Medicenna Strengthens Intellectual Property Portfolio with Five Patents Granted for its IL-2 and IL-4 Superkines
The newly granted patents cover composition, formulation, combination, use, and therapeutic applications of IL-2 and IL-4 Superkines. Newly granted patents span major markets, with anticipated expiration dates ranging from 2033 to 2040 depending on the specific case and local rules, without accounting for any potential extensions.
Patents granted include:
'These newly granted and allowed patents not only expand the breadth and depth of our intellectual property portfolio but also enhance the long-term commercial potential of our Superkine programs,' said Fahar Merchant, Ph.D., President and CEO of Medicenna. 'Notably, the patent covering IL-2 superagonists in combination with anti-PD1 antibodies provides important coverage for MDNA11, which is being evaluated in the ongoing Phase 1/2 ABILITY-1 study, reinforcing both the clinical rationale and commercial potential. Furthermore, protection granted to a novel formulation of bizaxofusp (MDNA55), used in the Phase 2b recurrent glioblastoma clinical trial, solidifies its commercial exclusivity for treatment of brain cancers as we pursue potential partnering of this Phase 3 ready asset. By strengthening long-term protection for our proprietary IL-2 and IL-4 assets across key jurisdictions, we are laying the foundation for durable competitive advantage and sustained shareholder value. We look forward to sharing additional clinical data from the ABILITY-1 clinical trial during the balance of this calendar year.'
Medicenna's global IP portfolio now comprises 86 granted or allowed patents, supporting a robust and diverse clinical pipeline.
About Medicenna Therapeutics
Medicenna is a clinical-stage immunotherapy company focused on developing novel, highly selective versions of IL-2, IL-4 and IL-13 Superkines and first-in-class Empowered Superkines. Medicenna's long-acting IL-2 Superkine, MDNA11, is a next-generation IL-2 with superior affinity toward CD122 (IL-2 receptor beta) and no CD25 (IL-2 receptor alpha) binding, thereby preferentially stimulating cancer-killing effector T cells and NK cells. Medicenna's IL-4 Empowered Superkine, bizaxofusp (formerly MDNA55), has been studied in 5 clinical trials enrolling over 130 patients, including a Phase 2b trial for recurrent GBM, the most common and uniformly fatal form of brain cancer. Bizaxofusp has obtained FastTrack and Orphan Drug status from the FDA and FDA/EMA, respectively. Medicenna's early-stage high-affinity IL-2β biased IL-2/IL-15 Super-antagonists, from its MDNA209 platform, are being evaluated as potential therapies for autoimmune and graft-versus host diseases. Medicenna's early-stage BiSKITs™ (Bifunctional SuperKine ImmunoTherapies) and the T-MASK™ (Targeted Metalloprotease Activated SuperKine) programs are designed to enhance the ability of Superkines to treat immunologically 'cold' tumors.
For more information, please visit
www.medicenna.com
, and follow us on
X
and
.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, express or implied statements regarding the future operations of the Company, estimates, plans, strategic ambitions, partnership activities and opportunities, objectives, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, guidance, outlook, intellectual property protection, clinical and commercial potential, competitive position and shareholder value creation or or other statements that are not historical facts. Drug development and commercialization involve a high degree of risk, and only a small number of research and development programs result in commercialization of a product. Results in early-stage pre-clinical or clinical studies may not be indicative of full results or results from later stage or larger scale clinical studies and do not ensure regulatory approval. You should not place undue reliance on these statements, or the scientific data presented.
Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as 'will', 'may', 'should', 'anticipate', 'expect', 'believe', 'seek', 'potentially' and similar expressions. and are subject to 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 latest annual information form of the Company and in other filings made by the Company with the applicable securities regulators from time to time in Canada.
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, 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 hereof and except as required by law, we do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements.
This news release contains hyperlinks to information that is not deemed to be incorporated by reference in this new release.
