Aurora Cannabis Announces Breakthrough Discovery of Powdery Mildew Resistant Cultivars

Rhea-AI Summary

Aurora Cannabis (NASDAQ: ACB) has announced a breakthrough discovery of a novel genetic resistance source against powdery mildew, named PM2, at their Aurora Coast research facility. This proprietary genetic marker technology will be implemented in their breeding program to develop resistant cannabis cultivars for potential commercial launch this year.

The research, led by Principal Scientist Jose Celedon in collaboration with The University of British Columbia, aims to enhance biosecurity, reduce production costs, and improve product quality. The discovery has been documented in a peer-reviewed article and protected through international patent filings.

According to Lana Culley, VP of Innovation and International Operations, this development offers a sustainable solution to disease management in cannabis production, particularly where synthetic pesticides are prohibited. The breakthrough reinforces Aurora's commitment to scientific excellence and differentiation in the cannabis industry.

Positive

• Breakthrough proprietary genetic marker technology (PM2) discovered for powdery mildew resistance
• Patent protection secured through international filings
• Potential for reduced production costs through improved disease management
• Commercial launch of resistant cultivars planned for 2025

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Aurora Cannabis's breakthrough in powdery mildew resistance represents a significant competitive advantage in the cannabis cultivation space. This proprietary genetic marker technology directly addresses a critical production challenge that affects yield, quality, and operational costs throughout the industry.

From a financial perspective, this innovation should be viewed through multiple lenses:

• The potential reduction in production costs could improve gross margins as crop losses decrease and fewer resources are dedicated to pathogen management
• Quality improvements may support premium pricing or at minimum reduce quality-related discounting
• The international patent protection creates a valuable intangible asset with potential licensing opportunities
• Differentiation in a commoditizing market provides leverage against price compression

What's particularly noteworthy is that Aurora has taken this research through peer review and secured patent protection, converting scientific discovery into tangible intellectual property. The projected commercial launch timeline suggests near-term implementation rather than distant R&D prospects.

While Aurora hasn't quantified the expected financial impact, disease management represents a significant cost center in cannabis cultivation. Enhanced biosecurity and disease resistance directly contribute to operational efficiency, potentially improving Aurora's unit economics in an industry where production cost advantages are increasingly important for competitiveness.

Agricultural Science Expert

The discovery of the PM2 genetic marker represents a genuine scientific breakthrough in cannabis cultivation. Powdery mildew is one of the most pervasive and economically damaging pathogens in cannabis production, capable of destroying entire crops and creating significant quality control challenges.

What makes this development particularly valuable:

• Identifying genetic resistance means Aurora can integrate this trait through breeding rather than relying on chemical interventions
• For medical cannabis especially, reducing the need for fungicidal treatments improves product purity profiles
• The ability to identify resistance via a genetic marker dramatically accelerates breeding timelines compared to traditional methods

This approach aligns with best practices in modern agriculture, where genetic resistance is preferred over chemical controls. The peer-reviewed validation adds scientific legitimacy that distinguishes this from marketing announcements without substantive backing.

The timing is particularly advantageous as regulatory scrutiny of cultivation practices increases globally. Facilities using these resistant cultivars could potentially see reduced environmental monitoring requirements and fewer batch failures during quality testing.

While implementation will require integrating these traits into commercially viable cultivars with desirable cannabinoid profiles and yields, the foundation established by this discovery creates a clear pathway to more sustainable production systems with improved operational reliability.

NASDAQ | TSX: ACB

Groundbreaking research at Aurora Coast, Aurora's world-class research and development facility, sets new standard in cannabis science

EDMONTON, AB, March 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), the Canadian-based leading global medical cannabis company, is pleased to announce the Company's discovery of a novel source of genetic resistance against powdery mildew, PM2, that provides strong protection against this pathogen in cannabis sativa. The development of this proprietary genetic marker technology, which is now in use in Aurora's breeding program, is set to produce powdery mildew resistant cultivars that will be explored for commercial launch this year.

"This discovery offers a critical solution to a pressing challenge in the cannabis industry worldwide. At Aurora Coast, our state-of-the-art research and development facility, we continuously search for ways to add value to our proprietary cannabis cultivars, and this discovery will lead to new means of managing disease in cannabis production. This success story underscores the impact of our investment in scientific excellence, a commitment that sets Aurora apart from our competitors," says Lana Culley, Vice President of Innovation and International Operations at Aurora.

