Further MP0250 clinical data and partner interest underline Molecular Partners’ continued progress of its proprietary oncology compounds

Further MP0250 clinical data and partner interest underline Molecular Partners’ continued progress of its proprietary oncology compounds

Research & Development:

  • MP0250 in multiple myeloma (MM): Promising initial safety and efficacy data from the ongoing phase 2 study of MP0250 reconfirmed with updated data presented at the European Myeloma Network Meeting in Turin on April 21
  • MP0250 in EGFR-mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (EGFR mut NSCLC): Collaboration with AstraZeneca for ongoing phase 1b/2 clinical study of MP0250 with osimertinib (Tagrisso®) announced on April 11; dosing of first patient expected in coming weeks
  • Immuno-oncology: Pre-clinical data on the company’s DARPin® “toolbox” as well as on MP0310, the first DARPin® development candidate resulting out of it, presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2018 in Chicago on April 17
  • Abicipar: On track for one-year phase 3 topline data in H2 2018; Allergan expects to start phase 3 studies in DME (diabetic macular edema) in H2 2018
  • Ophthalmology: Allergan exercised all three options for the development of three additional DARPin® product candidates

Team:

  • Bill Burns elected Chairman of Molecular Partners at the 2018 AGM on April 18
  • Talent base with 113 full-time employees (+11% year-on-year), reflecting further
    build-out of oncology expertise

Financial highlights:

  • Strong financial position with CHF 129.5 million in cash and short-term deposits
    as of March 31, 2018
  • Net cash used in operating activities of CHF 10.4 million in Q1 2018, reflecting further build-out of R&D and clinical pipeline
  • Deferred revenues position of CHF 18.4 million per year-end 2017 recognized as equity (CHF 8.9 million) as well as Q1 18 revenues of 9.5 million, following adoption of IFRS 15

Zurich-Schlieren, Apil 26, 2018. Molecular Partners AG (SIX: MOLN), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of drugs known as DARPin® therapies*, announced today its Interim Management Statement for the period ending March 31, 2018.

“We are very pleased with the progress of our pipeline during the first quarter of 2018,” said Dr. Patrick Amstutz, Chief Executive Officer of Molecular Partners. “Since the beginning of the year, we presented promising clinical data on additional patients treated with our lead oncology asset, MP0250, in Multiple Myeloma. Moreover, we have entered into a collaboration with AstraZeneca for our second phase 2 study of MP0250 in EGFR-mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and expect to dose the first patient in the coming weeks. Finally, our existing partner, Allergan, has exercised all three options from our discovery alliance agreement manifesting our mutual conviction in the potential of our DARPin® technology in ophthalmology as well as of the success of our joint collaboration.”

Additional data reconfirm promising progress of phase 2 study of MP0250 in Multiple Myeloma

MP0250, Molecular Partners’ lead oncology asset, is a phase 2 multi-DARPin® candidate that simultaneously targets hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), two prominent tumor escape pathways, and has the potential to reverse resistance to standard of care cancer therapies.

The phase 2 study for this compound is being conducted at centers in Germany, Poland and Italy and continues to progress well. This study is evaluating MP0250 in combination with bortezomib (Velcade®) and dexamethasone in patients with multiple myeloma who have failed standard therapies.

The company anticipates further safety data and initial efficacy data before year-end 2018.

AstraZeneca agreed to collaborate in second phase 2 study of MP0250 in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) by supplying osimertinib (Tagrisso®)

Molecular Partners is collaborating with AstraZeneca (LON: AZN) for its phase 1b/2 clinical study of MP0250 in combination with osimertinib (Tagrisso®) in patients with EGFR-mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) who were pre-treated with osimertinib. Under the collaboration agreement, AstraZeneca will supply osimertinib for the clinical study. The study is planned to enroll approximately 40 patients and will take place in the United States. The first patient is expected to be dosed in the coming weeks. Initial safety data are expected by the end of 2018 with initial efficacy data in 2019.

“We are delighted to welcome AstraZeneca as collaboration partner for our second phase 2 study of MP0250. This underlines the growing interest in MP0250 and indicates the potential value of MP0250 in EGFR-mutated NSCLC,” said Dr. Andreas Harstrick, Chief Medical Officer Molecular Partners.

Immuno-oncology: Pre-clinical data on the company’s DARPin® “toolbox” and on MP0310

At the Annual Meeting 2018 of the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) in Chicago, Molecular Partners presented new pre-clinical data on MP0310 as well as its DARPin® “toolbox”. MP0310 targets simultaneously 4-1BB and FAP and is the first of many potential DARPin® candidates which has been advanced into preclinical development. These tumor-restricted agonists only activate immune cells in the tumor and not in the rest of the body thereby allowing full activation and potentially higher dosing of the anti-cancer agents without as severe side effects.

“We are very pleased with the progress of our portfolio showcasing the innovative power of the DARPin® technology in the multi-specific biologics space,” commented Michael T. Stumpp, Chief Scientific Officer Molecular Partners. “With MP0310 and other potential candidates from our DARPin® toolbox, we are moving forward therapies that have the potential to support existing therapies and provide significant additional patient benefits.”

Ophthalmology: Allergan exercised third option for the development of three additional DARPin® product candidates

In February, the company’s collaboration partner, Allergan, exercised its third option to develop and commercialize DARPin® product candidates arising from its discovery alliance with Molecular Partners. In 2012, Molecular Partners and Allergan had entered into a broad discovery alliance in ophthalmology to spur the development of novel multi-DARPin® molecules for diseases with high unmet medical need. Upon the exercise of this last option, Molecular Partners has granted Allergan an exclusive license to the selected three multi-DARPin® product candidates for use in ophthalmology.

The alliance broadens the initial collaboration on abicipar and entitles Molecular Partners to certain success-based development, regulatory and sales milestone payments aggregating up to USD 960 million, as well as tiered royalty payments (up to the low double-digit percentage range) on any future product sales. Allergan will be responsible for all future development costs.

Abicipar on track for one-year phase 3 efficacy data in H2 2018

Molecular Partners anticipates that its collaboration partner Allergan will present one-year phase 3 topline data for abicipar in wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) in H2 2018. The company further expects Allergan to communicate the start of the phase 3 studies of abicipar in diabetic macular edema (DME) in H2 2018.

Balance Sheet: Strong cash and equity positions as of March 31, 2018

Molecular Partners’ financial performance for the first quarter 2018 is in-line with management’s expectations and reflects ongoing investments to further expand the company’s proprietary pipeline. Cash and short-term deposits decreased by CHF 11.5 million since year-end 2017 to CHF 129.5 million as of March 31, 2018.

As a result of the adoption of IFRS 15, deferred revenues as of December 31, 2017 of CHF 18.4 million were partly reclassified to equity (CHF 8.9 million) to reflect the accumulated past effect of the adoption as of January 1, 2018. The remaining portion of CHF 9.5 million was recognized as revenues in the first quarter 2018.

As of March 31, 2018, the company employed 113 FTEs (+11% year-over-year), with approximately 90% of employees serving in R&D functions.

“During the first quarter 2018, Molecular Partners’ financial position continued to develop in line with our expectations,” said Andreas Emmenegger, Chief Financial Officer Molecular Partners. “Our strong cash position provides us with the required financial flexibility to achieve multiple value-creating inflection points into 2020.”

Bill Burns elected Chairman at the 2018 Annual General Meeting

William (Bill) Burns, former CEO of Roche Pharmaceuticals, was elected as Chairman of Molecular Partners at the company’s Annual General Meeting held on April 18. Bill Burns held various executive positions at Roche for 28 years, culminating in his nomination to the position of CEO of Roche Pharmaceuticals and board seats at Roche, Genentech and Chugai Pharmaceuticals. The company will benefit from his vast experience in the development and commercialization of drugs, particularly in oncology, and extensive knowledge of pharmaceutical industry operations.

All other motions recommended by the company’s Board of Directors were approved as well by the shareholders present at the meeting.

Business outlook and priorities

For the company’s proprietary oncology pipeline, the company expects to report in 2018 additional safety data and initial efficacy data from the phase 2 study of MP0250 in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Subject to the expected dosing of the first patient in the coming weeks, the company also expects initial safety data from the phase 1b/2 study of MP0250 in NSCLC in 2018. For MP0274, the proprietary, single-pathway DARPin® drug candidate for the treatment of HER2-positive cancer, Molecular Partners expects initial safety data in Q4 2018 and first efficacy data in 2019.

The company will continue to advance its immuno-oncology pipeline and will present further research and preclinical data for its DARPin® candidate MP0310 in 2018. In this promising field, Molecular Partners is increasing its focus on activating agonists in a tumor-restricted way.