Investor/Media Contact:
Shushu Feng
Investor Relations, Medicenna Therapeutics
ir@medicenna.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Associated Press
22 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Digital Course Assistant Launches AI Tools Membership for Course Creators
Black Mountain, NC, Aug. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Course creators, meet your new secret weapon. Digital Course Assistant, an AI-powered membership designed specifically for online course creators, is launching on August 21, 2025 — and it's here to take the stress out of course building, content creation, and marketing. Course creators, meet your new secret weapon. With its growing suite of plug-and-play AI assistants, Digital Course Assistant helps creators launch faster, market better, and stress less — even if they're not tech-savvy. 'Our mission is to empower course creators by giving them access to powerful, easy-to-use AI tools that eliminate overwhelm and save hours every week,' said Julie Ball, Founder of Digital Course Assistant. 'We believe creators should spend less time stuck in tasks and more time doing what they love.' To support the launch, Ball also hosts the Digital Course Assistant Podcast, a bite-sized show that explores smarter marketing strategies, time-saving tools, and AI-powered shortcuts for course creators. Built for solopreneurs and small teams, the membership makes it possible to accomplish more without hiring — helping course creators scale faster, simplify their workflow, and reduce the stress of doing it all alone. The platform is packed with custom-built AI tools that handle everything from writing sales pages and emails to planning course modules and refining brand voice. Unlike generic AI platforms, every assistant inside DCA is trained specifically for modern course businesses — making it easy to get high-quality results in minutes, not hours. Early subscribers can join the waitlist now to be the first to experience what's next in the digital course industry. To learn more or join the waitlist, visit Digital Course Assistant: Launch faster. Market better. Stress less. About Digital Course Assistant Founded by entrepreneur and course creation expert Julie Ball, Digital Course Assistant is an AI-powered membership designed to help online course creators simplify their workflow, speed up content creation, and scale with less stress. With a growing suite of plug-and-play AI tools, the platform empowers solopreneurs and small teams to accomplish more—without hiring or tech overwhelm. Digital Course Assistant is on a mission to make modern marketing and course building easier, smarter, and more accessible for creators at every stage. Media Contact Julie Ball, Founder [email protected] Available for interviews, features, and podcast appearances. A video accompanying this announcement is available at
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Tech stocks help lift S&P/TSX composite higher, U.S. stock markets mixed
TORONTO — Strength in technology stocks helped lift Canada's main stock index in late-morning trading, while U.S. markets were mixed. The S&P/TSX composite index was up 35.34 points at 27,794.02. In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was down 143.06 points at 44,032.55. The S&P 500 index was down 0.09 points at 6,389.36, while the Nasdaq composite was up 35.81 points at 21,485.83. The Canadian dollar traded for 72.51 cents US compared with 72.72 cents US on Friday. The September crude oil contract was down nine cents US at US$63.79 per barrel. The December gold contract was down US$87.00 at US$3,404.30 an ounce. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 11, 2025. Companies in this story: (TSX:GSPTSE, TSX:CADUSD) The Canadian Press Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
CBD Pouches Market to Hit Valuation of US$ 535.62 Million By 2033
CBD pouches market is currently defined by a surge in consumer demand for convenient, smoke-free wellness products. Innovation in flavors and precise, moderate dosages are attracting a broader, health-conscious demographic, solidifying its mainstream appeal. Chicago, Aug. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global CBD pouches market was valued at US$ 90.12 million in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 535.62 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 21.9% during the forecast period 2025–2033. The market is maturing rapidly, driven by specific consumer preferences and strategic product positioning. The dominance of the 10-20 mg dosage illustrates a consumer base that is increasingly educated, seeking tangible wellness benefits without overwhelming effects. This segment has become the core of the CBD pouches market by successfully bridging the gap between cautious new users and experienced consumers. The preference for flavored options underscores the importance of the user experience; by removing the barrier of unpleasant taste, brands have made CBD consumption more accessible and enjoyable, integrating it into daily routines as a lifestyle product rather than a purely medicinal one. This is a key growth engine for the entire market. Download Sample Pages: The resilience of offline retail channels in the CBD pouches market speaks volumes about the consumer's need for trust and immediacy in this sector. In an industry still navigating complex regulations, the ability to interact with a product and a knowledgeable salesperson provides a level of assurance that online platforms struggle to match. Physical stores serve as