Molecular Templates, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter 2021 Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Molecular Templates (MTEM) reported a net loss of $10.2 million ($0.18 per share) for Q4 2021, significantly improved from a $28.4 million loss in Q4 2020. Revenue surged to $18.0 million, up from $3.5 million, fueled by collaborations with Vertex and Bristol Myers Squibb. R&D expenses decreased to $19.3 million from $22.3 million year-over-year. Cash reserves stood at $152.0 million, sufficient to support operations through Q4 2023. The company continues to advance its ETB pipeline, with key data releases and IND filings anticipated throughout 2022.

Positive

• Revenue increased to $18.0 million from $3.5 million year-over-year.
• Net loss narrowed to $10.2 million compared to $28.4 million in Q4 2020.
• Research and development expenses decreased to $19.3 million from $22.3 million.
• Cash and investments totaled $152.0 million, funding operations into Q4 2023.

Negative

• None.

AUSTIN, Texas, March 28, 2022 (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 fourth quarter of 2021.

“2022 is off to a very promising start, following a number of important developments across our pipeline of ETBs in 2021,” said Eric Poma, Ph.D., Chief Executive and Chief Scientific Officer of Molecular Templates. “We continue to see differentiated pharmacodynamic effects and evidence of antigen seeding with MT-6402 with additional data expected throughout 2022. We continue dose finding for the MT-5111 and MT-0169 programs with clinical data expected this year. We plan to file an IND in 2H22 for our CTLA-4 program and are moving forward with our earlier stage pipeline of ETBs in preclinical development targeting TIGIT, TROP-2, and BCMA.”

Company Highlights and Upcoming Milestones

Corporate

• MTEM expects to provide periodic updates on MT-6402, MT-5111, and MT-0169 throughout 2022.
• MTEM has had six abstracts accepted for presentation at the upcoming American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Meeting 2022, taking place from April 8-13, 2022.
• Gabriela Gruia, M.D. appointed to the Board of Directors.
• Megan Filoon promoted to General Counsel.

MT-6402 (PD-L1 ETB with Antigen Seeding Technology)

• MTEM continues to enroll patients in the Phase 1 study of MT-6402 which began in July 2021. MT-6402 is the first of MTEM’s 3rd generation ETBs to enter the clinic. It was designed to induce potent anti-tumor effects via PD-L1 targeting through multiple mechanisms that may overcome the limitations of approved checkpoint inhibitors.
• 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 are eligible for enrollment.
• The 16 mcg/kg cohort (cohort 1) was completed with no DLTs observed in the six patients treated. One patient in cohort 1 with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) had evaluable-only multiple sites of bone disease that appeared to have resolved on bone scan with only one remaining site which showed decreased uptake. This patient remained on MT-6402 up to cycle 8 when increased uptake was noted on bone scan and treatment was discontinued.
• Six patients have been treated in the 24 mcg/kg cohort (cohort 2). One DLT, a grade 3 dermatitis of two days duration, occurred six days after the first dose in cohort 2 in one patient. The patient was treated with systemic steroids and treatment with MT-6402 was held until cycle 2, dose 1, at which time the patient was re-challenged at the same dose without development of recurrent dermatitis.
• Following a review of the safety data from cohort 2 (24 mcg/kg), patient enrollment in cohort 3 initiated at a dose of 32 mcg/kg.
• MTEM continues to observe pharmacodynamic (PD) effects including monocyte depletion and T cell activation in the 24 mcg/kg cohort. The extent and timing of these PD effects appear dose-related with patients in the 24 mcg/kg generally showing a more rapid and profound PD effect.
• Six patients remain on study with five patients awaiting their first efficacy assessment. Dose escalation continues as planned and following determination of the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), expansion cohorts are planned to evaluate MT-6402 as a monotherapy in tumor-specific and PD-L1 positive basket tumor cohorts.
• In 2021, MT-6402 was granted Fast Track Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC expressing PD-L1.

MT-5111 (HER2 ETB)

• The Phase 1 study of MT-5111 in HER2-positive cancers is ongoing with multiple sites open for enrollment.
• The HER2-positive breast cancer expansion cohort initiated in November 2021 at a dose of 10 mcg/kg.
• As of January 2022, 30 patients had been treated with MT-5111 across eight dose escalation cohorts ranging from 0.5 mcg/kg to 13 mcg/kg without any DLTs.
• There have been no signs of capillary leak syndrome (CLS) or significant cardiotoxicity observed to date with MT-5111.
• Enrollment has initiated for the next cohort at 17 mcg/kg. Dose escalation will continue to determine the MTD, while the breast cancer expansion cohort collects efficacy and safety data.
  

MT-0169 (CD38 ETB)

• In August 2021, MTEM assumed full rights to MT-0169 from its former co-development partner, Takeda, including full control of MT-0169 clinical development, per the terms of the terminated collaboration agreement with Takeda. Upon approval of a revised protocol, MTEM will continue to conduct the ongoing Phase 1 study for MT-0169 in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and plans to open new sites for the Phase I study.
• A more rapid and complete elimination of CD38+ NK cells (a known PD marker for CD38-targeting therapeutics) was observed in the first five patients than had been predicted from in vitro and in vivo models, suggesting that the starting dose of 50 mcg/kg is higher than required.
• A revised protocol was submitted to explore a lower dose of MT-0169 to reduce the risk of adverse events observed at the initial dose and to enable patients to continue MT-0169 therapy for a longer duration that may drive tumor benefit. Importantly, the robust and rapid NK cell depletion that was observed at the starting dose is expected to be observed at lower doses.
  