In ophthalmology, Molecular Partners will continue to support its strategic partner Allergan in advancing abicipar through phase 3 studies in patients with wet AMD and in initiating the phase 3 studies of abicipar in patients with DME. The company will also continue to support Allergan in further advancing the three pre-clinical ophthalmology assets optioned-in from the existing research collaboration. Allergan is on track to present one-year phase 3 topline data in wet AMD in H2 2018 and anticipates launching abicipar for this indication in the year 2020.

Financial outlook 2018

For the full year 2018, at constant exchange rates, the company continues to expect expenses of CHF 50-60 million, of which around CHF 7 million will be non-cash effective costs for share-based payments, IFRS pension accounting and depreciations. However, this guidance is subject to the progress of the pipeline, mainly driven by manufacturing costs, the speed of enrollment of patients in clinical studies and data from research and development projects.

No guidance can be provided with regard to net cash flow projections. Timelines and potential milestone payments from existing and potentially new partnerships are not disclosed.

*DARPin® is a registered trademark owned by Molecular Partners AG.

Financial Calendar

  • August 30, 2018 – Publication of 2018 Half-year Results
  • November 01, 2018 – Q3 2018 Management Statement

http://investors.molecularpartners.com/financial-calendar-and-events/

About the DARPin® Difference

DARPin® therapeutics are a new class of protein therapeutics opening an extra dimension of multi-specificity and multi-functionality. DARPin® candidates are potent, specific, safe and very versatile. They can engage in more than 5 targets at once, offering potential benefits over those offered by conventional monoclonal antibodies or other currently available protein therapeutics. The DARPin® technology is a fast and cost-effective drug discovery engine, producing drug candidates with ideal properties for development and very high production yields.
With their good safety profile, low immunogenicity and long half-life in the bloodstream and the eye, DARPin® therapies have the potential to advance modern medicine and significantly improve the treatment of serious diseases, including cancer and sight-threatening disorders. Molecular Partners is partnering with Allergan to advance clinical programs in ophthalmology, and is advancing a proprietary pipeline of DARPin® drug candidates in oncology. The most advanced global product candidate is abicipar, a molecule currently in Phase 3, in partnership with Allergan.
Several DARPin® molecules for various ophthalmic indications are also in development. The most advanced systemic DARPin® molecule, MP0250, is in Phase 1 clinical development for the treatment of solid tumors and in Phase 2 development for hematological tumors. In addition, Molecular Partners intends to further evaluate MP0250 for solid tumors in a phase 1b/2 trial for EGFR-mutated NSCLC. MP0274, the second-most advanced DARPin® drug candidate in oncology, has broad anti-HER activity; it inhibits HER1, HER2 and HER3-mediated downstream signaling via Her2, leading to induction of apoptosis. MP0274 has moved into Phase 1. Molecular Partners is also advancing a growing preclinical pipeline that features several immuno-oncological development programs. DARPin® is a registered trademark owned by Molecular Partners AG.

About Molecular Partners AG

Molecular Partners AG is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that is developing a new class of therapies known as DARPin® therapies. With a management team that includes many of the founding scientists, the company continues to attract talented individuals who share the passion to develop breakthrough medicines for serious diseases. Molecular Partners has compounds in various stages of clinical and preclinical development and several more in the research stage, with a current focus on ophthalmology and oncology. The company establishes research and development partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies and is backed by established biotech investors.

For more information regarding Molecular Partners AG, go to: www.molecularpartners.com.

For further details, please contact:

Dr. Patrick Amstutz, CEO
patrick.amstutz@molecularpartners.com
Tel: +41 (0) 44 755 77 00

Andreas.Emmenegger, CFO
andreas.emmenegger@molecularpartners.com
Tel: +41 (0) 44 755 77 00

Rolf Schläpfer
Hirzel.Neef.Schmid.Counselors
rolf.schlaepfer@konsulenten.ch
Tel: +41 (0) 43 344 42 42

Susan A. Noonan
S.A. Noonan Communications, LLC
susan@sanoonan.com
Tel: +1 212 966 3650

Disclaimer

This communication does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for or purchase any securities of Molecular Partners AG. This publication may contain certain forward-looking statements and assessments or intentions concerning the company and its business. Such statements involve certain risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Readers should therefore not place reliance on these statements, particularly not in connection with any contract or investment decision. The company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, assessments or intentions. Further, neither the company nor any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, counsel or advisers nor any other person makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to, and accordingly no reliance should be placed on, the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein or of the views given or implied.

 

Molecular Partners presented preliminary results from the ongoing phase 2 study of MP0250 at the European Myeloma Network Meeting in Turin

Zurich-Schlieren, Apil 21, 2018. Molecular Partners AG (SIX: MOLN), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of drugs known as DARPin® therapies*, announced today that preliminary results from the ongoing Phase 2 study of MP0250 with bortezomib and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) were presented at the 1st European Myeloma Network Meeting in Turin.

The presentation in Turin focused on results from the first dose cohort of MP0250 with respect to safety and efficacy. Eight patients were treated with 8 mg/kg of MP0250 and five out of these eight patients showed a documented response: Four patients reached a partial response (PR) and one patient reached a very good partial response (VGPR) at the cut-off date. Four out of the five patients are still on treatment with individual treatment durations of 13, 21, 24 and 33 weeks, respectively. The safety profile was consistent with the known safety profiles of bortezomib and MP0250, respectively. The independent dose escalation committee recommended to continue the clinical study at the higher dose of 12mg/kg and the first patient in the second dose cohort has been dosed recently.

Prof. Dr. Hartmut Goldschmidt (Medical Clinic V, University clinic Heidelberg), the Primary Investigator of the phase 2 study, commented: “We are encouraged by the initial efficacy and good tolerability data of MP0250 in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone. Despite upcoming new treatment options, multiple myeloma remains an incurable disease and new molecules with innovative mechanism of actions are needed.”

“We are pleased by the remarkable activity and the good safety profile that we have seen in the first cohort of this study. We are looking forward to patients being treated with the higher dose of MP0250 (12 mg/kg) and the additional phase 1b/2 study of MP0250 in combination with osimertinib in EGFR-mutated NSCLC,” said Dr. Andreas Harstrick, Chief Medical Officer at Molecular Partners.

MP0250 is a proprietary DARPin® drug candidate neutralizing VEGF and HGF and thus blocking key escape pathways and resistance. Increases in VEGF and HGF are associated with disease progression in multiple myeloma and have been linked to poor prognosis. They are known to be able to stimulate neovascularization, bone destruction, and myeloma proliferation, migration, and adhesion in the bone marrow. MP0250 shows activity in many preclinical tumor models, including in multiple myeloma models in which it enhances the effects of bortezomib on inhibition of M protein production and bone lysis and reduces invasion of tumor cells. MP0250 has shown a favorable safety profile in a phase 1 clinical study in 45 patients with advanced solid tumors.

In the ongoing phase 2 clinical study[1], the safety and efficacy of MP0250 is examined in combination with bortezomib (Velcade®) and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who have failed standard therapies. The study is performed in Germany, Poland and Italy. A total of 40 patients are planned to be treated, 12 patients in the dose-escalation phase (Part 1) to establish a safe dose, and an additional 28 patients in the dose-expansion phase (Part 2) resulting in a total of 34 patients at the target dose.

Additional safety and efficacy data are expected by the end of 2018.

An additional phase 1b/2 study will evaluate MP0250 in combination with osimertinib in patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC pretreated with osimertinib. The study is conducted in the US and is open for patient enrollment2.

[1] ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03136653
2 ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03418532

 

Financial Calendar

  • April 26, 2018 – Q1 2018 Management Statement
  • August 30, 2018 – Publication of 2018 Half-year Results
  • November 01, 2018 – Q3 2018 Management Statement

http://investors.molecularpartners.com/financial-calendar-and-events/

About the DARPin® Difference

DARPin® therapeutics are a new class of protein therapeutics opening an extra dimension of multi-specificity and multi-functionality. DARPin® candidates are potent, specific, safe and very versatile. They can engage in more than 5 targets at once, offering potential benefits over those offered by conventional monoclonal antibodies or other currently available protein therapeutics. The DARPin® technology is a fast and cost-effective drug discovery engine, producing drug candidates with ideal properties for development and very high production yields.
With their good safety profile, low immunogenicity and long half-life in the bloodstream and the eye, DARPin® therapies have the potential to advance modern medicine and significantly improve the treatment of serious diseases, including cancer and sight-threatening disorders. Molecular Partners is partnering with Allergan to advance clinical programs in ophthalmology, and is advancing a proprietary pipeline of DARPin® drug candidates in oncology. The most advanced global product candidate is abicipar, a molecule currently in Phase 3, in partnership with Allergan.
Several DARPin® molecules for various ophthalmic indications are also in development. The most advanced systemic DARPin® molecule, MP0250, is in Phase 1 clinical development for the treatment of solid tumors and in Phase 2 development for hematological tumors. In addition, Molecular Partners intends to further evaluate MP0250 for solid tumors in a phase 1b/2 trial for EGFR-mutated NSCLC. MP0274, the second-most advanced DARPin® drug candidate in oncology, has broad anti-HER activity; it inhibits HER1, HER2 and HER3-mediated downstream signaling via Her2, leading to induction of apoptosis. MP0274 has moved into Phase 1. Molecular Partners is also advancing a growing preclinical pipeline that features several immuno-oncological development programs. DARPin® is a registered trademark owned by Molecular Partners AG.

