AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 12, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Molecular Templates, Inc. (Nasdaq: MTEM, “Molecular Templates,” or “MTEM”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of proprietary targeted biologic therapeutics, engineered toxin bodies (ETBs), today reported financial results for the second quarter of 2021. “We continue to make progress on advancing our wholly owned pipeline of next-generation ETBs and our existing partnerships. We reached an important milestone recently with initiation of clinical development of MT-6402 (targeting PD-L1 via dual mechanisms) which is the first of our third generation ETBs to enter the clinic,” said Eric Poma, Ph.D., Molecular Templates’ Chief Executive and Scientific Officer. “With regard to TAK-169, we are now looking forward to continuing clinical development, having assumed full rights to this asset from Takeda. We expect the second half of 2021 to be busy, with clinical data anticipated on MT-5111, TAK-169, and MT-6402 as well as further progress on our earlier stage programs.” Company Highlights and Upcoming Milestones Corporate On August 4, 2021, MTEM assumed full rights to TAK-169 from its former co-development partner, Takeda, including full control of TAK-169 clinical development.On April 5, 2021, MTEM announced the decision to discontinue development of MT-3724, MTEM’s only first-generation ETB. MTEM will focus on the clinical development of next-generation ETBs MT-5111, TAK-169, and MT-6402, as well as advancing next-generation preclinical ETB candidates against targets including CTLA-4, CD20, SLAMF-7, CD45, TROP2 and TIGIT.MTEM had three presentations at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2021, which took place virtually from April 10-15, 2021: MT-5111 (interim Phase 1 data as of December 2020), abstract CT130, titled “Phase 1 study of the novel immunotoxin MT-5111 in patients with HER-2+tumors.”MT-6402 (preclinical data), abstract 1628, titled “Engineered toxin bodies targeting PD-L1 to alter tumor immunophenotypes and deliver broad antigenic diversity and patient coverage.”CTLA-4 ETB (preclinical data), abstract 1627, titled “Preclinical characterization of a novel CTLA-4-targeted ETB for direct Treg depletion.” MTEM provided a corporate update and participated in 1-on-1 investor meetings at the Ladenburg Thalmann 2021 Healthcare Conference, which took place July 13-14, 2021. MT-5111 (HER2 ETB) The Phase 1 study of MT-5111 in HER2-positive cancers is ongoing with multiple sites open for enrollment. Details of the study were presented at AACR in April.The HER2-positive breast cancer expansion cohort is planned to begin in 3Q21 at a dose of 10 mcg/kg (anticipated to be a therapeutic dose level), pending adequate safety data. Dose escalation will continue to determine the recommended Phase 2 dose while the breast cancer expansion cohort collects efficacy and safety data.Additional data from both the dose escalation portion of the study and the metastatic breast cancer dose expansion cohort are expected in 4Q21. TAK-169 (CD38 ETB) On August 4, 2021, MTEM assumed full rights to TAK-169 from its former co-development partner, Takeda, including full control of TAK-169 clinical development, per the terms of the terminated collaboration agreement with Takeda. MTEM will continue conducting the ongoing Phase 1 study for TAK-169 in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. This study, which started dosing in February 2020, had a temporary pause in the activation of new study sites and new patient enrollment (along with most of Takeda’s other early-stage studies) due to COVID-19 and was re-initiated in 4Q20.As previously disclosed, Takeda had enrolled and treated four subjects in the Phase 1 study. Pharmacodynamic activity was noted in the subjects, all treated at the starting dose of 50 mcg/kg. Clearance of natural killer (NK) cells in peripheral blood was observed in all subjects with a maximal reduction of peripheral NK cells of 56%, 85%, 88%, and 92%, respectively, after the first dose. The subject with 56% reduction in NK cells exhibited a low percentage of CD38+ NK cells. These values appear comparable to the reported maximal peripheral NK clearance seen with CD38-targeting antibodies at receptor-saturating doses. The geometric mean of Cmax in these four subjects appears lower than the predicted EC50 observed in patient-derived ex vivo cell-kill assays but above in vitro EC50 values in multiple myeloma cell-lines.MTEM expects to provide an update on the Phase 1 study in 4Q21. MT-6402 (PD-L1 ETB with antigen seeding) In July 2021, MTEM dosed its first subject in a Phase 1 study of MT-6402. MT-6402 is the first of MTEM’s 3rd generation ETBs to enter the clinic. MT-6402 was designed to induce potent anti-tumor effects via PD-L1 targeting through multiple mechanisms that may overcome the limitations of the PD-L1 antibodies.The Phase 1 study is a multi-center, open-label, dose escalation and dose expansion trial in the United States. Patients with confirmed PD-L1 expressing tumors or confirmed PD-L1 expression in the tumor microenvironment will be eligible to screen for enrollment. The starting dose is 16 mcg/kg.Following determination of the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) or recommended Phase 2 dose, expansion cohorts are planned to evaluate MT-6402 as a monotherapy in tumor-specific and tumor-agnostic cohorts.MTEM expects to provide an update on the Phase 1 study in 4Q21. Research MTEM expects to initiate a Phase 1 study for an ETB targeting CTLA-4 in 2022.Several other wholly owned ETB candidates are in preclinical development against targets including CD20, SLAMF-7, CD45, TROP2, and TIGIT.In 2021, MTEM expects to present preclinical data on ETB candidates at medical and scientific conferences. Financial Results The net loss attributable to common shareholders for the second quarter of 2021 was $15.6 million, or $0.28 per basic and diluted share. This compares with a net loss attributable to common shareholders of $31.2 million, or $0.68 per basic and diluted share, for the same period in 2020. Revenues for the second quarter of 2021 were $15.1 million, compared to $6.9 million for the same period in 2020. Revenues for the second quarter of 2021 were comprised of revenues from collaborative research and development agreements with Takeda, Vertex and Bristol Myers Squibb. Total research and development expenses for the second quarter of 2021 were $21.1 million, compared with $30.4 million for the same period in 2020. Total general and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2021 were $8.9 million, compared with $6.4 million for the same period in 2020. As of June 30, 2021, MTEM’s cash and investments totaled $200.7 million. MTEM’s current cash and investments are expected to fund operations into the second half of 2023. About Molecular Templates Molecular Templates is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of targeted biologic therapeutics. Our proprietary drug platform technology, known as engineered toxin bodies, or ETBs, leverages the resident biology of a genetically engineered form of Shiga-like Toxin A subunit to create novel therapies with potent and differentiated mechanisms of action for cancer and other serious diseases. