Aurora Achieves Significant Progress in Disease Resistance Research

Rhea-AI Summary

Aurora (NASDAQ: ACB) reported significant progress in its powdery mildew (PM) resistance research, nearly one year after discovering a novel genetic resistance source called PM2. The company said it has performed multiple crosses to introgress PM2 into elite breeding lines and run controlled infection and production trials at its Aurora Ridge facility to validate durability and preserve quality traits.

The proprietary marker technology was developed at Aurora Coast with prior UBC collaboration and Genome British Columbia funding; related IP is patent pending in several jurisdictions. Commercialization of PM-resistant cultivars is planned later this year if production trials succeed.

News Market Reaction

+0.47%

1 alert

+0.47% News Effect

On the day this news was published, ACB gained 0.47%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Consolidated net revenue: $90.4M Global medical cannabis revenue: $70.5M Adjusted EBITDA: $15.4M +4 more

7 metrics

Consolidated net revenue $90.4M Q2 fiscal 2026, up 11% YoY

Global medical cannabis revenue $70.5M Q2 fiscal 2026, up 15% YoY

Adjusted EBITDA $15.4M Q2 fiscal 2026, up 52% YoY

Adjusted net income $7.1M Q2 fiscal 2026 results

Adjusted gross margin 61% Before fair value adjustments, Q2 fiscal 2026

Cash balance $141.9M End of Q2 fiscal 2026

Market cap $241,010,765 Pre-news market capitalization

Market Reality Check

Price: $4.23 Vol: Volume 674,499 is well be...

low vol

$4.23 Last Close

Volume Volume 674,499 is well below the 20-day average of 2,494,634, suggesting limited pre-news participation. low

Technical Shares at $4.24 are trading below the 200-day MA of $4.84 and about 38.64% under the 52-week high.

Peers on Argus

ACB slipped 0.47% while peers were mixed: OGI and LFCR were modestly lower, IRWD...

1 Up

ACB slipped 0.47% while peers were mixed: OGI and LFCR were modestly lower, IRWD gained 3.8%, and SXTC appeared in momentum scanners with a ~10% upside move. Only one peer showed strong momentum, pointing to stock-specific rather than sector-driven trading.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Dec 18 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 18	Product launch Germany	Positive	-3.4%	Launch of Daily Special medical cannabis brand in German market.
Dec 11	Product launch Poland	Positive	+0.4%	Introduction of high-potency Black Jelly medical flower in Poland.
Dec 08	Leadership appointment	Positive	-2.8%	Appointment of new Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand.
Dec 02	Distribution partnership	Positive	-1.1%	Distribution deal with Leafio to access 4,000+ Australian pharmacies.
Nov 05	Earnings results	Positive	-1.8%	Q2 FY26 results with revenue growth, higher EBITDA and strong margins.

Pattern Detected

Recent positive operational and financial news has often coincided with modest share price declines, indicating a pattern of selling into good news.

Recent Company History

Over the past few months, Aurora reported several growth-focused developments, including expansion of its medical portfolio in Germany and Poland, a distribution partnership in Australia reaching 4,000+ pharmacies, and leadership changes for Australia and New Zealand. Financially, Q2 fiscal 2026 results on Nov 5 showed higher revenue, improved margins, and positive adjusted earnings. Despite these constructive updates, shares frequently traded lower afterward, framing today’s R&D progress update against a backdrop of cautious market response to prior good news.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights Aurora’s advancement from discovery to production trials for PM2 powder...

Analysis

This announcement highlights Aurora’s advancement from discovery to production trials for PM2 powdery mildew resistance, aiming to embed disease resistance into high-performing cannabis genetics. It builds on prior collaborations with academic partners and extends the company’s IP footprint across multiple jurisdictions. Investors may track how quickly these cultivars move to commercialization, any impact on operational efficiency and product quality, and how the innovation supports Aurora’s global medical positioning alongside recent revenue and margin improvements.

