Medicenna Therapeutics (MDNA) Jones Healthcare and Technology Innovation Conference 2025 summary

Clinical program updates

• MDNA11, an engineered IL-2 super agonist, is in phase I/II trials for advanced metastatic solid tumors, with monotherapy and KEYTRUDA combination data to be presented at AACR on April 28th.

• Combination expansion with KEYTRUDA is starting in phase II, with top-line data and full monotherapy results expected in the second half of the year.

• The phase III-ready IL-4 asset targets recurrent glioblastoma, aiming for partnership this year.

• BiSKITs platform programs are advancing toward IND-enabling studies by year-end.

Scientific and clinical insights

• Superkines are engineered interleukins (IL-2, IL-4, IL-13) with tailored binding and signaling properties, offering both agonist and antagonist functions.

• MDNA11 addresses historical IL-2 therapy challenges by eliminating alpha receptor binding, boosting beta receptor affinity, and extending half-life via albumin linkage.

• The trial targets biomarker-driven tumor types (cutaneous melanoma, MSI-high/dMMR, TMB-high) in patients who failed checkpoint inhibitors.

• Safety profile shows mostly mild to moderate adverse events, with no dose-limiting toxicities or new safety signals in combination settings.

• MDNA11 induces robust expansion of effector and memory CD8 T cells, with durable responses and some complete remissions in heavily pretreated patients.

Pipeline and strategic outlook

• MDNA11 demonstrates activity in tumor types unresponsive to checkpoint inhibitors, with durable responses and favorable safety.

• The IL-4-based MDNA55 for recurrent glioblastoma nearly doubles median survival in phase IIb, with plans for partnership.

• BiSKITs platform includes bifunctional Superkines combining anti-PD1 and IL-2, and tumor-targeted activation to minimize systemic toxicity.

• Additional assets target autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including a super antagonist IL-2 and a selective IL-13 Superkine.

• Cash reserves of $30 million support operations through mid-2026, with ongoing analyst coverage and institutional investor support.