About Molecular Partners AG

Molecular Partners AG is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that is developing a new class of therapies known as DARPin® therapies. With a management team that includes many of the founding scientists, the company continues to attract talented individuals who share the passion to develop breakthrough medicines for serious diseases. Molecular Partners has compounds in various stages of clinical and preclinical development and several more in the research stage, with a current focus on ophthalmology and oncology. The company establishes research and development partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies and is backed by established biotech investors.

For more information regarding Molecular Partners AG, go to: www.molecularpartners.com.

For further details, please contact:

Dr. Patrick Amstutz, CEO
patrick.amstutz@molecularpartners.com
Tel: +41 (0) 44 755 77 00

Andreas.Emmenegger, CFO
andreas.emmenegger@molecularpartners.com
Tel: +41 (0) 44 755 77 00

Rolf Schläpfer
Hirzel.Neef.Schmid.Counselors
rolf.schlaepfer@konsulenten.ch
Tel: +41 (0) 43 344 42 42

Susan A. Noonan
S.A. Noonan Communications, LLC
susan@sanoonan.com
Tel: +1 212 966 3650

Disclaimer

This communication does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for or purchase any securities of Molecular Partners AG. This publication may contain certain forward-looking statements and assessments or intentions concerning the company and its business. Such statements involve certain risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Readers should therefore not place reliance on these statements, particularly not in connection with any contract or investment decision. The company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, assessments or intentions.

 

* DARPin® is a registered trademark owned by Molecular Partners AG

Shareholders of Molecular Partners AG approve all Board proposals at the Annual General Meeting – Bill Burns elected new Chairman

Zurich-Schlieren, Apil 18, 2018. At today’s Annual General Meeting of Molecular Partners AG (SIX: MOLN), the shareholders of the company approved all motions proposed by the Board of Directors with a large majority and elected William (Bill) Burns as new Chairman of the Board.

At today’s Annual General Meeting of Molecular Partners AG, Bill Burns was elected new Chairman of the Board of the company. Bill held various executive positions at Roche for 28 years, culminating in his nomination to the position of CEO of Roche Pharmaceuticals and board seats at Roche, Genentech and Chugai Pharmaceuticals. The company will benefit from Bill’s vast experience in the development and commercialization of drugs, particularly in oncology, and extensive knowledge of pharmaceutical industry operations.

Bill Burns commented: “I thank our shareholders for their trust. Together with my colleagues of the Board of Directors we maximize all efforts and look ahead on a continuation of the progress of the company’s pipeline which we were able to witness already during the first quarter of 2018.”

Bill Burns, Göran Ando, Gwen Fyfe, Steven H. Holtzman, William A. Lee, Petri Vainio and Patrick Amstutz were re-elected as members of the Board of Directors. The shareholders also elected the three proposed members of the Nomination and Compensation Committee – Bill Burns, Göran Ando and William A. Lee.

Further, the shareholders of Molecular Partners AG approved the annual report and the annual financial statements for the financial year 2017, the appropriation of the 2017 results, as well as the compensation report (in a consultative vote). The Board of Directors and the Management Board were granted discharge for the financial year 2017.

The shareholders of the company renewed the authorization of the Board of Directors of Molecular Partners AG to increase the share capital of the company within a period of two years and also approved all proposals regarding compensation, including the proposed respective compensation amounts for the Board of Directors and the Management Board.

About the DARPin® Difference

DARPin® therapeutics are a new class of protein therapeutics opening an extra dimension of multi-specificity and multi-functionality. DARPin® candidates are potent, specific, safe and very versatile. They can engage in more than 5 targets at once, offering potential benefits over those offered by conventional monoclonal antibodies or other currently available protein therapeutics. The DARPin® technology is a fast and cost-effective drug discovery engine, producing drug candidates with ideal properties for development and very high production yields.

With their good safety profile, low immunogenicity and long half-life in the bloodstream and the eye, DARPin® therapies have the potential to advance modern medicine and significantly improve the treatment of serious diseases, including cancer and sight-threatening disorders. Molecular Partners is partnering with Allergan to advance clinical programs in ophthalmology, and is advancing a proprietary pipeline of DARPin® drug candidates in oncology. The most advanced global product candidate is abicipar, a molecule currently in Phase 3, in partnership with Allergan.

Several DARPin® molecules for various ophthalmic indications are also in development. The most advanced systemic DARPin® molecule, MP0250, is in Phase 1 clinical development for the treatment of solid tumors and in Phase 2 development for hematological tumors. In addition, Molecular Partners intends to further evaluate MP0250 for solid tumors in a phase 1b/2 trial for EGFR-mutated NSCLC. MP0274, the second-most advanced DARPin® drug candidate in oncology, has broad anti-HER activity; it inhibits HER1, HER2 and HER3-mediated downstream signaling via Her2, leading to induction of apoptosis. MP0274 has moved into Phase 1. Molecular Partners is also advancing a growing preclinical pipeline that features several immuno-oncological development programs. DARPin® is a registered trademark owned by Molecular Partners AG.

About Molecular Partners AG

Molecular Partners AG is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that is developing a new class of therapies known as DARPin® therapies. With a management team that includes many of the founding scientists, the company continues to attract talented individuals who share the passion to develop breakthrough medicines for serious diseases. Molecular Partners has compounds in various stages of clinical and preclinical development and several more in the research stage, with a current focus on ophthalmology and oncology. The company establishes research and development partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies and is backed by established biotech investors.

For more information regarding Molecular Partners AG, go to: www.molecularpartners.com.

Financial Calendar

  • April 26, 2018 – Q1 2018 Management Statement
  • August 30, 2018 – Publication of 2018 Half-year Results
  • November 01, 2018 – Q3 2018 Management Statement

http://investors.molecularpartners.com/financial-calendar-and-events/

 

For further details, please contact:

Dr. Patrick Amstutz, CEO
patrick.amstutz@molecularpartners.com
Tel: +41 (0) 44 755 77 00

Andreas.Emmenegger, CFO
andreas.emmenegger@molecularpartners.com
Tel: +41 (0) 44 755 77 00

Rolf Schläpfer
Hirzel.Neef.Schmid.Counselors
rolf.schlaepfer@konsulenten.ch
Tel: +41 (0) 43 344 42 42

Susan A. Noonan
S.A. Noonan Communications, LLC
susan@sanoonan.com
Tel: +1 212 966 3650

 

Disclaimer

This communication does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for or purchase any securities of Molecular Partners AG. This publication may contain certain forward-looking statements and assessments or intentions concerning the company and its business. Such statements involve certain risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Readers should therefore not place reliance on these statements, particularly not in connection with any contract or investment decision. The company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, assessments or intentions.

 

* DARPin® is a registered trademark owned by Molecular Partners AG

Molecular Partners and AstraZeneca announce collaboration on Molecular Partners’ ongoing oncology clinical study with MP0250 in EGFR-mutated NSCLC

Zurich-Schlieren, Apil 11, 2018. Molecular Partners AG (ticker: MOLN), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of drugs known as DARPin® therapies*, announced today that Molecular Partners and AstraZeneca (LON: AZN) will collaborate on Molecular Partners’ ongoing phase 1b/2 clinical study of MP0250 with osimertinib (Tagrisso®) for the treatment of patients with EGFR-mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) pre-treated with osimertinib. Under the collaboration, AstraZeneca will supply osimertinib (Tagrisso®) required for the clinical study. The clinical study is planned to enroll approx. 40 patients and is taking place in the United States.

“We are delighted to welcome AstraZeneca as collaboration partner for our second phase 2 study of MP0250. This underlines the growing interest in MP0250 and nicely documents the potential value of MP0250 in EGFR-mutated NSCLC,” said Dr. Andreas Harstrick, Chief Medical Officer at Molecular Partners.

