 therapies, showcasing its optimized safety and efficacy profile [1][2] Company Overview - Medicenna is a clinical-stage immunotherapy company focused on developing Superkines targeting cancer and autoimmune diseases, with MDNA113 being the first candidate from its BiSKIT platform [1][8] - The company also has other candidates in development, including MDNA11, a long-acting IL-2 super agonist, which has shown durable anti-tumor activity in ongoing clinical studies [2][8] Product Highlights - MDNA113 is designed to selectively bind to IL-13Rα2, which is overexpressed in various solid tumors, while avoiding binding to the functional IL-13R⍺1, enhancing its therapeutic potential [5][6] - The product demonstrates promising pre-clinical results, including significant anti-tumor activity, enhanced memory responses, and preferential localization in the tumor microenvironment for at least 72 hours [6][2] Market Context - There is growing commercial interest in bi-specific anti-PD-1 therapies, with recent transactions validating this emerging class of immunotherapies, indicating potential for MDNA113 to offer new hope to cancer patients [2][6]