Key Terms

powdery mildew, cultivars, genetic resistance, controlled infection trials, +2 more

6 terms

powdery mildew medical

"advancements in breeding, testing and production trials for powdery mildew-resistant cultivars"

Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that shows up as a white or gray powdery coating on leaves, stems and fruit, like flour dusted over a plant. It weakens plants and reduces crop yield and quality, which can raise production costs, prompt increased pesticide use, disrupt supply, and affect revenues for growers and food companies. Investors watch it because outbreaks can change harvest forecasts, input spending and regulatory or export outcomes.

cultivars technical

"production trials for powdery mildew-resistant cultivars reinforce Aurora's leadership"

Cultivars are specific, human-bred varieties of plants that are given distinct names and maintained for predictable traits like yield, taste, disease resistance or growth habits. For investors, cultivars matter because they can be proprietary products or brands that drive repeatable sales, command price premiums, and be licensed or protected, much like a popular car model or software version that a company sells and defends in the market.

genetic resistance medical

"breakthrough discovery of a novel source of genetic resistance against powdery mildew"

Genetic resistance is when organisms — such as bacteria, viruses, pests, or cancer cells — carry changes in their DNA that make a drug, vaccine, pesticide, or therapy less effective, like a lock that no longer fits the original key. For investors this matters because resistance can shrink a product’s useful life, reduce sales, raise development and regulatory costs, and make clinical or market forecasts less reliable.

controlled infection trials medical

"testing in breeding populations through controlled infection trials with high disease pressure"

Controlled infection trials are studies where healthy volunteers are deliberately exposed to a pathogen under strict medical supervision to test how well a vaccine or treatment prevents or reduces illness. Think of it like a supervised test drive that speeds up proof that a product works, but with heightened ethical, safety and regulatory scrutiny; outcomes can accelerate development timelines or raise risks and costs that matter to investors.

genetic marker medical

"The proprietary genetic marker technology behind PM2 was developed by scientists at Aurora Coast"

A genetic marker is a specific identifiable feature in DNA—like a tiny biological ‘flag’ or fingerprint—that is associated with a trait, disease risk, or how a person responds to a treatment. Investors care because markers can drive the value of diagnostic tests, targeted drugs, and personalized medicine: they help companies select the right patients, speed regulatory approval, create licensing opportunities, and affect market size and revenue prospects.

patent pending regulatory

"This intellectual property is currently patent pending in Canada, United States, Europe"

An indication that a company has filed a patent application for an invention but the patent office has not yet granted exclusive rights. It signals potential future legal protection—like holding a temporary reservation on an idea—so investors know the company may gain a competitive edge if the patent is approved, but they should also account for uncertainty, possible delays, and the chance the application could be rejected.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

NASDAQ | TSX: ACB

As a leading global medical cannabis company, advancements in breeding, testing and production trials for powdery mildew-resistant cultivars reinforce Aurora's leadership in cannabis science

EDMONTON, AB, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), the Canadian-based leading global medical cannabis company, is pleased to announce significant progress in its powdery mildew (PM) resistance research, nearly one year after the company's breakthrough discovery of a novel source of genetic resistance against powdery mildew, PM2.

Since the initial discovery, Aurora has performed multiple rounds of crosses to transfer PM2 resistance into elite breeding lines. The research involves testing in breeding populations through controlled infection trials with high disease pressure, validating the durability and effectiveness of PM2 resistance. These trials are done to ensure that disease resistance is integrated into high-performing genetics without compromising quality traits, that are critical for patients and consumers globally.

"By moving from research into production trials of cultivars with verified PM2 resistance at our Aurora Ridge manufacturing facility, we're not only validating the science but also shaping the future of cannabis cultivation," said Lana Culley, Vice President of Innovation and International Operations at Aurora. "This progress marks a critical step toward commercialization of powdery mildew-resistant cultivars and demonstrates how science-driven innovation adds great value to our global portfolio of proprietary cannabis products."

The company has recently shared its research at leading scientific and industry conferences, including the Plant & Animal Genome Conference, the Canadian Society for Horticultural Science & Canadian Society of Agronomy 2025 Conference, the 4th Annual Cannabis Scientific Symposium at the McGill Research Centre for Cannabis, and the PhotoX Conference.

The proprietary genetic marker technology behind PM2 was developed by scientists at Aurora Coast, the company's world-class research and development facility, and builds from Aurora's previous collaboration with researchers at the University of British Columbia and research funding from Genome British Columbia. Should the production trials be successful, the company will look to commercialize PM-resistance cultivars later this year, which will protect plant health, reduce operational costs and improve product quality.