Research

• MTEM continues to advance its pipeline of next-generation ETBs targeting CTLA-4, TIGIT, TROP2, BCMA, SLAMF-7, and CD45.
• IND filing of an ETB in the CTLA-4 program is expected in 2H22.
• Lead selection for TIGIT, TROP-2, and BCMA is ongoing.
• MTEM plans to present preclinical data on its ETB candidates at AACR in April 2022 and expects to present further preclinical data throughout the year at medical and scientific conferences.

Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter of 2021

The net loss attributable to common shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $10.2 million, or $0.18 per basic and diluted share. This compares with a net loss attributable to common shareholders of $28.4 million, or $0.57 per basic and diluted share, for the same period in 2020.

Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2021 were $18.0 million, compared to $3.5 million for the same period in 2020. Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2021 were comprised of revenues from collaborative research and development agreements with Vertex and Bristol Myers Squibb. Total research and development expenses for the fourth quarter of 2021 were $19.3 million, compared with $22.3 million for the same period in 2020. Total general and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter of 2021 were $7.9 million, compared with $7.1 million for the same period in 2020.

As of December 31, 2021, MTEM’s cash and investments totaled $152.0 million. MTEM’s current cash and investments are expected to fund operations into the fourth quarter 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; statements relating to the development of MT-5111, MT-0169, and MT-6402; the expected timing for submitting various IND applications and conducting studies and generating data; the expected participation and presentation at upcoming conferences; the expected timing for providing updates on MT-6402, MT-5111, and MT-0169, including any pre-clinical data; Molecular Templates’ future cash needs and the length of time for which Molecular Templates’ cash resources are expected to be sufficient; 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 McLennan
Interim Chief Financial Officer
sean.mclennan@mtem.com
512-334-6664

Joyce Allaire
LifeSci Advisors, LLC
jallaire@lifesciadvisors.com

Molecular Templates, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)

	Three Months Ended December 31,								Year Ended December 31,
	2021				2020				2021				2020
Research and development revenue - from related party	$	—			$	1,605			$	13,136			$	6,567
Research and development revenue - other		17,964				1,892				25,561				9,068
Grant revenue		—				—				—				3,210
Total revenue		17,964				3,497				38,697				18,845
Operating expenses:
Research and development		19,337				22,298				84,665				92,965
General and administrative		7,928				7,116				34,106				26,722
Total operating expenses		27,265				29,414				118,771				119,687
Loss from operations		9,301				25,917				80,074				100,842
Interest and other income, net		126				103				434				1,028
Interest and other expense, net		(1,068	)			(486	)			(3,369	)			(1,705	)
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt		—				—				—				(1,237	)
Loss on disposal of assets		—				(2,155	)			—				(2,155	)
Loss before provision (benefit) for income taxes		10,243				28,455				83,009				104,911
Provision for income taxes	—				—					—				5
Net loss attributable to common shareholders	$	10,243			$	28,455			$	83,009			$	104,916
Net loss per share attributable to common shareholders:
Basic and diluted	$	0.18			$	0.57			$	1.50			$	2.20
Weighted average number of shares used in net loss per share calculations:
Basic and diluted		56,305,049				49,970,514				55,297,798				47,603,261

Molecular Templates, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

		December 31, 2021				December 31, 2020
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	24,983			$	25,218
Marketable securities, current			118,061				68,667
Prepaid expenses			3,917				4,140
Accounts receivable, related party			—				234
Other current assets			1,254				1,125
Total current assets			148,215				99,384
Marketable securities, non-current			8,986				—
Operating lease right-of-use assets			8,608				11,104
Property and equipment, net			19,309				22,254
Other assets			7,244				7,135
Total assets		$	192,362			$	139,877
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	1,612			$	2,350
Accrued liabilities			9,515				12,575
Deferred revenue, current			32,937				14,014
Deferred revenue, current, related party			—				789
Other current liabilities, related party			—				5,614
Other current liabilities			2,606				2,211
Total current liabilities			46,670				37,553
Deferred revenue, long-term			33,350				4,538
Deferred revenue, long-term, related party			—				3,106
Long-term debt, net of current portion			35,491				14,926
Operating lease liabilities			9,564				12,213
Other liabilities, related party			—				6,711
Other liabilities			1,625				1,490
Total liabilities			126,700				80,537
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value:
Authorized: 2,000,000 shares at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020; issued and outstanding: 250 shares at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020			—				—
Common stock, $0.001 par value:
Authorized: 150,000,000 shares at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020; issued and outstanding: 56,305,049 shares at December 31, 2021 and 49,984,333 shares at December 31, 2020			56				50
Additional paid-in capital			417,704				328,314
Accumulated other comprehensive income, (loss)			(48	)			17
Accumulated deficit			(352,050	)			(269,041	)
Total stockholders’ equity			65,662				59,340
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	192,362			$	139,877

FAQ

What were Molecular Templates' financial results for Q4 2021?

Molecular Templates reported a net loss of $10.2 million and revenue of $18.0 million for Q4 2021.

How did revenue for Q4 2021 compare to Q4 2020 for MTEM?

Revenue for Q4 2021 was $18.0 million, a significant increase from $3.5 million in Q4 2020.

What is the current cash position of Molecular Templates as of December 31, 2021?

As of December 31, 2021, Molecular Templates had cash and investments totaling $152.0 million.

What are the upcoming milestones for Molecular Templates in 2022?

Molecular Templates plans to provide updates on their pipeline and file an IND for their CTLA-4 program in the second half of 2022.

What were the research and development expenses for MTEM in Q4 2021?

Research and development expenses for Q4 2021 were $19.3 million, down from $22.3 million in Q4 2020.