MP0250 offers the possibility of targeting two main tumor escape pathways by blocking both hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) simultaneously while continued treatment with osimertinib suppresses EGFR-mutated NSCLC tumor cells.

Osimertinib is a third generation, irreversible EGFR-TKI designed to inhibit both EGFR-sensitising and EGFR T790M-resistance mutations, with clinical activity against CNS metastases, which demonstrated significant benefit in untreated EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients in a global phase 3 trial last year. Osimertinib is currently marketed globally, as Tagrisso®, for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic EGFR T790M NSCLC.

The clinical study[1] consists of two parts: the dose-escalation phase (Part A), to establish a safe
recommended dose for MP0250 in combination with osimertinib. In the subsequent treatment
expansion phase (Part B), patients will be further evaluated for efficacy and safety.

[1] ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03418532

 

About the DARPin® Difference

DARPin® therapeutics are a new class of protein therapeutics opening an extra dimension of multi-specificity and multi-functionality. DARPin® candidates are potent, specific, safe and very versatile. They can engage in more than 5 targets at once, offering potential benefits over those offered by conventional monoclonal antibodies or other currently available protein therapeutics. The DARPin® technology is a fast and cost-effective drug discovery engine, producing drug candidates with ideal properties for development and very high production yields.

With their good safety profile, low immunogenicity and long half-life in the bloodstream and the eye, DARPin® therapies have the potential to advance modern medicine and significantly improve the treatment of serious diseases, including cancer and sight-threatening disorders. Molecular Partners is partnering with Allergan to advance clinical programs in ophthalmology, and is advancing a proprietary pipeline of DARPin® drug candidates in oncology. The most advanced global product candidate is abicipar, a molecule currently in Phase 3, in partnership with Allergan.

Several DARPin® molecules for various ophthalmic indications are also in development. The most advanced systemic DARPin® molecule, MP0250, is in Phase 1 clinical development for the treatment of solid tumors and in Phase 2 development for hematological tumors. In addition, Molecular Partners intends to further evaluate MP0250 for solid tumors in a phase 1b/2 trial for EGFR-mutated NSCLC. MP0274, the second-most advanced DARPin® drug candidate in oncology, has broad anti-HER activity; it inhibits HER1, HER2 and HER3-mediated downstream signaling via Her2, leading to induction of apoptosis. MP0274 has moved into Phase 1. Molecular Partners is also advancing a growing preclinical pipeline that features several immuno-oncological development programs. DARPin® is a registered trademark owned by Molecular Partners AG.

About Molecular Partners AG

Molecular Partners AG is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that is developing a new class of therapies known as DARPin® therapies. With a management team that includes many of the founding scientists, the company continues to attract talented individuals who share the passion to develop breakthrough medicines for serious diseases. Molecular Partners has compounds in various stages of clinical and preclinical development and several more in the research stage, with a current focus on ophthalmology and oncology. The company establishes research and development partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies and is backed by established biotech investors.

For more information regarding Molecular Partners AG, go to: www.molecularpartners.com.

Financial Calendar

  • April 18, 2018 – Annual General Meeting
  • April 26, 2018 – Q1 2018 Management Statement
  • August 30, 2018 – Publication of 2018 Half-year Results
  • November 01, 2018 – Q3 2018 Management Statement

http://investors.molecularpartners.com/financial-calendar-and-events/

 

For further details, please contact:

Dr. Patrick Amstutz, CEO
patrick.amstutz@molecularpartners.com
Tel: +41 (0) 44 755 77 00

Andreas.Emmenegger, CFO
andreas.emmenegger@molecularpartners.com
Tel: +41 (0) 44 755 77 00

Rolf Schläpfer
Hirzel.Neef.Schmid.Counselors
rolf.schlaepfer@konsulenten.ch
Tel: +41 (0) 43 344 42 42

Susan A. Noonan
S.A. Noonan Communications, LLC
susan@sanoonan.com
Tel: +1 212 966 3650

 

Disclaimer

This communication does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for or purchase any securities of Molecular Partners AG. This publication may contain certain forward-looking statements and assessments or intentions concerning the company and its business. Such statements involve certain risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Readers should therefore not place reliance on these statements, particularly not in connection with any contract or investment decision. The company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, assessments or intentions.

 

* DARPin® is a registered trademark owned by Molecular Partners AG

Molecular Partners to present MP0310 pre-clinical data and MP0250 clinical abstracts at the AACR Annual Meeting 2018

Zurich-Schlieren, Apil 05, 2018. Molecular Partners AG (ticker: MOLN), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of drugs known as DARPin® therapies*, today announced that new pre-clinical data from two of its pipeline candidates, MP0310 and its lead proprietary oncology drug MP0250, as well as the DARPin® toolbox will be presented at the Annual Meeting 2018 of the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) in Chicago.

MP0310 targets simultaneously 4-1BB and FAP and is the first of a series of tumor-restricted agonists that only activate immune cells in the tumor and not in the rest of the body thereby allowing full activation and potentially opening the therapeutic window for combinations.

MP0250 is a phase 2 multi-DARPin® candidate targeting simultaneously VEGF and HGF, two prominent escape pathways, and has the potential to reverse resistance that has built to standard of care cancer therapies.

The four abstracts to be presented include the most recent pre-clinical data of MP0310 as well as the rationale of MP0250 in EGFR mutated NSCLC (Non-small Cell Lung Cancer).

“We are very pleased with the progress of our portfolio showcasing the innovation power of the DARPin technology in the multi-specific biologics space,” commented Michael T. Stumpp, Chief Scientific Officer. “With MP0250 and MP0310, we are moving forward with two candidates that have the potential to add significant patient benefit and support existing therapies.”

The data will be presented in the following sessions under the following titles:

MP0310:

  • Tuesday, 17 April 2018, 8.00 am: PO.IM02.07 – Immunomodulatory Agents and Interventions 1: 3752 / 2 – Preclinical pharmacology of MP0310: A 4-1BB/FAP bispecific DARPin® drug candidate promoting tumor-restricted T-cell co-stimulation (Link et al.)
  • Tuesday, 17 April 2018, 8.00 am: PO.TB07.01 – Cancer Imaging: Immunology and Systems Analysis in Vivo: 3029 / 2 – FAP-mediated tumor accumulation of a T-cell agonistic FAP/4-1BB DARPin® drug candidate analyzed by SPECT/CT and quantitative biodistribution
    (Reichen et al.)

Portfolio:

  • Tuesday, 17 April 2018, 1.00 pm: PO.CL06.05 – Immune Checkpoints 4: 4552 / 7 – Tumor-restricted immune modulation by multispecific molecules from the DARPin® toolbox (Fiedler et al.)

MP0250:

  • Tuesday, 17 April 2018, 1.00 pm: PO.CT05 – Phase I/II, II, and III Trials in Progress: CT149 / 1 – MP0250, a VEGF- and HGF-blocking multi-DARPin® drug candidate, in combination with tyrosine-kinase-inhibitors targeting EGFR-mutated NSCLC: Preclinical rationale and phase Ib/II study outline (Kiemle-Kallee et al.)

Full details on the Molecular Partners’ sessions at AACR 2018 as well as all presentations can be found here. Following their presentation at the AACR, the posters will also be available one the Molecular Partners website.

 

About the DARPin® Difference

DARPin® therapeutics are a new class of protein therapeutics opening an extra dimension of multi-specificity and multi-functionality. DARPin® candidates are potent, specific, safe and very versatile. They can engage in more than 5 targets at once, offering potential benefits over those offered by conventional monoclonal antibodies or other currently available protein therapeutics. The DARPin® technology is a fast and cost-effective drug discovery engine, producing drug candidates with ideal properties for development and very high production yields.

With their good safety profile, low immunogenicity and long half-life in the bloodstream and the eye, DARPin® therapies have the potential to advance modern medicine and significantly improve the treatment of serious diseases, including cancer and sight-threatening disorders. Molecular Partners is partnering with Allergan to advance clinical programs in ophthalmology, and is advancing a proprietary pipeline of DARPin® drug candidates in oncology. The most advanced global product candidate is abicipar, a molecule currently in Phase 3, in partnership with Allergan.