In the peer reviewed research lead by Jose Celedon, Principal Scientist of Breeding and Genetics at Aurora, in collaboration with researchers at The University of British Columbia, it is noted that, "breeding genetic resistance to economically important crop diseases is the most sustainable strategy for disease management and enhancing agricultural and horticultural productivity, particularly where the application of synthetic pesticides is prohibited" (Seifi, et al.)¹. The discovery of PM2 will further the company's mission to enhance the biosecurity of production facilities, reduce production costs, and improve product quality.

As a global medical cannabis company enabled by science, Aurora's dedication to scientific research and innovation has led to remarkable advancements, notably boosting potency and yield. These improvements have overall reduced costs and increased efficiency. This cutting-edge genetic research and development differentiates Aurora from others in the industry, as it aims to surpass traditional breeding limitations, leading to advanced cultivation methods and new market opportunities worldwide.

More information on the scientific discovery of PM2, can be found in the peer reviewed article, here: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2025.1543229/full

This discovery has also been protected via international patent filings.

About Aurora Cannabis Inc.

Aurora is opening the world to cannabis, serving both the medical and consumer markets across Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Aurora is a pioneer in global cannabis, dedicated to helping people improve their lives. The Company's adult-use brand portfolio includes Drift, San Rafael '71, Daily Special, Tasty's, Being and Greybeard. Medical cannabis brands include MedReleaf, CanniMed, Aurora and Whistler Medical Marijuana Co., as well as international brands, Pedanios, IndiMed and CraftPlant. Aurora also has a controlling interest in Bevo Farms Ltd., North America's leading supplier of propagated agricultural plants. Driven by science and innovation, and with a focus on high-quality cannabis products, Aurora's brands continue to break through as industry leaders in the medical, wellness and adult recreational markets wherever they are launched. Learn more at www.auroramj.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn.

Aurora's common shares trade on the NASDAQ and TSX under the symbol "ACB".

Forward Looking Information:

This news release includes statements containing certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law ("forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements made in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's discovery of a novel source of genetic resistance against powdery mildew and the anticipated benefits to the Company including, but not limited to, the enhancement of the biosecurity of production facilities, reductions in production costs, improvements in product quality and cultivation methods and the creation of new market opportunities worldwide, as well as statements regarding the Company's ongoing dedication to, and investment in, scientific research and innovation.

These forward-looking statements are only predictions. Forward looking information or statements contained in this news release have been developed based on assumptions management considers to be reasonable. Material factors or assumptions involved in developing forward-looking statements include, without limitation, publicly available information from governmental sources as well as from market research and industry analysis and on assumptions based on data and knowledge of this industry which the Company believes to be reasonable. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances could cause actual events, results, level of activity, performance, prospects, opportunities or achievements to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to, the ability to retain key personnel, the ability to continue investing in infrastructure to support growth, the ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms, the continued quality of our products, customer experience and retention, the development of third party government and non-government consumer sales channels, management's estimates of consumer demand in Canada and in jurisdictions where the Company exports, expectations of future results and expenses, the risk of successful integration of acquired business and operations (with respect to the Transaction and more generally with respect to future acquisitions), management's estimation that SG&A will grow only in proportion of revenue growth, the ability to expand and maintain distribution capabilities, the impact of competition, the general impact of financial market conditions, the yield from cannabis growing operations, product demand, changes in prices of required commodities, competition, and the possibility for changes in laws, rules, and regulations in the industry, epidemics, pandemics or other public health crises and other risks, uncertainties and factors set out under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information from dated June 20, 2024 (the "AIF") and filed with Canadian securities regulators available on the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com and filed with and available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The Company cautions that the list of risks, uncertainties and other factors described in the AIF is not exhaustive and other factors could also adversely affect its results. Readers are urged to consider the risks, uncertainties and assumptions carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law. 

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1	Seifi, Soren, et al. "Mapping and characterization of a novel powdery mildew resistance locus (PM2) in Cannabis sativa L." bioRxiv (2025). doi:10.3389/2025.1543229.

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SOURCE Aurora Cannabis Inc.

FAQ

What is the significance of Aurora Cannabis's PM2 discovery for cannabis cultivation?

PM2 is a genetic resistance source against powdery mildew that will help create resistant cannabis cultivars, improving production quality and reducing costs where synthetic pesticides are prohibited.

When will Aurora Cannabis (ACB) launch its powdery mildew resistant cannabis cultivars?

Aurora plans to explore commercial launch of the powdery mildew resistant cultivars in 2025.

How will the PM2 genetic marker technology impact Aurora's (ACB) production costs?

The technology is expected to reduce production costs by enhancing biosecurity and improving disease management in cannabis production facilities.

Has Aurora Cannabis's PM2 discovery been scientifically validated?

Yes, the discovery has been peer-reviewed, published in Frontiers in Plant Science, and protected through international patent filings.