crucial educational hubs, building consumer confidence and fostering loyalty through direct engagement. Looking ahead, the synergy between these dominant segments—a trusted, palatable product at an effective dose, available in a reliable retail environment—will continue to define the growth trajectory of the industry. Key Findings in CBD Pouches Market Market Forecast (2033) US$ 535.62 million CAGR 21.9% Largest Region (2024) North America (59%) By Content 10-20mg (52%) By Type Flavored (88%) By Distribution Offline (68%) Top Drivers Increasing consumer awareness of CBD's potential health and wellness benefits. Growing demand for smokeless and discreet alternatives to conventional tobacco. Progressive legalization of cannabis products, increasing accessibility and social acceptance. Top Trends Rising interest in microdosing and low-dose CBD product formulations. Enhanced focus on product transparency through third-party lab testing results. Innovation in formulations to include functional ingredients beyond just CBD. Top Challenges Navigating the complex and often inconsistent legal and regulatory landscape. Strict advertising and marketing restrictions imposed by major online platforms. High market competition and content saturation for key search terms. U.S. Hemp Production Forms a Robust Market Foundation The viability of the CBD pouches market is fundamentally tied to its agricultural backbone. In 2024, the United States saw 45,294 acres of industrial hemp planted in the open. Of this, a total of 32,694 acres were harvested. Data from 8,153 surveyed hemp producers reveals a highly specialized cultivation landscape. Floral hemp, the primary source for CBD, accounted for 20.8 million pounds produced from 11,827 harvested acres. This reflects a significant yield increase of 669 pounds per acre compared to the previous year, with an average yield of 1,757 pounds per acre. In parallel, production under protection (e.g., greenhouses) utilized 3.52 million square feet, yielding 356,000 clones and transplants, 49,420 pounds of floral hemp, and 2,364 pounds of seed hemp. Other segments included fiber hemp, with 60.4 million pounds produced from 18,855 acres at an average yield of 3,205 pounds per acre. Grain hemp production stood at 3.41 million pounds from 4,863 acres, while seed hemp production in the open yielded 697,000 pounds from 2,160 acres. Unpacking the Economic Realities of Raw Material Pricing The total value of U.S. hemp production in 2024 reached an impressive $445 million. This was comprised of $417 million from hemp grown in the open and $28.7 million from crops under protection. Floral hemp was the most valuable segment at $386 million, followed by seed hemp at $16.9 million, fiber hemp at $11.2 million, and grain hemp at $2.62 million. These values translate into specific wholesale costs that shape the final price within the CBD pouches market. In 2024, CBD biomass costs ranged from a low of $8.50 to a high of $230 per pound. Farmers often received $150 per pound for machine-trimmed outdoor CBD flower, while premium indoor-grown flower commanded an average of $600 per pound. For biomass with a 10% CBD content, the rate was $3.00 per pound. Looking ahead, Q2 2025 price projections per metric ton of hemp are $3,998 in the USA, $1,330 in China, $3,417 in Germany, and $3,210 in the Middle East, highlighting global cost differentials. Product Innovation and Composition Define Competitive Edges Product differentiation is a critical success factor in the competitive CBD pouches market. Market leader Cannadips exemplifies this trend with a standard tin containing 15 pouches, each with 10mg of water-dispersible CBD for a total of 150mg. Their 5x strength line significantly increases potency to 50mg of CBD per pouch, totaling 750mg per tin. Across these lines, the company offers a combined 8 flavors, including American Spice and Tropical Mango. Competitor Chill CBD Pouches offers products with a potency of 10-15mg per pouch. This innovation is happening within regulatory guardrails; for instance, French regulations in 2024 mandated a daily consumption limit of 50mg of CBD per person, a key constraint for product formulation in that region. The diversity of strength and flavor profiles underscores the industry's response to varied consumer demands. Corporate Strategy and Market Expansion Drive Brand Growth Strategic expansion is a dominant theme in the CBD pouches market as companies seek to establish a broader footprint. In a landmark move outside its home state, Cannadips announced in November 2024 its entry into the Arkansas market. This move expands its reach beyond the 6,000 stores where its hemp pouches are already available. Other cannabis-related companies are also expanding, with Aurora Cannabis acquiring MedReleaf Australia in February 2024 and Curaleaf acquiring Northern Green Canada in May 2024 to bolster international operations. New entrants are also making waves; Juana Dips, launched in 2024, already sold its cannabis pouches in 2 states (Colorado and Massachusetts) as of early 2025 and was in licensing talks with 13 companies in other states to rapidly scale its brand presence. Navigating the Complex and Shifting Global Regulatory Maze The regulatory environment remains a pivotal and fluid element influencing the CBD pouches market. In the U.S., the FDA Commissioner testified before a House committee on April 11, 2024, reaffirming the agency's position on needing a new regulatory pathway for CBD products. Progress is being made, as in June 2025, the FDA received 2 public