Several DARPin® molecules for various ophthalmic indications are also in development. The most advanced systemic DARPin® molecule, MP0250, is in Phase 1 clinical development for the treatment of solid tumors and in Phase 2 development for hematological tumors. In addition, Molecular Partners intends to further evaluate MP0250 for solid tumors in a phase 1b/2 trial for EGFR-mutated NSCLC. MP0274, the second-most advanced DARPin® drug candidate in oncology, has broad anti-HER activity; it inhibits HER1, HER2 and HER3-mediated downstream signaling via Her2, leading to induction of apoptosis. MP0274 has moved into Phase 1. Molecular Partners is also advancing a growing preclinical pipeline that features several immuno-oncological development programs. DARPin® is a registered trademark owned by Molecular Partners AG.

About Molecular Partners AG

Molecular Partners AG is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that is developing a new class of therapies known as DARPin® therapies. With a management team that includes many of the founding scientists, the company continues to attract talented individuals who share the passion to develop breakthrough medicines for serious diseases. Molecular Partners has compounds in various stages of clinical and preclinical development and several more in the research stage, with a current focus on ophthalmology and oncology. The company establishes research and development partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies and is backed by established biotech investors.

For more information regarding Molecular Partners AG, go to: www.molecularpartners.com.

Financial Calendar

  • April 18, 2018 – Annual General Meeting
  • April 26, 2018 – Q1 2018 Management Statement
  • August 30, 2018 – Publication of 2018 Half-year Results
  • November 01, 2018 – Q3 2018 Management Statement

http://investors.molecularpartners.com/financial-calendar-and-events/

 

For further details, please contact:

Dr. Patrick Amstutz, CEO
patrick.amstutz@molecularpartners.com
Tel: +41 (0) 44 755 77 00

Andreas.Emmenegger, CFO
andreas.emmenegger@molecularpartners.com
Tel: +41 (0) 44 755 77 00

Rolf Schläpfer
Hirzel.Neef.Schmid.Counselors
rolf.schlaepfer@konsulenten.ch
Tel: +41 (0) 43 344 42 42

Susan A. Noonan
S.A. Noonan Communications, LLC
susan@sanoonan.com
Tel: +1 212 966 3650

 

Disclaimer

This communication does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for or purchase any securities of Molecular Partners AG. This publication may contain certain forward-looking statements and assessments or intentions concerning the company and its business. Such statements involve certain risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Readers should therefore not place reliance on these statements, particularly not in connection with any contract or investment decision. The company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, assessments or intentions.

 

*DARPin® is a registered trademark owned by Molecular Partners AG

Molecular Partners Publishes Invitation to Annual General Meeting 2018

Zurich-Schlieren, March 21, 2018. Molecular Partners AG (ticker: MOLN), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of drugs known as DARPin® therapies*, today published the invitation to the Annual General Meeting 2018.

The Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, 2.00 pm CET (doors open at 1.30 pm), at the registered office of the company:
Molecular Partners AG, Wagistrasse 14, 5th floor, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland

Link to the Invitation to the Annual General Meeting 2018 with the corresponding agenda items.

Link zur Einladung zur Generalversammlung 2018 mit den zugehörigen Traktandenpunkten.

Financial Calendar

  • April 18, 2018 – Annual General Meeting
  • April 26, 2018 – Q1 2018 Management Statement
  • August 30, 2018 – Publication of 2018 Half-year Results
  • November 01, 2018 – Q3 2018 Management Statement

http://investors.molecularpartners.com/financial-calendar-and-events/

About Molecular Partners AG

Molecular Partners AG is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that is developing a new class of therapies known as DARPin® therapies. With a management team that includes many of the founding scientists, the company continues to attract talented individuals who share the passion to develop breakthrough medicines for serious diseases. Molecular Partners has compounds in various stages of clinical and preclinical development and several more in the research stage, with a current focus on ophthalmology and oncology. The company establishes research and development partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies and is backed by established biotech investors.

For more information regarding Molecular Partners AG, go to: www.molecularpartners.com.

For further details, please contact:

Dr. Patrick Amstutz, CEO
patrick.amstutz@molecularpartners.com
Tel: +41 (0) 44 755 77 00

Andreas.Emmenegger, CFO
andreas.emmenegger@molecularpartners.com
Tel: +41 (0) 44 755 77 00

Rolf Schläpfer
Hirzel.Neef.Schmid.Counselors
rolf.schlaepfer@konsulenten.ch
Tel: +41 (0) 43 344 42 42

Susan A. Noonan
S.A. Noonan Communications, LLC
susan@sanoonan.com
Tel: +1 212 966 3650

*DARPin® is a registered trademark owned by Molecular Partners AG

 

Disclaimer

This communication does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for or purchase any securities of Molecular Partners AG. This publication may contain certain forward-looking statements and assessments or intentions concerning the company and its business. Such statements involve certain risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Readers should therefore not place reliance on these statements, particularly not in connection with any contract or investment decision. The company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, assessments or intentions.

 

Molecular Partners Publishes Audited Financial Results and Annual Report 2017

Zurich-Schlieren, March 16, 2018. Molecular Partners AG (ticker: MOLN), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of drugs known as DARPin® therapies*, today published its audited Financial Results for 2017 and the company’s 2017 Annual Report.

The audited Financial Results for 2017 and the company’s 2017 Annual Report are available on the investors section of the company’ website.

Financial Calendar

  • April 18, 2018 – Annual General Meeting
  • April 26, 2018 – Q1 2018 Management Statement
  • August 30, 2018 – Publication of 2018 Half-year Results
  • November 01, 2018 – Q3 2018 Management Statement

http://investors.molecularpartners.com/financial-calendar-and-events/

About Molecular Partners AG

Molecular Partners AG is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that is developing a new class of therapies known as DARPin® therapies. With a management team that includes many of the founding scientists, the company continues to attract talented individuals who share the passion to develop breakthrough medicines for serious diseases. Molecular Partners has compounds in various stages of clinical and preclinical development and several more in the research stage, with a current focus on ophthalmology and oncology. The company establishes research and development partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies and is backed by established biotech investors.

For more information regarding Molecular Partners AG, go to: www.molecularpartners.com.

For further details, please contact:

Dr. Patrick Amstutz, CEO
patrick.amstutz@molecularpartners.com
Tel: +41 (0) 44 755 77 00

Andreas.Emmenegger, CFO
andreas.emmenegger@molecularpartners.com
Tel: +41 (0) 44 755 77 00

Rolf Schläpfer
Hirzel.Neef.Schmid.Counselors
rolf.schlaepfer@konsulenten.ch
Tel: +41 (0) 43 344 42 42

Susan A. Noonan
S.A. Noonan Communications, LLC
susan@sanoonan.com
Tel: +1 212 966 3650

*DARPin® is a registered trademark owned by Molecular Partners AG

 

Disclaimer

This communication does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for or purchase any securities of Molecular Partners AG. This publication may contain certain forward-looking statements and assessments or intentions concerning the company and its business. Such statements involve certain risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Readers should therefore not place reliance on these statements, particularly not in connection with any contract or investment decision. The company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, assessments or intentions.

 

Molecular Partners to Present at the Cowen and Company 38th Annual Healthcare Conference

Zurich-Schlieren, March 06, 2018. Molecular Partners AG (ticker: MOLN), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of drugs known as DARPin® therapies*, today announced that it will present at the Cowen and Company 38th Annual Healthcare Conference on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at 8:00 ET (2:00 PM CET).

The presentation, followed by a breakout session, will be hosted by Dr. Patrick Amstutz, CEO of Molecular Partners and Dr. Michael Stumpp, CSO of the company.

The presentation will be webcast live and can be accessed on the day via this link. A copy of the presentation handout as well as a replay of the webcast will be made available on the company’s website www.molecularpartners.com under the Investors section. The replay will be available for 90 days following the presentation.

 

About Molecular Partners AG

Molecular Partners AG is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that is developing a new class of therapies known as DARPin® therapies. With a management team that includes many of the founding scientists, the company continues to attract talented individuals who share the passion to develop breakthrough medicines for serious diseases. Molecular Partners has compounds in various stages of clinical and preclinical development and several more in the research stage, with a current focus on ophthalmology and oncology. The company establishes research and development partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies and is backed by established biotech investors.

For more information regarding Molecular Partners AG, go to: www.molecularpartners.com.