As a global medical cannabis company enabled by science, Aurora continues to push the boundaries of cannabis science. By integrating advanced breeding techniques with rigorous research, Aurora is setting new standards for quality and efficiency, all while creating a strong production network to support existing and future markets.

This intellectual property is currently patent pending in Canada, United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Israel.

About Aurora Cannabis Inc.

Aurora is Opening the World to Cannabis^™, serving both the medical and consumer markets across Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Aurora is a pioneer in global cannabis, dedicated to helping people improve their lives. The Company's adult-use brand portfolio includes Drift^®, San Raf^®, Daily Special^™, Tasty's^™, Being^® and Greybeard^®. Medical cannabis brands include MedReleaf^®, CanniMed^®, Aurora^® and Whistler Medical Marijuana Co.^®, as well as international brands, Pedanios^®, IndiMed^™ and CraftPlant^™. Aurora also has a controlling interest in Bevo Farms Ltd., North America's leading supplier of propagated agricultural plants. Driven by science and innovation, and with a focus on high-quality cannabis products, Aurora's brands continue to break through as industry leaders in the medical, wellness and adult recreational markets wherever they are launched. Learn more at www.auroramj.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn.

Aurora's common shares trade on the NASDAQ and TSX under the symbol "ACB".

Forward Looking Information  

This news release includes statements containing certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law ("forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements made in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's advancements in breeding, testing and production trials for powdery mildew-resistant cultivars and expected associated benefits, including as related to impacts on future of cannabis cultivation, the potential future commercialization of powdery mildew-resistant cultivars, the protection of plant health, reduction of operational costs and improvements in product quality, as well as statements regarding the Company's ability to continue to support existing and future markets.

These forward-looking statements are only predictions. Forward looking information or statements contained in this news release have been developed based on assumptions management considers to be reasonable. Material factors or assumptions involved in developing forward-looking statements include, without limitation, publicly available information from governmental sources as well as from market research and industry analysis and on assumptions based on data and knowledge of this industry which the Company believes to be reasonable. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances could cause actual events, results, level of activity, performance, prospects, opportunities or achievements to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to, the magnitude and duration of potential new or increased tariffs imposed on goods imported from Canada into the United States; the ability to retain key personnel, the ability to continue investing in infrastructure to support growth, the ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms, the continued quality of our products, customer experience and retention, the development of third party government and non-government consumer sales channels, management's estimates of consumer demand in Canada and in jurisdictions where the Company exports, expectations of future results and expenses, the risk of successful integration of acquired business and operations, management's estimation that SG&A will grow only in proportion of revenue growth, the ability to expand and maintain distribution capabilities, the impact of competition, the general impact of financial market conditions, the yield from cannabis growing operations, product demand, changes in prices of required commodities, competition, and the possibility for changes in laws, rules, and regulations in the industry, epidemics, pandemics or other public health crises and other risks, uncertainties and factors set out under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information from dated June 17, 2025  (the "AIF") and filed with Canadian securities regulators available on the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com and filed with and available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The Company cautions that the list of risks, uncertainties and other factors described in the AIF is not exhaustive and other factors could also adversely affect its results. Readers are urged to consider the risks, uncertainties and assumptions carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aurora-achieves-significant-progress-in-disease-resistance-research-302660371.html

SOURCE Aurora Cannabis Inc.

FAQ

What progress did Aurora (ACB) announce on powdery mildew resistance on January 14, 2026?

Aurora said it advanced PM2 resistance into elite breeding lines and is running controlled infection and production trials to validate durability and quality.

How could Aurora's PM2 genetic marker affect ACB's cultivation costs and product quality?

Aurora indicated successful PM2 cultivars could protect plant health, reduce operational costs and improve product quality, pending trial results.

Where is Aurora conducting production trials for PM-resistant cultivars mentioned by ACB?

The company reported production trials are underway at its Aurora Ridge manufacturing facility.

What is the IP status of Aurora's PM2 technology for ACB investors?

Aurora stated the PM2-related intellectual property is currently patent pending in Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Israel.

When does Aurora (ACB) expect to commercialize PM-resistant cultivars?

The company said it may look to commercialize PM-resistant cultivars later in 2026 if production trials are successful.

Did Aurora (ACB) collaborate with external research partners on the PM2 discovery?

Aurora reported the PM2 work built on prior collaboration with University of British Columbia researchers and funding from Genome British Columbia.