Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. (“Medicenna” or “the Company”) (TSX: MDNA, OTCQB: MDNAF), a clinical stage immunotherapy company developing first-in-class Superkines and Empowered Cytokines, presented new pre-clinical data on its IL-2 Superkine program, MDNA109.
TORONTO and HOUSTON, June 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ - Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. (“Medicenna” or “the Company”) (TSX: MDNA, OTCQB: MDNAF), a clinical stage immunotherapy company developing first-in-class Superkines and Empowered Cytokines, presented new pre-clinical data on its IL-2 Superkine program, MDNA109. The data was presented in a poster entitled “Engineering a long-acting CD122 biased IL-2 superkine displaying potent anti-tumoral responses” at the Inaugural Immuno-Oncology Pharma Congress, held from June 18-20, 2019 during World Pharma Week in Boston, MA. “We are excited with the pre-clinical results from our second oncology platform being built around MDNA109, on the back of promising clinical results from our Phase 2b MDNA55 recurrent glioblastoma trial presented this week at the same conference,” said Dr. Fahar Merchant, President and CEO of Medicenna. “Unlike other engineered versions of IL-2 under development where both CD25 and, to a lower extent, CD122 activity is masked when compared to recombinant IL-2 (marketed as Proleukin®), our long acting MDNA109 variant has disabled CD25 binding but stimulates potent CD122 activity relative to Proleukin®. Disabled CD25 activity provides a much better safety profile while superior CD122 stimulation ensures potent recruitment of immune cells (Effector T cells and NK cells) responsible for attacking cancer,” added Dr. Merchant. Highlights from the presentation by Dr. Moutih Rafei, Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology at the Université de Montreal and Head of Discovery at Medicenna, included the following
“These data show that MDNA109 long-acting variants can be expected to drive clinical efficacy beyond that seen with other treatments,” states Dr. Rafei, “The use of Proleukin® for the treatment of skin and renal cancer remains limited due to the poor half-life and severe toxicity. Data show that MDNA109-LA1 may not only minimize adverse effects, but could also eliminate immunosuppression caused by Tregs using a dosing schedule that is compatible with immune-checkpoint blockers. It’s clear from these recent data that MDNA109 is a highly versatile platform for multiple uses in immuno-oncology without complex manufacturing and lack of immunogenicity as demonstrated by in-silico analysis. About MDNA109 About Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the future operations of the Company and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as “will”, “may”, “should”, “anticipate”, “expects” and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements that MDNA109 is an oncology platform, that other engineered versions of IL-2 under development have both CD25 and, to a lower extent, CD122 activity masked when compared to recombinant IL-2, that MDNA109 long-acting variants can be expected to drive clinical efficacy beyond that seen with other treatments, but that MDNA109 could eliminate immunosuppression caused by Tregs using a dosing schedule that is compatible with immune-checkpoint blockers, that MDNA109 is a highly versatile platform for multiple uses in immuno-oncology without complex manufacturing and lack of immunogenicity and statements related to the future plans and objectives of the Company, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include the risks detailed in the annual information form of the Company dated June 26, 2018 and in other filings made by the Company with the applicable securities regulators from time to time. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements only as expressly required by Canadian securities law.
SOURCE Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. | ||
Company Codes: OTC-QX:MDNAF, Toronto:MDNA |