 

For further details, please contact:

Dr. Patrick Amstutz, CEO
patrick.amstutz@molecularpartners.com
Tel: +41 (0) 44 755 77 00

Andreas.Emmenegger, CFO
andreas.emmenegger@molecularpartners.com
Tel: +41 (0) 44 755 77 00

Rolf Schläpfer
Hirzel.Neef.Schmid.Counselors
rolf.schlaepfer@konsulenten.ch
Tel: +41 (0) 43 344 42 42

Susan A. Noonan
S.A. Noonan Communications, LLC
susan@sanoonan.com
Tel: +1 212 966 3650

 

Molecular Partners’ collaboration partner Allergan exercises the third option for a DARPin® product candidate in ophthalmology

Zurich-Schlieren, February 19, 2018. Molecular Partners AG (ticker: MOLN), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of drugs known as DARPin® therapies*, today announced that Allergan has exercised the third option to develop and commercialize DARPin® product candidates from its 2012 discovery alliance agreement with Molecular Partners. Upon the exercise of this option, Molecular Partners granted Allergan an exclusive license to the selected multi-DARPin® product candidates for use in ophthalmology.

Building on abicipar with phase 3 wet AMD topline data expected in H2 2018, these novel multi-DARPin® product candidates further expand Molecular Partners’ and Allergan’s DARPin® pipeline in ophthalmic diseases with high unmet medical need.

All amounts payable under the option exercises are included in the aggregate milestone payments and the tiered royalty payments previously disclosed in the company’s July 21, 2015 press release. For the exercise of the third option, Molecular Partners is entitled to certain success based development, regulatory and sales milestone payments aggregating up to USD 320 million, as well as tiered royalty payments (up to low double-digit percentage range) on any future product sales.

 

About abicipar

Abicipar is a long-acting mono-DARPin® drug candidate that inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and is currently under investigation for the treatment of two major causes of blindness worldwide: neovascular, or wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). Abicipar has the potential to require less frequent injections into the eye than the current anti-VEGF standards of care, while providing equal or better improvements in vision, both seen as major patient benefits in these indications. Molecular Partners granted an exclusive license to Allergan for Abicipar in May 2011.

 

About the DARPin® Difference

DARPin® therapeutics are a new class of protein therapeutics opening an extra dimension of multi-specificity and multi-functionality. DARPin® candidates are potent, specific, safe and very versatile. They can engage in more than 5 targets at once, offering potential benefits over those offered by conventional monoclonal antibodies or other currently available protein therapeutics. The DARPin® technology is a fast and cost-effective drug discovery engine, producing drug candidates with ideal properties for development and very high production yields.

With their good safety profile, low immunogenicity and long half-life in the bloodstream and the eye, DARPin® therapies have the potential to advance modern medicine and significantly improve the treatment of serious diseases, including cancer and sight-threatening disorders. Molecular Partners is partnering with Allergan to advance clinical programs in ophthalmology, and is advancing a proprietary pipeline of DARPin® drug candidates in oncology. The most advanced global product candidate is abicipar, a molecule currently in Phase 3, in partnership with Allergan.

Several DARPin® molecules for various ophthalmic indications are also in development. The most advanced systemic DARPin® molecule, MP0250, is in Phase 1 clinical development for the treatment of solid tumors and has entered into Phase 2 development for hematological tumors. In addition, Molecular Partners intends to further evaluate MP0250 for solid tumors in a phase 1b/2 trial for EGFR-mutated NSCLC. MP0274, the second-most advanced DARPin® drug candidate in oncology, has broad anti-HER activity; it inhibits HER1, HER2 and HER3-mediated downstream signaling via Her2, leading to induction of apoptosis. MP0274 has moved into Phase 1. Molecular Partners is also advancing a growing preclinical pipeline that features several immuno-oncological development programs. DARPin® is a registered trademark owned by Molecular Partners AG.

 

About Molecular Partners AG

Molecular Partners AG is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that is developing a new class of therapies known as DARPin® therapies. With a management team that includes many of the founding scientists, the company continues to attract talented individuals who share the passion to develop breakthrough medicines for serious diseases. Molecular Partners has compounds in various stages of clinical and preclinical development and several more in the research stage, with a current focus on ophthalmology and oncology. The company establishes research and development partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies and is backed by established biotech investors.

For more information regarding Molecular Partners AG, go to: www.molecularpartners.com.

 

Financial Calendar

  • March 16, 2018 – Expected Publication of 2017 Annual Report
  • April 18, 2018 – Annual General Meeting
  • April 26, 2018 – Q1 2018 Management Statement
  • August 30, 2018 – Publication of 2018 Half-year Results
  • November 01, 2018 – Q3 2018 Management Statement

http://investors.molecularpartners.com/financial-calendar-and-events/

 

For further details, please contact:

Dr. Patrick Amstutz, CEO
patrick.amstutz@molecularpartners.com
Tel: +41 (0) 44 755 77 00

Andreas.Emmenegger, CFO
andreas.emmenegger@molecularpartners.com
Tel: +41 (0) 44 755 77 00

Rolf Schläpfer
Hirzel.Neef.Schmid.Counselors
rolf.schlaepfer@konsulenten.ch
Tel: +41 (0) 43 344 42 42

Susan A. Noonan
S.A. Noonan Communications, LLC
susan@sanoonan.com
Tel: +1 212 966 3650

 

Disclaimer

This communication does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for or purchase any securities of Molecular Partners AG. This publication may contain certain forward-looking statements and assessments or intentions concerning the company and its business. Such statements involve certain risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Readers should therefore not place reliance on these statements, particularly not in connection with any contract or investment decision. The company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, assessments or intentions.

 

*DARPin® is a registered trademark owned by Molecular Partners AG

Molecular Partners reports significant progress of pipeline and preliminary unaudited key financials for 2017 – Key value inflection points in 2018

Research & Development:

  • MP0250 in multiple myeloma (MM): Promising initial safety and efficacy data from the ongoing phase 2 study of MP0250
  • MP0250 in EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (EGFR mut NSCLC): Following FDA approval of IND for phase 1b/2 study on track to dose first patient in Q1 2018
  • MP0250: Phase 1 study marks a major milestone for the DARPin® Platform, demonstrating the safety, low immunogenicity and convenience of systemic DARPin® candidates
  • MP0274 in HER2-positive solid tumors: First patients dosed in phase 1 study of this multi-DARPin® candidate
  • Immuno-oncology: MP0310 nominated as first DARPin® development candidate in the company’s early-stage proprietary immuno-oncology portfolio, with focus on tumor- restricted immune-cell activation
  • Abicipar: In May 2017, Allergan completed patient recruitment in both wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) phase 3 studies four months ahead of schedule and is on track for one-year phase 3 efficacy data in H2 2018; Allergan expects to start phase 3 studies in DME (diabetic macular edema) in H2 2018
  • Ophthalmology: Allergan exercised options for the development of two additional DARPin® product candidates
  • Company’s first R&D Day in New York: R&D and pipeline update presented

Team:

  • Bill Burns, former CEO of Roche Pharmaceuticals, elected to Board of Directors; to be nominated for election as Chairman at the 2018 Annual General Meeting
  • Jörn Aldag, current Chairman, Andreas Plückthun, Board member and Jeff Buchalter, Board member have indicated their wish not to stand for re-election at the 2018 Annual General Meeting
  • Gwen Fyfe, former VP Oncology Development at Genentech, elected to the Board of Directors, further strengthening the company’s footprint in oncology
  • Patrick Amstutz appointed Chief Executive Officer and elected to the Board of Directors
  • Talent base with 108 full-time employees (+5%), thereof 90% in R&D activities, with further build-out of clinical team in oncology

Financial highlights:

  • 2017 financial performance in-line with expectations and guidance
  • Ongoing strong financial position with CHF 141.1 million in cash and short-term time deposits as of December 31, 2017 – Financed into 2020
  • Net cash used in operating activities of CHF 40.0 million in 2017, reflecting ongoing scale-up of R&D, pipeline growth and progress of proprietary clinical programs
  • Operating loss of CHF 25.8 million and net loss of CHF 25.4 million in 2017
  • Venture capital holdings reduced from 42% to 23%; shareholder base diversified as private investors acquired those shares in secondary block trades

Zurich-Schlieren, February 08, 2018. Molecular Partners AG (ticker: MOLN), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of drugs known as DARPin® therapies*, today announced its unaudited financial results for 2017, a year marked by promising clinical data in oncology as well as the successful, early completion of patient recruitment for phase 3 studies of abicipar.

“We are very pleased with our progress, both in oncology and immuno-oncology, during 2017,” said Dr. Patrick Amstutz, Chief Executive Officer of Molecular Partners. “The initial safety and efficacy data from the ongoing phase 2 study in multiple myeloma is a key milestone for our company in our quest to deliver value to patients. We look forward to dosing the first patient with MP0250 in the phase 2 study in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) which will allow us to test the potential of this drug in solid tumors. To support the evolution of Molecular Partners from a DARPin® platform to a clinical oncology product company, we are very happy to welcome Gwen Fyfe and Bill Burns to our Board. 2018 will mark a new chapter for us with the abicipar phase 3 read-out and further safety and efficacy data for MP0250 in multiple myeloma and EGFR-mutated NSCLC.”

