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Molecular Partners appoints Martin Steegmaier as Chief Scientific Officer to drive discovery of next-gen DARPin therapeutics
Globenewswire· 2025-08-21 05:00
Core Viewpoint - Molecular Partners AG has appointed Martin Steegmaier, Ph.D., as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), effective October 1, 2025, to enhance its oncology drug development efforts, particularly in DARPin therapeutics [1][2]. Company Overview - Molecular Partners AG is a clinical-stage biotech company focused on developing DARPin therapeutics, which are custom-built protein drugs aimed at addressing medical challenges that other drug modalities cannot effectively tackle [6]. - The company has a pipeline that includes various programs in pre-clinical and clinical development, with a primary focus on oncology [6]. Leadership Appointment - Martin Steegmaier brings extensive experience in oncology drug development from previous roles at Roche, MorphoSys, Boehringer Ingelheim, and SOTIO Biotech, where he led the development of a broad pipeline of oncology programs [1][3][2]. - The CEO of Molecular Partners, Patrick Amstutz, expressed confidence that Steegmaier's expertise will significantly contribute to the company's research organization and the advancement of its targeted DARPin therapeutics [2]. Educational Background - Martin Steegmaier holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Basel and an MBA from the Edinburgh Business School, which complements his extensive experience in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors [4]. Future Directions - The company aims to innovate and advance its pipeline of targeted DARPin therapeutics, including Radio-DARPins and Switch-DARPins, which are designed for logic-gated immune cell activation [2][5].
Molecular Partners AG(MOLN) - 2025 FY - Earnings Call Presentation
2025-07-03 10:47
Radio-DARPin Therapy & MP0712 - Molecular Partners is focused on oncology with differentiated assets like MP0533 and MP0712, addressing unmet medical needs[8] - The company has CHF ~149 million, ensuring funding into 2027[8, 110] - MP0712, a 212Pb-DLL3 targeted radiotherapeutic, addresses the critical unmet need in SCLC, where >85% of patients express DLL3[36, 39] - Preclinical data shows MP0712 induces complete tumor regression in ~70% of mice at 4x 10µCi and ~20% of mice at 8x 5µCi in the NCI-H82 tumor model at day 63[45] - MP0712 clinical development strategy includes Phase 0 imaging studies and Phase 1 dose escalation studies starting in H2 2025, with initial clinical data expected by YE[54] Next-Gen Immune Cell Engagers & MP0533 - MP0533 is a tetra-specific T-cell engager designed to kill AML cells by targeting CD33, CD123, and CD70[69, 77] - Preliminary data from the MP0533 Phase 1/2a study shows 4 responders reported in DR 1-7 with manageable safety[80] - An improved MP0533 exposure was achieved at DR 8 with a steeper and denser step-up dosing regimen[82, 86] Switch-DARPin Platform - The Switch-DARPin platform aims to overcome limitations of current T cell engagers by enabling targeted and conditional activation of immune cells[94, 101] - Preclinical data shows the EpCAM-MSLN-CD2/CD3 Switch induces tumor regression more efficiently than a MSLN-CD3 engager (Tritac)[107]
Molecular Partners (MOLN) Earnings Call Presentation
2025-07-03 10:43
Company Overview - Molecular Partners is a clinical-stage biotech company pioneering DARPin therapeutics for patients, with operations in Switzerland and the US[8] - The company is well financed into 2027 with approximately CHF 149 million[8] (Note: The outlook section mentions CHF ~131 million[95], so there might be a slight discrepancy) - Molecular Partners has proprietary DARPin platforms, including Radio-DARPins and Switch / T cell engagers[8] Pipeline Highlights - MP0712 (Radio-DARPin Therapy targeting DLL3) is in co-development for SCLC & NECs[9] - The co-development agreement with Orano Med includes up to 10 RDT programs, including MP0712[9] - MP0533 (Next-Gen Immune Cell Engager) is being developed for r/r AML and AML/MDS[9] MP0712 (Radio-DARPin Therapy) - MP0712 is the first 212Pb-DLL3 targeted radiotherapeutic for SCLC, where >85% of SCLC patients express DLL3[25] - Preclinical studies show MP0712 induces complete and durable tumor regression in the NCI-H82 tumor model at 10µCi injected every week[28] - Phase 1 study is expected to start in H2 2025, with initial safety and efficacy data in 2026[33] MP0533 (Tetra-specific T-cell Engager for AML) - MP0533 is designed to induce T cell-mediated killing preferentially when 2 or 3 AML-associated antigens are co-expressed[66] - Preliminary data from the Phase 1/2a study shows encouraging blast reduction, particularly in patients with lower disease burden at baseline[75] - Improved MP0533 exposure was observed at DR 8 with a steeper and denser step-up dosing regimen[78]
