Near-term data readouts from internal and collaborative programs expected to support advancement of the LNC platform for delivery of nucleic acids
FDA feedback from MAT2203 Type B meeting expected to impact partnership discussions and facilitate potential non-dilutive BARDA and/or NIH funding
Conference call and webcast begin at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time today
BEDMINSTER, N.J., March 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Matinas BioPharma (NYSE American: MTNB), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on delivering groundbreaking therapies using its lipid nanocrystal (LNC) platform delivery technology, reports 2022 financial results and provides a business update.
“We are developing our LNC delivery platform with the goal of providing safe, extrahepatic delivery of nucleic acids and small molecules,” said Jerome D. Jabbour, Chief Executive Officer of Matinas. “Phase 2 MAT2203 clinical trial results demonstrated the ability of our platform to efficaciously deliver a safe, well-tolerated oral form of amphotericin B with dramatic survival results. Success to-date with MAT2203 bolsters our confidence in moving forward into the delivery of nucleic acids, and we are encouraged by our progress in this area.
“Among upcoming milestones, we expect data readouts from our internal programs with smaller oligonucleotides, as well as data relating to the delivery of larger oligonucleotides like mRNA through collaborations with BioNTech and National Resilience, two of the world's leading mRNA companies,” he added. “Importantly, these programs will provide critical information in maximizing the potential applications for our technology, thereby advancing our strategy of developing robust internal and external product pipelines.
“We are also preparing to meet with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to seek guidance on a Phase 3 study with MAT2203 for the treatment of invasive fungal infections (IFIs). Feedback from this meeting will be instrumental in guiding our efforts to secure non-dilutive funding from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and/or the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as well as in advancing ongoing discussions with potential partners for further development of this promising oral therapy for treating life-threatening fungal infections,” Mr. Jabbour concluded.
Anticipated Second Quarter 2023 Milestones
BioNTech Collaboration
Generation of in vivo data arising from the combination of Matinas’ LNC platform technology and BioNTech’s mRNA formats resulting from our ongoing exclusive research collaboration. This collaboration has provided financial support, generated compelling in vitro results and provided a potential pathway for the ultimate oral delivery of mRNA, which, if successful, would represent a major breakthrough. Testing will continue with collaborative formulation work on multiple nucleic acids with in vivo data expected during the second quarter of 2023.
National Resilience Collaboration
Results from in vitro testing under a Material Transfer and Evaluation Agreement with National Resilience, which was announced in January 2023. The parties are collaborating on a comprehensive research program including design, formulation, and optimization to explore the potential for oral delivery of certain nucleic acids with the LNC platform. The collaboration will continue with potential in vivo results expected in the second half of 2023.
Internal ASO/siRNA Program
Generation of in vitro data from an internal program for the delivery of antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) and silencing RNA (siRNA) therapies. This program will continue with multiple in vivo biodistribution and animal efficacy studies in the second half of 2023. If successful, the Company anticipates being able to identify the next internal product candidate in late 2023. Study success could position Matinas to develop a pipeline of ASO and siRNA therapies.
MAT2203 (Oral Amphotericin B) Program
Planned meeting with the FDA to discuss a Phase 3 trial to assess the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of oral MAT2203 in patients with serious, life-threatening IFIs and limited treatment options. The discussion is expected to cover the proposed trial design and strategy for potentially obtaining MAT2203 marketing approval under a streamlined 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway.
Anticipated Second Half 2023 Milestones
In addition to the milestones mentioned above, the Company anticipates the following milestones in the second half of 2023:
BARDA Grant for MAT2203 Development
Potential award of BARDA funds for the continued development of MAT2203 in multiple IFIs. The Company believes MAT2203 is well positioned to receive funding due to its oral, well-tolerated and broad-spectrum profile, and its clinical success already demonstrated in the Phase 2 EnACT trial in cryptococcal meningitis, each of which aligns well with the criteria set forth by BARDA in awarding grants for promising antifungal treatments. A potential BARDA and/or NIH award could be sufficient to complete development of MAT2203 through market approval for the targeted IFI indications, as well as support supply chain and commercial readiness.
MAT2203 Domestic/Global Partnership
Potential for a pharmaceutical partnership for the continued development and commercialization of MAT2203 based on its success in the EnACT Phase 2 trial in cryptococcal meningitis and feedback from the FDA for the treatment of multiple serious IFIs.
2022 Financial Results
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $3.2 million, which was generated from the research collaboration with BioNTech SE. This compares with revenue for the year ended December 31, 2021 of $33,000, which was generated from the feasibility study agreement with Genentech Inc.
Total costs and expenses for 2022 were $27.8 million compared with $24.8 million for 2021. The increase was due primarily to higher research and development expenses reflecting the later stage of the Company’s clinical development programs. Income from selling unused New Jersey net operating losses (NOLs) and research and development tax credits was $3.5 million and $1.3 million for 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The net loss attributable to common shareholders for 2022 was $21.0 million, or $0.10 per share, compared with a net loss attributable to common shareholders for 2021 of $23.7 million, or $0.11 per share.