MP0250 in multiple myeloma: Promising initial safety and efficacy data from phase 2 study

The phase 2 study of MP0250, Molecular Partners’ lead oncology asset, is evaluating this agent in combination with bortezomib (Velcade®) and dexamethasone in patients with multiple myeloma who have failed standard therapies. This study is being conducted at centers in Germany, Poland and Italy. On January 08, 2018, Molecular Partners presented data from the first eight patients within the first dose cohort of 8 mg/kg, which showed a good initial safety profile as well as promising initial responses. No dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) have been reported. Of seven response evaluable patients who had received MP0250 in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone, three patients showed a partial response (PR; equivalent to >90% urinary M-protein reduction) and one patient a minor response (MR; >50% reduction).

The company looks forward to evaluating additional patients at higher doses of MP0250 in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone. The company plans to present additional safety and efficacy data before year-end 2018, followed by complete efficacy data in 2019.

MP0250 in EGFR-mutated NSCLC: Phase 2 study on track to dose first patient in Q1 2018

In Q3 2017, Molecular Partners submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for a phase 1b/2 study of MP0250 in combination with osimertinib (Tagrisso®) in patients with EGFR-mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) pretreated with osimertinib. The FDA has approved the IND and enabled the company’s first systemic oncology study in the US. Blocking hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) simultaneously, MP0250, when administered in combination with osimertinib, offers the possibility of targeting two tumor escape pathways. This second phase 2 clinical study is the first study of MP0250 in a solid tumor indication. The company expects to present initial safety data in 2018 and initial efficacy data in 2019.

MP0250: Phase 1 study marks a major milestone, demonstrating the safety and convenience of the DARPin® platform in the first oncology study

In 2017, Molecular Partners completed enrollment into the dose-expansion cohorts of the phase 1 study of MP0250 which evaluated a shorter infusion duration and a longer dosing interval. The data were consistent with the results from the completed dose-escalation part of the phase 1 study which were presented at the annual conference of the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2016 in Copenhagen. These data marked an important milestone in the development of DARPin® drugs as systemic treatment in humans. In the phase 1 study, MP0250 was shown to be well tolerated, with a side effect profile consistent with profound inhibition of the VEGF pathway. The results show that DARPin® proteins can be engineered to have a systemic half-life of around two weeks, as these agents bind to human serum albumin (HSA) to increase systemic half-life and potentially enhance tissue penetration. The phase 1 findings thus underscore the potential value of MP0250 as a new therapeutic for various tumor types.

MP0274 in HER2-positive solid tumors: First patients dosed in phase 1 study of this multi-DARPin® candidate for the treatment

In Q4 2017, the company announced the initiation of enrollment in the phase 1 study of MP0274, a multi-specific DARPin® candidate being developed for the treatment of HER2-positive solid tumors. MP0274 acts via a completely new mode of action as compared to current standard of care antibodies. MP0274 induces a profound inhibition of specific downstream signaling pathways, providing mechanistic support to the finding that MP0274 directly kills HER2-addicted tumor cells through the induction of apoptosis. Possible signs of pharmacological activity were seen in one patient at very low dose. The phase 1 protocol is, therefore, being reviewed and amended accordingly to allow more patients at lower doses. The company expects initial safety data in Q4 2018, with the first efficacy data expected in 2019.

Immuno-oncology: Development of MP0310 launched in Q3 2017

In November 2017, at the company’s R&D Day in New York, Molecular Partners disclosed the development of MP0310, the first early-stage immuno-oncology (I/O) compound originating from the company’s I/O DARPin® modular toolbox. This early-stage proprietary I/O portfolio focuses on tumor-restricted immune-cell activation. MP0310 is the first of many potential DARPin® candidates which has been advanced into preclinical development.

Abicipar: Allergan on track to present one-year phase 3 efficacy data in H2 2018

Molecular Partners anticipates that its collaboration partner Allergan will present one-year phase 3 efficacy data for abicipar in wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) in H2 2018. The company further expects Allergan to start the phase 3 studies of abicipar in diabetic macular edema (DME) in H2 2018 as well. Baldo Scassellati Sforzolini, MD, PhD, MBA, Senior Vice President, Clinical Development, Allergan, provided a comprehensive update on abicipar at Molecular Partner’s R&D Day in New York in November 2017.

Ophthalmology: Allergan exercised options for two additional DARPin® product candidates

On January 03, 2018, Molecular Partners announced that Allergan has exercised two options to develop and commercialize DARPin® product candidates from its 2012 discovery alliance agreement with Molecular Partners. Molecular Partners will grant Allergan an exclusive license to the selected DARPin® molecules for use in ophthalmology. Molecular Partners and Allergan had entered into a broad discovery alliance in ophthalmology in 2012 to spur the development of novel multi-DARPin® molecules for diseases with high unmet medical need. This alliance broadened the initial collaboration on abicipar and entitles Molecular Partners to certain success-based development, regulatory and sales milestone payments aggregating up to USD 640 million, as well as tiered royalty payments (up to low double-digit percentage range) on any future product sales. Allergan will be responsible for all future development costs

Company’s first R&D Day in New York: R&D and pipeline update presented

On November 09, 2017, Molecular Partners held its first R&D Day, entitled “The DARPin® Difference – Offering Patients a New Dimension of Protein Therapeutics”. During this event in New York, the company updated institutional investors, sell-side analysts, investment bankers, and business development professionals on the continued progress of the company’s robust pipeline of therapeutic candidates in oncology and ophthalmology as well as expansion of its early-stage immuno-oncology portfolio. A series of presentations by the company’s management, as well as by recognized medical and scientific experts highlighted the scientific rationale and the potential clinical impact of the DARPin® approach, as well as Molecular Partners’ continued forward integration and evolution towards becoming a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company.

Important additions to the Board underline the company’s increased focus on oncology

At the November 2017 Extraordinary General Meeting of Molecular Partners, the company’s shareholders approved the election of William (Bill) Burns, former CEO of Roche Pharmaceuticals, and Patrick Amstutz, CEO and co-founder of Molecular Partners, as new members of the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors further appointed Bill Burns Vice-Chairman and will nominate him for election as Chairman of the Board of Directors at the 2018Annual General Meeting.

Bill Burns brings to Molecular Partners vast experience in drug development and commercialization, particularly in oncology, and extensive knowledge of pharmaceutical industry operations. He held various executive positions at Roche for 28 years, culminating in his nomination to the position of CEO of Roche Pharmaceuticals and board seats at Roche, Genentech and Chugai Pharmaceuticals. Since 2010, he has been a Senior Independent Non-Executive Director of Shire Pharmaceuticals plc, a post from which he will step down in April 2018. Bill Burns has also been Vice-Chairman of Mesoblast since 2016. Additionally, he is a Trustee of the Institute of Cancer Research in London, and a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Center for Integrated Oncology of the University of Cologne/Bonn.

Patrick Amstutz, Ph.D., has served as Chief Business Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Molecular Partners before the Board of Directors appointed him as Chief Executive Officer.
At the May 2017 Annual General Meeting, Gwen Fyfe, M.D., was elected as a new member of the Board of Directors. With her extensive experience in developing antibodies for Genentech, including Rituxan®, Herceptin®, Avastin® and Tarceva®, Dr. Fyve strengthens the footprint of Molecular Partners in oncology.

Additional Changes in the Board of Directors

Jörn Aldag, current Chairman, Andreas Plückthun, Board member, and Jeff Buchalter, Board member have indicated their wish not to stand for re-election at the 2018 Annual General Meeting. The Board of Directors and the management team would like to thank them for their significant contributions and dedication during their years of service on the Board.

Jörn Aldag has been a member of the Board of Directors and Chairman since 2007. He has also been chairing the Audit and Compensation Committee. During his tenure, Jörn Aldag has successfully guided Molecular Partners through all steps of its growth, building a strong pipeline of product candidates and securing several financing rounds, including the IPO of the company in 2014.

Prof. Andreas Plückthun is one of the co-founders and has been a member of the Board of Directors of Molecular Partners since its inception in 2004. The DARPin® technology originated from his laboratory and Andreas Plückthun has significantly contributed to the company’s transition from a platform to a clinical oncology company. The company is looking forward to continuing to benefit from the scientific input of one of our founders.

Jeff Buchalter has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2016 and a member of the Audit and Compensation Committee. Jeff Buchalter materially contributed to the company’s development with his broad managerial expertise and knowledge of the oncology market space.