Molecular Partners and Orano Med present preclinical data on mesothelin-targeting Radio-DARPin candidate MP0726 at SNMMI 2025
Globenewswire· 2025-06-22 20:00
Core Insights - Molecular Partners AG and Orano Med have announced the launch of MP0726, a Radio-DARPin candidate targeting mesothelin (MSLN), with preclinical data to be presented at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging [1][2] Group 1: Product Development - MP0726 demonstrates high affinity and selectivity for the membrane-proximal domain of MSLN, showing a tumor accumulation of up to 34% and a tumor to kidney ratio of up to 4.5 in vivo [2][3] - The candidate is designed to target ovarian cancer, leveraging the unique properties of DARPins to selectively bind to MSLN, which is highly expressed in tumors but lower in healthy tissues [3][8] - MP0726 is the second Radio-DARPin program to enter preclinical development, following MP0712, which targets DLL3 and is set to begin dosing in a Phase 1 study in the US in the second half of 2025 [6] Group 2: Strategic Collaboration - The collaboration between Molecular Partners and Orano Med has shown significant progress, highlighting the effectiveness of their joint R&D efforts in developing differentiated clinical candidates [4][5] - Orano Med's capabilities in R&D and manufacturing, along with a virtually unlimited supply of the starting isotope, position it uniquely to support the development of these new therapies [4] Group 3: Company Background - Molecular Partners AG is a clinical-stage biotech company focused on developing DARPin therapeutics, with oncology as its main area of focus [9] - Orano Med specializes in targeted alpha-particle therapies using lead-212 (Pb), with its most advanced asset, AlphaMedix, having received Breakthrough Designation from the FDA in 2024 [10]
Molecular Partners presents positive data from ongoing Phase 1/2a trial of MP0533 in AML at EHA 2025
Globenewswire· 2025-06-11 20:00
Core Viewpoint - Molecular Partners AG announced positive updated data from a Phase 1/2a trial of its tetraspecific T-cell engager MP0533 for relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at the EHA Congress in Milan [1][2] Group 1: Trial Results - In cohort 8, 3 out of 8 evaluable patients (over 30%) achieved a clinical response after the first cycle, including 1 complete response and 2 complete responses with partial hematologic recovery [3] - Patients in cohort 8 maintained exposure to MP0533 for over 4 days within the predicted therapeutic range, with 5 out of 8 patients showing more than 50% blast reduction [4] - The safety profile of MP0533 was deemed acceptable after the adjustment of the target dose in cohort 8 [9] Group 2: Dosing Regimen - Cohort 8 implemented a higher starting dose and an additional day of dosing, reaching the target dose by day 12 instead of day 15, which contributed to improved clinical responses [3][6] - The amended protocol for cohort 9 includes further acceleration of the step-up dosing, increased frequency of dosing, and the introduction of anti-CD20 premedication to enhance therapeutic exposure and response duration [7][9] - Initial data from cohort 9, which is currently dosing patients, is expected in the second half of 2025 [8] Group 3: Company Overview - Molecular Partners AG is a clinical-stage biotech company focused on developing DARPin therapeutics, with oncology as its main area of focus [10] - The company was founded in 2004 and operates in both Zurich, Switzerland, and Concord, Massachusetts, USA [10]
Molecular Partners Announces Planned Operational Efficiencies and Extension of Cash Runway
Globenewswire· 2025-06-10 05:00