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”). Molecular Templates disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements, and claims the protection of the Act’s Safe Harbor for forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release regarding strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenue, projected expenses, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. In addition, when or if used in this press release, the words “may,” “could,” “should,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “predict” and similar expressions and their variants, as they relate to Molecular Templates may identify forward-looking statements. Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the safety or potential efficacy of Molecular Templates’ drug or biologic candidates, including the anticipated benefits of Molecular Templates’ next-generation ETBs compared to its first-generation ETBs, such as MT-3724; statements relating to the development of MT-5111, TAK-169, and MT-6402; the expected timing of submitting various IND applications and conducting studies and generating data; Molecular Templates’ receipt of future development, regulatory and sales milestones and royalty payments; the expected participation and presentation at upcoming conferences; the anticipated effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Molecular Templates’ ongoing clinical studies, manufacturing and preclinical development; and Molecular Templates’ belief that its proprietary biologic drug platform technology, or ETBs, provides for a differentiated mechanism of action that may address some of the limitations associated with currently available cancer therapeutics. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors including, but not limited to, the uncertainties inherent in the preclinical and clinical development process; whether Molecular Templates’ cash resources will be sufficient to fund its continuing operations for the periods and/or trials anticipated; Molecular Templates’ ability to timely enroll patients in its clinical trials; the ability of Molecular Templates’ to protect its intellectual property rights; risks from global pandemics including COVID-19; and legislative, regulatory, political and economic developments, as well as those risks identified under the heading “Risk Factors” in Molecular Templates’ filings with the SEC. There can be no assurance that any of Molecular Templates’ drug or biologic candidates will be successfully developed, manufactured or commercialized, that final results of clinical trials will be supportive of regulatory approvals required to market products, or that any of the forward-looking information provided herein will be proven accurate. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Molecular Templates specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise. Contacts:Sean McLennanInterim Chief Financial Officersean.mclennan@mtem.com512-334-6664 Joyce AllaireLifeSci Advisors, LLCjallaire@lifesciadvisors.com Molecular Templates, Inc. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS(in thousands, except share and per share data) (unaudited) Three Months EndedMarch 31, Six Months EndedJune 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Research and development revenue, related party$12,899 $3,063 $13,136 $3,396 Research and development revenue, other 2,235 2,977 5,218 4,444 Grant revenue — 869 — 3,210 Total revenue 15,134 6,909 18,354 11,050 Operating expenses: Research and development 21,127 30,414 42,447 51,045 General and administrative 8,922 6,412 17,151 12,059 Total operating expenses 30,049 36,826 59,598 63,104 Loss from operations 14,915 29,917 41,244 52,054 Interest and other income, net 81 286 133 758 Interest and other expense, net (767) (360) (1,268) (708)Loss on extinguishment of debt — (1,237) — (1,237)Loss before provision for income taxes 15,601 31,228 42,379 53,241 Provision for income taxes — — — 5 Net loss 15,601 31,228 42,379 53,246 Net loss attributable to common shareholders$15,601 $31,228 $42,379 $53,246 Net loss per share attributable to common shareholders: Basic and diluted$0.28 $0.68 $0.78 $1.17 Weighted average number of shares used in net loss per share calculations: Basic and diluted 56,096,238 45,725,481 54,340,173 45,687,278 Molecular Templates, Inc. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS(in thousands, except share and per share data) June 30,2021(unaudited) December 31,2020 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents$43,090 $25,218 Marketable securities, current 154,512 68,667 Prepaid expenses 7,212 6,080 Accounts receivable, related party — 234 Other current assets 465 1,125 Total current assets 205,279 101,324 Marketable securities, non-current 3,072 — Operating lease right-of-use assets 10,138 11,104 Property and equipment, net 21,206 22,254 Other assets 5,066 5,195 Total assets$244,761 $139,877 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable$1,907 $2,350 Accrued liabilities 9,074 12,575 Deferred revenue, current 30,791 14,014 Deferred revenue, current, related party — 789 Other current liabilities, related party 472 5,614 Other current liabilities 2,464 2,211 Total current liabilities 44,708 37,553 Deferred revenue, long-term 52,544 4,538 Deferred revenue, long-term, related party 2,586 3,106 Long-term debt, net of current portion 35,018 14,926 Operating lease liabilities 10,947 12,213 Other liabilities, related party — 6,711 Other liabilities 1,556 1,490 Total liabilities 147,359 80,537 Commitments and contingencies (Note 10) Stockholders’ equity Preferred stock, $0.001 par value: Authorized: 2,000,000 shares at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020; issued and outstanding: 250 shares at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 — — Common stock, $0.001 par value: Authorized: 150,000,000 shares at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020; issued and outstanding: 56,138,404 shares at June 30, 2021 and 49,984,333 shares at December 31, 2020 56 50 Additional paid-in capital 408,758 328,314 Accumulated other comprehensive income 8 17 Accumulated deficit (311,420) (269,041)Total stockholders’ equity 97,402 59,340 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$244,761 $139,877