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of December 31, 2022 were $28.8 million compared with $49.6 million as of December 31, 2021. Based on current projections, the Company believes its cash position is sufficient to fund planned operations into the second quarter of 2024.
Conference Call and Webcast DetailsMatinas will host a conference call and webcast today beginning at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time. To participate in the call, please dial 888-609-1607 (Toll-Free) or 862-298-0702 (Toll). The live webcast will be accessible on the Investors section of the company’s website and archived for 90 days.
About Matinas BioPharma Matinas BioPharma is a biopharmaceutical company focused on delivering groundbreaking therapies using its lipid nanocrystal (LNC) platform delivery technology to maximize global clinical impact and patient access. The Company is developing its own internal portfolio of products as well as partnering with leading pharmaceutical companies to develop novel formulations that capitalize on the unique characteristics of the LNC platform.
Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated that this novel technology can provide solutions to many of the challenges in achieving safe and effective intracellular delivery for both small molecules and larger, more complex molecules such as mRNA, DNA plasmids, antisense oligonucleotides and vaccines. The combination of a unique mechanism of action and flexibility with formulation and route of administration (including oral) positions Matinas’ LNC technology potentially to become the preferred next-generation intracellular drug delivery vehicle with distinct advantages over both lipid nanoparticles and viral vectors. For more information, please visit www.matinasbiopharma.com.
Forward-looking Statements This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including those relating to our business activities, our strategy and plans, our collaborations with National Resilience, Inc. and BioNTech SE, the potential of our LNC platform delivery technology, and the future development of its product candidates, the Company’s ability to identify and pursue development, licensing and partnership opportunities for its products or platform delivery technology on favorable terms, if at all, and the ability to obtain required regulatory approval and other statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "could," "believes," "estimates" and similar expressions. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, our ability to obtain additional capital to meet our liquidity needs on acceptable terms, or at all, including the additional capital which will be necessary to complete the clinical trials of our product candidates; our ability to successfully complete research and further development and commercialization of our product candidates; the uncertainties inherent in clinical testing; the timing, cost and uncertainty of obtaining regulatory approvals; our ability to protect the Company’s intellectual property; the loss of any executive officers or key personnel or consultants; competition; changes in the regulatory landscape or the imposition of regulations that affect the Company’s products; and the other factors listed under "Risk Factors" in our filings with the SEC, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. Except as may be required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Matinas BioPharma’s product candidates are all in a development stage and are not available for sale or use.
Investor Contact:
LHA Investor RelationsJody Cain Jcain@lhai.com310-691-7100
Financial Tables to Follow
Matinas BioPharma Holdings, Inc.Consolidated Balance Sheets(in thousands, except for share data)
December 31, 2022 2021 ASSETS:
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $6,830 $21,030 Marketable debt securities 21,933 28,592 Restricted cash – security deposit 50 50 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 5,719 1,321 Total current assets 34,532 50,993
Non-current assets:
Leasehold improvements and equipment - net 2,091 1,538 Operating lease right-of-use assets - net 3,613 4,219 Finance lease right-of-use assets - net 30 23 In-process research and development 3,017 3,017 Goodwill 1,336 1,336 Restricted cash - security deposit 200 200 Total non-current assets 10,287 10,333 Total assets $44,819 $61,326
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $618 $937 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 3,099 2,851 Operating lease liabilities - current 562 539 Financing lease liabilities - current 7 21 Total current liabilities 4,286 4,348
Non-current liabilities:
Deferred tax liability 341 341 Operating lease liabilities - net of current portion 3,533 4,140 Financing lease liabilities - net of current portion 22 3 Total non-current liabilities 3,896 4,484 Total liabilities 8,182 8,832
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock par value $0.0001 per share, 500,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively; 217,264,526 and 216,269,450 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively 22 22 Additional paid-in capital 190,070 184,251 Accumulated deficit (152,631) (131,634)Accumulated other comprehensive loss (824) (145)Total stockholders’ equity 36,637 52,494 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $44,819 $61,326
Matinas BioPharma Holdings, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (in thousands, except share and per share data)
For the Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 Revenue:
Research and development $3,188 $33 Costs and Expenses:
Research and development 16,678 14,583 General and administrative 11,100 10,185
Total costs and expenses 27,778 24,768
Loss from operations (24,590) (24,735)Sale of New Jersey net operating loss & tax credits 3,491 1,328 Other income, net 102 124
Net loss $(20,997) $(23,283)
Preferred stock series B accumulated dividends - (396)Net loss attributable to common shareholders $(20,997) $(23,679)Net loss attributable to common shareholders per share – basic and diluted $(0.10) $(0.11)Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic and diluted 216,811,439 210,178,332 Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
Net unrealized loss on securities available-for-sale (679) (374)Other comprehensive loss, net of tax (679) (374)Comprehensive loss attributable to shareholders $(21,676) $(23,657)