Financial highlights: Solidly funded to capture upcoming value inflection points

In the financial year 2017, Molecular Partners recognized total revenues of CHF 20.0 million (2016: CHF 23.0 million) and incurred total expenses of CHF 45.8 million (2016: CHF 42.5 million). This led to an operating loss of CHF 25.8 million for 2017 (2016: Operating loss of CHF 19.5 million). The company recognized a net financing income of CHF 0.4 million in 2017, mainly representing interest income on the cash and time deposit positions (2016: CHF 0.9 million, mainly driven by foreign exchange effects). This resulted in a 2017 net loss of CHF 25.4 million (2016: Net loss of CHF 18.6 million).

Key figures as of December 31, 2017

Key Financials (unaudited)
(CHF million, except per share, FTE data)

FY 2017

FY 2016

change

Total revenues

 20.0

 23.0

 -3.0

R&D expenses

 -37.4

 -35.2

 -2.2

G&A expenses

 -8.4

 -7.3

 -1.1

Operating result

 -25.8

 -19.5

 -6.3

Net financial result

 0.4

 0.9

 -0.5

Net result

 -25.4

 -18.6

 -6.8

Basic net result per share (in CHF)

 -1.22

 -0.91

 -0.31

Net cash from (used in) operating activities

 -40.0

 -35.4

 -4.6

Cash balance (incl. time deposits) as of Dec 31

 141.1

 180.2

 -39.1

Total shareholders’ equity as of Dec 31

 116.7

 135.8

 -19.1

Number of total FTE as of Dec 31

 107.8

 102.5

 4.3

– thereof in R&D

 96.5

 91.7

 4.8

– thereof in G&A

 11.3

 10.8

 0.5

As of December 31, 2017, the company’s cash balance (including short-term time deposits) was reduced by CHF 39.1 million compared to year-end 2016 to a level of CHF 141.1 million (December 31, 2016: CHF 180.2 million). The cash balance remains on a very solid level and the company’s balance sheet continued to be debt-free in 2017. The total shareholders’ equity position decreased year-over-year to CHF 116.7 million as of December 31, 2017 (December 31, 2016: CHF 135.8 million).

As of December 31, 2017, the company employed 108 full-time employees (FTEs), with approximately 90% of employees in R&D (December 31, 2017: 97 FTEs).

In terms of shareholder base, in the first half of 2017, Molecular Partners disclosed a substantial reduction in the number of the company’s shares held by pre-IPO investors. Several private investors acquired these shares in secondary block trades. As of end of 2017, venture capital investors own 23% of the company’s share capital, versus 42% at the end of 2016.

“During 2017, Molecular Partners’ financial position continued to develop in line with our expectations,” said Andreas Emmenegger, Chief Financial Officer of Molecular Partners. “Our strong cash position provides us with the required financial flexibility and strong negotiation position to achieve multiple value-creating inflection points into 2020.” 

Business outlook and priorities

For the company’s proprietary oncology pipeline, the company expects to report in 2018 additional safety data and initial efficacy data from the phase 2 study of MP0250 in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). The company also expects initial safety data from the phase 1b/2 study of MP0250 in NSCLC in 2018. For MP0274, the proprietary, single-pathway DARPin® drug candidate for the treatment of HER2-positive cancer, the company expects initial safety data in Q4 2018 and first efficacy data in 2019.

The company will continue to advance its immuno-oncology pipeline and will present further research and preclinical data for its DARPin® candidate MP0310 in 2018. In this promising field, Molecular Partners is increasing its focus on activating agonists in a tumor-restricted way.

In ophthalmology, Molecular Partners will continue to support its strategic partner Allergan in advancing abicipar through phase 3 studies in patients with wet AMD and in initiating the phase 3 studies of abicipar in patients with DME. Allergan is on track for presenting one-year phase 3 efficacy data in H2 2018 in wet AMD and anticipates launching abicipar in this indication in the year 2020.

Financial outlook 2018

For the full year 2018, at constant exchange rates, the company expects total expenses of CHF 50-60 million, of which around CHF 7 million will be non-cash effective costs for share-based payments, IFRS pension accounting and depreciations. However, this guidance is subject to the progress of the pipeline, mainly driven by manufacturing costs, the speed of enrollment of patients in clinical studies and data from research and development projects.

No guidance can be provided with regard to net cash flow projections. Timelines and potential milestone payments for existing and potentially new partnerships are not disclosed.

Investor documentation of FY 2017 results

This FY 2017 press release as well as the FY 2017 results presentation are available on the investors section of the company’ website.

FY 2017 results presentation, conference call and audio webcast

Molecular Partners will hold the FY 2017 results presentation in its headquarters in Zurich-Schlieren on February 08, 2018, 2:00pm CET (1:00pm GMT, 8:00am EST). For those who are unable to participate in the live event, the company offers conference call and audio webcast facilities to follow the results presentation.
In order to register for the FY 2017 conference call, please dial the following numbers approximately 10 minutes before the start of the presentation:

Switzerland / Europe              +41 (0) 58 310 5000
UK                                               +44 (0) 203 059 5862
USA                                             +1 (1) 631 570 5613

Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions after the presentation.

The FY 2017 audio webcast will be accessible, both live and as a replay, on the Investors section of the company’s website www.molecularpartners.com, along with the accompanying presentation slides.

Financial Calendar

  • March 16, 2018 – Expected Publication of 2017 Annual Report
  • April 18, 2018 – Annual General Meeting
  • April 26, 2018 – Q1 2018 Management Statement
  • August 30, 2018 – Publication of 2018 Half-year Results
  • November 01, 2018 – Q3 2018 Management Statement

http://investors.molecularpartners.com/financial-calendar-and-events/

 

About the DARPin® Difference

DARPin® therapeutics are a new class of protein therapeutics opening an extra dimension of multi-specificity and multi-functionality. DARPin® candidates are potent, specific, safe and very versatile. They can engage more than 5 targets at once, offering potential benefits over those offered by conventional monoclonal antibodies or other currently available protein therapeutics. The DARPin® technology is a fast and cost-effective drug discovery engine, producing drug candidates with ideal properties for development and very high production yields.

With their good safety profile, low immunogenicity and long half-life in the bloodstream and the eye, DARPin® therapies have the potential to advance modern medicine and significantly improve the treatment of serious diseases, including cancer and sight-threatening disorders. Molecular Partners is partnering with Allergan to advance clinical programs in ophthalmology, and is advancing a proprietary pipeline of DARPin® drug candidates in oncology. The most advanced global product candidate is abicipar, a molecule currently in Phase 3, in partnership with Allergan. Several DARPin® molecules for various ophthalmic indications are also in development. The most advanced systemic DARPin® molecule, MP0250, is in phase 2 clinical development for the treatment of solid tumors and hematological tumors. MP0274, the second-most advanced DARPin® drug candidate in oncology, has broad anti-HER activity; it inhibits HER1, HER2 and HER3-mediated downstream signaling via Her2, leading to induction of apoptosis. MP0274 is currently in Phase 1. Molecular Partners is also advancing a growing preclinical pipeline that features several immuno-oncological development programs. DARPin® is a registered trademark owned by Molecular Partners AG.

About Molecular Partners AG

Molecular Partners AG is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that is developing a new class of therapies known as DARPin® therapies. With a management team that includes many of the founding scientists, the company continues to attract talented individuals who share the passion to develop breakthrough medicines for serious diseases. Molecular Partners has compounds in various stages of clinical and preclinical development and several more in the research stage, with a current focus on ophthalmology and oncology. The company establishes research and development partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies and is backed by established biotech investors.

For more information regarding Molecular Partners AG, go to: www.molecularpartners.com.

 

For further details, please contact:

Dr. Patrick Amstutz, CEO
patrick.amstutz@molecularpartners.com
Tel: +41 (0) 44 755 77 00

Andreas.Emmenegger, CFO
andreas.emmenegger@molecularpartners.com
Tel: +41 (0) 44 755 77 00

Rolf Schläpfer
Hirzel.Neef.Schmid.Counselors
rolf.schlaepfer@konsulenten.ch
Tel: +41 (0) 43 344 42 42

Susan A. Noonan
S.A. Noonan Communications, LLC
susan@sanoonan.com
Tel: +1 212 966 3650

 

Disclaimer

This communication does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for or purchase any securities of Molecular Partners AG. This publication may contain certain forward-looking statements and assessments or intentions concerning the company and its business. Such statements involve certain risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Readers should therefore not place reliance on these statements, particularly not in connection with any contract or investment decision. The company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, assessments or intentions.

 

*DARPin® is a registered trademark owned by Molecular Partners AG