Roquefort Therapeutics announced the successful filing of the international phase PCT (Patent Treaty Cooperation) patent for its proprietary anti-cancer mRNA and RNA oligonucleotide therapeutics. Today's announcement follows the development of the Company's novel anti-cancer RNA oligonucleotide and mRNA therapeutics targeting Midkine ("MDK") announced on 13 and 22 June 2023, which are undergoing in vitro and in vivo studies at the University of Sydney and University of New South Wales. The studies demonstrated efficacy with the Company's MDK RNA Oligonucleotides and mRNA in validated in vitro models of breast and liver cancer.

The PCT patent, governed by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), once approved, provides patent protection for the invention in more than 155 countries. The filing consolidates and enhances the Company's intellectual property portfolio and leadership position in Midkine with composition of matter and methods for the protection for both mRNA and RNA oligonucleotides modalities. While the mRNA and RNA oligon nucleotides target different regions of the Midkine, both have demonstrated anti-cancer efficacy in vitro.

The MDK RNA oligonucleotide and RNA oligonucleotide andRNA programs have now progressed into combinations studies with a proprietary targeted nano-particle delivery technology and are scheduled to progress into in vivo studies in fourth quarter 2023. Both the mRNA and RNA oligonucleotaides attack the novel Midkine target, in which the Company are pioneers. Midkine expression is highly associated with cancer progression and poor survival.

As we've recently seen with the validation of STAT-6 (through a $Billion licensing deal), Therefore focus is continue to deliver on R&D and commercial milestones that highlight the significant potential of Midkine as a novel cancer target".