Core Insights - Molecular Partners AG is undergoing a strategic review to enhance operational efficiency and focus on advancing its clinical assets, resulting in a workforce reduction of up to 40 positions, approximately 24% of total staff [1][2][4] Group 1: Strategic Review and Workforce Reduction - The company has initiated a strategic review aimed at increasing efficiency and sharpening focus on clinical assets, leading to a potential reduction of up to 40 positions [1][4] - The decision to reduce workforce is part of a plan to extend the company's cash runway into 2028, beyond the previous guidance of 2027 [4][7] - A consultation process with employees has begun in accordance with Swiss employment law, and support will be provided to affected employees, including severance packages and job-seeking assistance [3][4] Group 2: Clinical Development Focus - The company is prioritizing the development of clinical assets MP0533 and MP0712, which are expected to provide significant value for patients and shareholders [2][4] - Clinical data from both MP0533 and MP0712 is anticipated in the second half of 2025, maintaining previously announced timelines [4][7] - The strategic review identified redundancies primarily in research and associated functions, allowing for a more focused approach to clinical development [4] Group 3: Financial Outlook - The workforce reduction is expected to lead to cost savings that will become fully effective by early 2026 [3][4] - The company plans to report its half-year financials on August 25, 2025, which will provide further insights into its financial health and operational adjustments [4]
Molecular Partners (MOLN) FY Conference Transcript
2025-05-28 15:00
Summary of Molecular Partners Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Molecular Partners - **Focus**: Development of DARPins, small binding proteins for targeted therapies in oncology [4][5] Key Platforms and Pipeline - **DARPins Platforms**: - **Radiotherapy DARPin Platform**: Utilizes small size to deliver radioisotopes effectively [6] - **T Cell Engager Platform**: Capable of creating bispecific to tetraspecific DARPins targeting multiple tumor antigens [6] - **Clinical Candidates**: - **MPO-712 (DLL3)**: Expected to enter Phase 1 trials in the second half of the year, targeting small cell lung cancer [12][15] - **MPO-533**: Involved in an ongoing Phase 1 trial for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) [44] DLL3 and Small Cell Lung Cancer - **Target**: DLL3, a marker for neuroendocrine tumors, particularly expressed in small cell lung cancer [15] - **Clinical Need**: High unmet medical need in small cell lung cancer, which is often chemo-resistant [15][13] - **Phase 1 Trial**: Aiming to start in the second half of the year, with a focus on relapsed refractory patients [16][19] Radioligand Therapy Insights - **Advantages of DARPins**: Selected for targets that are not easily ligandable, providing a solution for over 70% of targets [9][10] - **Imaging and Dosimetry**: Early imaging data expected to inform dosing and therapeutic windows, with results anticipated in H2 [19][20] - **Lead-212**: Chosen for its short half-life and effective energy delivery, partnered with OranoMed for supply [31][34] MPO-533 and AML Trial Adjustments - **Targeting Strategy**: Trispecific and tetraspecific DARPins designed to target multiple antigens on AML cells [46] - **Trial Adjustments**: Shifted to more frequent dosing to improve patient exposure and response rates, achieving a 30% complete response rate in recent evaluations [51][52] Future Developments - **Switched DARPin Platform**: Aiming to develop smart drugs that utilize logic gating to enhance T cell engagement [58][61] - **Investor Interest**: The new platform is generating interest from potential investors and pharmaceutical partners [62] Additional Considerations - **Supply Chain Management**: OranoMed's ability to provide a consistent supply of Lead-212 is crucial for the success of the radioligand therapy [39][41] - **Regulatory Engagement**: Ongoing constructive discussions with regulators to ensure effective clinical trial designs [29][42] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the conference call, highlighting Molecular Partners' innovative approaches in oncology and their strategic focus on DARPins and radioligand therapies.