comments supporting the addition of a "cannabinoid hemp product" category to its safety reporting system. In Europe, Switzerland introduced a new tobacco law in October 2024 that also governs industrial hemp flowers. Meanwhile, a February 2024 bill signed into law legalized medical cannabis in Ukraine, opening a new market. Conversely, Italy imposed significant restrictions on "cannabis light" in 2024 and, via a decree on June 27, 2024, classified CBD as a narcotic medicinal substance, creating substantial market hurdles. Clinical Research and Scientific Inquiry Bolster Consumer Trust Credibility and consumer trust are being built through rigorous scientific validation. A significant multicenter trial in India with 178 participants, with results reported in 2024, assessed an oral CBD solution for anxiety. Further research from a 2021 clinical trial involving 8 weeks of daily CBD use showed potential for enhancing natural killer cells. In 2025, a UCSD clinical trial studying CBD for early psychosis remains active, with plans to randomize approximately 120 patients. Demonstrating the ongoing effort to understand the substance, a study with 6 healthy adults characterized the urinary pharmacokinetic profile of 100-mg oral and vaporized CBD, with its proceedings published in October 2024. This growing body of clinical evidence is crucial for the long-term mainstream acceptance of the CBD pouches market. A Surge in Innovation and Intellectual Property Filings The future of the CBD pouches market is being written in its patent filings. A systematic review published in May 2025, which initially retrieved 99 patents filed between 2012 and 2024, ultimately included 15 relevant patents on cannabis drug delivery systems, highlighting the pace of innovation. Specific to the pouch format, a patent application for a "Cannabinoid pouch" was published on July 18, 2024. Another key filing, patent application WO2025116961A1 for cannabis compositions and oral products, is cited for 2025, indicating future product pipelines. These filings demonstrate a clear industry trend toward protecting novel formulations and delivery technologies, which will serve as a key competitive differentiator and barrier to entry in the coming years. Expanding Retail Footprints and Strategic Distribution Channels Accessibility is key to market growth, and distribution channels are widening significantly. In a pivotal move in 2024, pharmacies in France were authorized to sell CBD-based food supplements, opening a trusted and mainstream retail avenue. Trade shows remain a vital platform for brand visibility. Cannadips showcased its products at the 2024 InterTabac Trade Fair in Dortmund, Germany, from September 19-21. The company occupied booth number A29 in hall number 6, demonstrating a strategic investment in reaching European distributors and retailers. This expansion into both pharmaceutical and international trade channels is essential for moving CBD pouches from specialty items to everyday consumer goods, directly fueling growth in the CBD pouches market. Need a Customized Version? Request It Now: A Dynamic Competitive Landscape and International Opportunities The competitive field is intensifying with a mix of established and new players. An August 2025 report identified 11 key players in the U.S. market, including Cannadips, VELO CBD, and FlowBlend. A separate August 2024 report profiled 10 major players, among them METOLIUS HEMP COMPANY and Canndid. The launch of new companies like Juana Dips in 2024 indicates a healthy and growing ecosystem. This competition is unfolding on a global stage with distinct international rules. For instance, following 2024 legal changes, adults in Malta can possess 7 grams of cannabis and cultivate 4 plants, though public consumption carries a 500 Euro fine. As of April 2024, Switzerland has an updated enforcement aid for CBD, and product approvals for the entire bloc of 27 EU member states are under review, creating a complex but opportunity-rich international CBD pouches market. Global CBD Pouches Market Major Players: Comp9 Canndid Chillbar FlowBlend Cannadips Vibe CBD+CBG Jake's Mint Chew Nicopods ehf. V&YOU Metolius Hemp Company Key Market Segmentation: By Type Flavored Unflavored By Content Up to 10 mg 10 mg-20 mg Others By Distribution Channel Online Offline By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa South America Need a Detailed Walkthrough of the Report? Request a Live Session: About Astute Analytica Astute Analytica is a global market research and advisory firm providing data-driven insights across industries such as technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and more. We publish multiple reports daily, equipping businesses with the intelligence they need to navigate market trends, emerging opportunities, competitive landscapes, and technological advancements. With a team of experienced business analysts, economists, and industry experts, we deliver accurate, in-depth, and actionable research tailored to meet the strategic needs of our clients. At Astute Analytica, our clients come first, and we are committed to delivering cost-effective, high-value research solutions that drive success in an evolving marketplace. Contact Us:Astute AnalyticaPhone: +1-888 429 6757 (US Toll Free); +91-0120- 4483891 (Rest of the World)For Sales Enquiries: sales@ Follow us on: LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube CONTACT: Contact Us: Astute Analytica Phone: +1-888 429 6757 (US Toll Free); +91-0120- 4483891 (Rest of the World) For Sales Enquiries: sales@ Website:
