Welcome to our dedicated page for Medicenna Therapeutics news (Ticker: MDNAF), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on Medicenna Therapeutics stock.
Overview
Medicenna Therapeutics Corp (MDNAF) is a clinical stage immunotherapy company focused on the research and development of novel cytokine-based therapeutics. By harnessing cutting-edge technology in the fields of immunotherapy, oncology, and targeted protein engineering, Medicenna is dedicated to crafting highly selective superkines and empowered cytokines aimed at advancing the treatment of diverse cancers and immune-mediated diseases.
Innovative Therapeutic Approach
At the heart of Medicenna’s platform is the development of superkines which are engineered variants of naturally occurring cytokines. These superkines are designed to exhibit enhanced precision in targeting cancer cells while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues. The company pioneers techniques that modify cytokines such as IL-2, IL-4, and IL-13 to improve their efficacy and safety profiles. By either utilizing these molecules as stand‐alone therapeutics or fusing them with other proteins, including pro‐apoptotic agents and antibodies, Medicenna aims to deliver potent cell-killing agents specifically to the tumor microenvironment.
Core Business Areas
Medicenna’s research spans several key areas within immunotherapy:
- Targeted Cytokine Therapy: Designing modified cytokines that harness immune responses while avoiding systemic toxicity.
- Empowered Cytokines (ECS): Developing first-in-class agents that offer a novel mechanism for precise therapeutic intervention.
- Protein Fusion Technologies: Integrating superkines with antibodies or pro-apoptotic proteins to improve delivery and specificity of cancer therapies.
Scientific Expertise and Strategic Collaborations
The company leverages deep scientific expertise in molecular biology, protein engineering, and immunology to drive its discovery and development initiatives. Medicenna works alongside world-class collaborators, combining academic insights with industry experience to foster innovation. This collaborative framework facilitates the translation of advanced research concepts into clinically relevant therapies that can eventually shift paradigms in cancer treatment and other immune-related disorders.
Market Position and Competitive Landscape
Within the competitive biopharmaceutical landscape, Medicenna is uniquely positioned as a pioneer in the field of targeted cytokine-based therapies. Its emphasis on engineering superkines and empowered cytokines places it in a specialized niche that caters to the unmet needs of patients with complex oncological and immune conditions. Although still in the clinical stage, the company’s novel approach distinguishes its therapeutic pipeline from more conventional immunotherapy modalities and represents a fresh perspective on precision oncology.
Clinical and Translational Impact
Medicenna’s strategic focus is to maximize the therapeutic potential of cytokines by enhancing their selectivity and therapeutic window. Its research into combining these therapeutics with fusion proteins, such as immunocytokines, aims to address the challenges associated with drug delivery and efficacy. Through rigorous preclinical and early clinical investigations, the company is building a foundation that reflects deep scientific inquiry and the potential for eventual clinical translation.
Conclusion
In summary, Medicenna Therapeutics Corp serves as a prime example of innovative biotechnology aimed at refining and rewriting the future of immunotherapy. Through its targeted development of superkines and empowered cytokine therapies, the company contributes valuable insights and technologies to the field of precision cancer treatment and immune modulation. Its robust platform, built on a blend of advanced research and strategic partnerships, represents a thoughtful approach to addressing some of the most challenging aspects of oncology and immune-mediated disorders.
Medicenna Therapeutics reported Q2 fiscal 2025 results highlighting strong performance of MDNA11 in the ABILITY-1 study. The drug showed a 30% objective response rate in monotherapy dose expansion and demonstrated effectiveness against ICI-resistant cancers. Notable results include 66.7% response rate in MSI-H patients with pancreatic cancer. The company reported $30.4 million in cash and equivalents, with an additional $1.9 million from warrant exercises, extending runway through mid-2026. The study's combination with KEYTRUDA® showed favorable safety profile with no dose-limiting toxicities at 90 µg/kg dose.
Medicenna Therapeutics (TSX: MDNA, OTCQX: MDNAF) has announced upcoming presentations at two major medical conferences. At the 29th Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) in Houston (November 21-24, 2024), the company will present pre-clinical data on MDNA11 and IL-2 Superkines in glioblastoma models.
Additionally, at the 2024 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) (December 10-13, 2024), Medicenna will present pre-clinical data on MDNA11's effectiveness as a neoadjuvant treatment in aggressive metastatic breast cancer models. Both presentations will focus on the company's innovative immunotherapy approaches using Superkines.
Medicenna reported positive results from its Phase 1/2 ABILITY-1 study of MDNA11, showing a 30% objective response rate in monotherapy dose expansion cohort among advanced solid tumor patients who failed immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Among phase 2-eligible patients, the response rate was 25%, including 1 complete response and 4 partial responses. The drug demonstrated encouraging safety profile in combination with KEYTRUDA®, with no dose limiting toxicities observed. Notable responses included 2 partial responses in MSI-H pancreatic cancer patients and tumor control in 4 out of 5 evaluable patients in the combination arm, including a partial response in MSS colon cancer.
Medicenna Therapeutics presented new preclinical data from its BiSKIT (MDNA113) and IL-2 super agonist (MDNA11) programs at the 39th Annual SITC Meeting. MDNA113, a novel tumor-targeted BiSKIT, achieved complete tumor regression in IL-13Rα2 expressing tumors and showed 100% survival in breast cancer models. The treatment demonstrated reduced peripheral lymphocyte expansion and better tolerability compared to unmasked alternatives. Additionally, independent UK research showed promising results with MDNA11 and anti-PD1-IL-2SK BiSKIT in glioblastoma models, significantly extending overall survival and enhancing immune cell response in patient-derived samples.
Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. (TSX: MDNA, OTCQB: MDNAF) announced it will present three posters at the 39th Annual Meeting of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) from November 6-10, 2024 in Houston, Texas. The presentations will include:
1. Updated clinical data from the ongoing Phase 1/2 ABILITY-1 Study of MDNA11, a long-acting 'beta-enhanced not-alpha' IL-2 super-agonist, in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors.
2. New preclinical data on MDNA113, a novel first-in-class, masked, tumor-targeted bifunctional anti-PD1-IL-2 Superkine.
3. Preclinical data on Medicenna's IL-2 agonists in glioblastoma.
The full abstracts will be available on the SITC 2024 website, and posters will be accessible on Medicenna's website after the conference.
Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. (TSX: MDNA, OTCQB: MDNAF) held its annual meeting of shareholders on September 26, 2024. All nominees listed in the management information circular were elected as directors. The voting results for each nominee were as follows:
- Dr. Fahar Merchant: 99.44% votes for
- Mr. Albert Beraldo: 99.77% votes for
- Dr. John (Jack) Geltosky: 99.26% votes for
- Ms. Karen Dawes: 99.41% votes for
- Dr. John H. Sampson: 77.42% votes for
- Mr. Karim Lalji: 99.73% votes for
Shareholders also voted for the appointment of MNP LLP as the Company's auditor. A total of 45.89% of the issued and outstanding common shares were represented at the meeting.
Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. (TSX: MDNA, OTCQB: MDNAF) presented preclinical results for two programs at The Promise of Interleukin-2 Therapy Conference. MDNA209, an IL-2 Super-antagonist, showed potential for treating autoimmune diseases and graft versus host disease (GvHD), extending overall survival by 400% in an animal model. MDNA113, a BiSKIT (Bifunctional SuperKine for ImmunoTherapy), demonstrated enhanced efficacy in tumors overexpressing IL-13Rα2, targeting 'cold tumors' like pancreatic and breast cancers.
Both programs leverage Medicenna's IL-2 Superkine platform, which has shown promise in the Phase 1/2 ABILITY-1 trial of MDNA11 for solid tumors. The company aims to address unmet needs in cancer treatment and autoimmune diseases, potentially benefiting millions of patients globally.
Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. (TSX: MDNA, OTCQB: MDNAF), a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing Superkines, announced its participation in the H.C. Wainwright 26th Annual Global Investment Conference. The event will take place from September 9-11, 2024 in New York, NY. Dr. Fahar Merchant, President and CEO of Medicenna, will engage in a fireside chat and one-on-one meetings during the conference.
The fireside chat is scheduled for Wednesday, September 11th, 2024, from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM ET at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel. A webcast of the chat will be available on Medicenna's website for 90 days following the event. Investors interested in one-on-one meetings with Dr. Merchant can register for the conference or contact their H.C. Wainwright representative.
Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. (TSX: MDNA, OTCQB: MDNAF) announced two upcoming oral presentations at the Promise of Interleukin-2 Therapy Conference in Paris, France, from September 4-7, 2024. The company will present preclinical data on two key platforms:
1. MDNA209: Long-acting, high-affinity IL-2β biased IL-2/IL-15 Super-antagonists for potential treatment of autoimmune and graft-versus-host diseases.
2. MDNA113: A novel first-in-class IL-13Rα2 tumor-targeted and tumor-activated bifunctional anti-PD1-IL-2 Superkine.
Dr. Hardeep Kataria will present on MDNA209 on September 6, while Dr. Minh To will discuss MDNA113 on September 7. Presentation materials will be available on Medicenna's website after the conference.
Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. (TSX: MDNA, OTCQB: MDNAF) has appointed Karim Lalji to its Board of Directors, effective August 14, 2024. Mr. Lalji brings extensive experience in the life sciences sector, including strategic vision and big-pharma partnership expertise. His career highlights include:
- 10 years at Merck & Company, leading global strategies and growing annual sales to over $1 billion
- Vice President role at Sepracor, Inc., contributing to growth from $50 million to over $1 billion in annual sales
- Chief Commercial Officer at Cardiome Pharma Corp., facilitating a $1 billion licensing deal with Merck
Mr. Lalji's appointment is expected to strengthen Medicenna's position in advancing its Superkine platform and pipeline of clinical assets, including MDNA11 for advanced solid tumors and bizaxofusp for brain cancer.
FAQ
What is the current stock price of Medicenna Therapeutics (MDNAF)?
What is the market cap of Medicenna Therapeutics (MDNAF)?
What is Medicenna Therapeutics Corp primarily focused on?
How does Medicenna approach cancer treatment differently?
What does being a clinical stage company mean?
How does Medicenna generate revenue in its current phase?
What distinguishes Medicenna from other companies in the immunotherapy space?
Which therapeutic areas are targeted by Medicenna's research?
How does Medicenna's approach reduce potential side effects?
What role do strategic collaborations play in Medicenna's operations?