Molecular Partners AG(MOLN) - 2025 FY - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-20 20:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focused on oncology and has licensed programs to other companies, including a $150 million deal with Novartis for an anti-spike trispecific program [3] - The collaboration with Aranomed involves the development of up to six programs on a 50/50 basis, with the company retaining commercial rights to the first two programs [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is working on two distinct areas: radiopharmaceuticals and multispecific DARPins, with a focus on DLL3 and AML programs [3][10] - DLL3 is expected to enter clinical trials in the second half of the year, with promising data from compassionate use programs [38] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The radiopharmaceutical market is experiencing broader adoption, with increasing interest from doctors and patients [28] - The company is strategically positioned to leverage the growing demand for targeted radiopharmaceuticals, particularly with its unique DARPin platform [8][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand its pipeline through collaborations and innovative approaches in radiopharmaceuticals and immune cell engagers [16][60] - The focus is on developing differentiated therapies that avoid competition with existing treatments, such as targeting the proximal membrane portion of mesothelin [39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the potential of radiopharmaceuticals, comparing the current landscape to the early days of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) [27] - The company is optimistic about the durability of its treatments and the ability to drive patients to complete responses quickly [59] Other Important Information - The collaboration with Aranomed is significant due to their established capabilities in manufacturing and logistics for radiopharmaceuticals [15][22] - The company is exploring pretargeting systems and half-life modulation to enhance the efficacy and safety of its therapies [32][34] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company view the competitive landscape for DLL3-targeted therapies? - Management noted that while there are other DLL3-targeted therapies, they have not seen a significant decrease in DLL3 expression, indicating potential for their radiopharmaceuticals [46][47] Question: What are the expectations for the upcoming data from the CD3 switch DARPin? - The company anticipates presenting data showing improved response rates and the ability to maintain patients in complete response [58] Question: How does the company plan to balance its focus between radiopharmaceuticals and other platforms? - Management indicated that if both platforms prove successful, they will have the opportunity to choose the best path forward, inviting interest from potential partners [60]
Molecular Partners to Present at Upcoming Investor Conferences
Globenewswire· 2025-05-19 05:00
Core Insights - Molecular Partners AG is a clinical-stage biotech company focused on developing DARPin therapeutics, which are custom-built protein drugs designed to address medical challenges that other drug modalities cannot effectively tackle [4] Group 1: Upcoming Events - The management team of Molecular Partners will participate in two investor conferences: the H.C. Wainwright 3rd Annual BioConnect Investor Conference on May 20, 2025, and the TD Cowen's 6th Annual Oncology Innovation Summit on May 28, 2025 [2][3] - Both events will be webcast and accessible on the Molecular Partners website under the investors tab [3] Group 2: Company Overview - Molecular Partners was founded in 2004 and has its offices in Zurich, Switzerland, and Concord, Massachusetts, USA [4] - The company is primarily focused on oncology and has various programs in different stages of pre-clinical and clinical development [4] - Molecular Partners collaborates with leading pharmaceutical companies to leverage the advantages of DARPins for unique patient solutions [4]
Molecular Partners Reports Financial Results and Highlights from Q1 2025
Globenewswire· 2025-05-15 20:00
Core Insights - Molecular Partners AG is advancing its clinical programs and expects to achieve key milestones in 2025, including the IND filing and initial clinical data for its lead program MP0712 [2][5][8] - The company has a strong financial position with cash reserves of CHF 131 million as of March 31, 2025, which is projected to fund operations well into 2027 [19] Research & Development Highlights - The strategic partnership with Orano Med has been expanded to co-develop up to ten Pb-labeled radiotherapy programs, including MP0712 targeting DLL3 for small cell lung cancer [3][8] - Preclinical data for MP0712 presented at the AACR 2025 showed high tumor uptake and a favorable toxicity profile, supporting its efficacy in mouse models [4][9] - The IND application for MP0712 is planned for mid-2025, with a Phase 1 dose-escalation study set to begin in the second half of 2025 [5][8] - The second RDT program targeting MSLN is also in development, with promising preclinical data indicating effective binding despite high shedding of MSLN [7][9] Clinical Programs - MP0533, a multispecific T cell engager, is in a Phase 1/2a trial for acute myeloid leukemia, with recent data showing increased response rates in cohort 8 [10][11] - The study protocol for MP0533 has been amended to enhance exposure and response rates, with additional data expected in 2025 [12] - The Switch-DARPin platform aims to improve T cell engagers' safety and potency, with preclinical proof-of-concept data presented at AACR 2025 [13] Financial and Business Outlook - The company anticipates total operating expenses of CHF 55-65 million for 2025, with a portion allocated to non-cash effective costs [18] - The current cash position is expected to support operational needs and capital expenditures through 2027 [19] Corporate Governance Highlights - All motions proposed by the Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting in April 2025 were approved by shareholders [17]