Shareholders of Molecular Partners approved the elections of Bill Burns and Patrick Amstutz to the Board of Directors

Shareholders of Molecular Partners approved the elections of Bill Burns and Patrick Amstutz to the Board of Directors

Zurich-Schlieren, October 31, 2017. At today’s Extraordinary General Meeting of Molecular Partners (SIX: MOLN), the shareholders of the company approved the election of William (Bill) Burns, former CEO of Roche Pharmaceuticals, and Patrick Amstutz, CEO of Molecular Partners, as new members of the Board of Directors with large majorities.

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

Bill Burns brings to Molecular Partners vast experience in the development and commercialization of drugs, 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 is a co-founder of Molecular Partners and has served as CBO and COO of the company before being appointed as CEO.

For further information, please refer to the results of Molecular Partners’ Extraordinary General Meeting.

Financial Calendar

November 9, 2017 R&D Day in New York
February 8, 2018 Publication of Full-year Results 2017 (unaudited)
March 16, 2018 Expected Publication of 2017 Annual Report
April 18, 2018 Annual General Meeting

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

 

About the DARPin® Difference

DARPin® therapeutics are a new class of protein therapeutics that open an extra dimension of multi-specificity and multi-functionality. DARPin® candidates are potent, specific, safe and very versatile. They can engage more than five targets at once, offering potential benefits over those provided 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 a clinical POC study in multiple myeloma. In addition, Molecular Partners will evaluate MP0250 for the treatment of solid tumors in a phase 1b/2 trial in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MP0274, the company’s second-most advanced DARPin® drug candidate in oncology, has entered into phase 1 clinical development. With its broad anti-HER activity, MP0274 inhibits HER1-, HER2- and HER3-mediated downstream signaling via Her2, leading to induction of apoptosis. 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 company’s founding scientists, Molecular Partners continues to attract talented individuals who share a passion for developing 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.

Interim Management Statement Q3 2017: Significant progress across all clinical programs – New pre-clinical immuno-oncology data to be presented during R&D Day in New York

Research & Development highlights:

  • MP0250: Phase 2 study in Multiple Myeloma progressing well and according to plan
  • MP0250: FDA accepted the company’s IND (submitted in August 2017) for phase 2 study evaluating MP0250 in EGFR-mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (EGFR mut NSCLC);
    on track to dose first patient in Q1 2018
  • MP0274: First patient dosed in phase 1 trial of this multi-DARPin® candidate for the treatment of HER2-positive solid tumors
  • Immuno-oncology: Additional pre-clinical data on proprietary programs with focus on tumor restricted T-cell activation to be presented at the company’s R&D Day in New York on November 9, 2017
  • Abicipar: On track for one-year phase 3 efficacy data in wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) in H2 2018

Team highlights:

  • Bill Burns nominated for election to Molecular Partners’ Board of Directors as Vice-Chairman at Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on October 31, 2017; will stand for nomination as Chairman at the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in 2018
  • Molecular Partners CEO and Co-founder Patrick Amstutz also to stand for election to Board at EGM on October 31, 2017

Financial highlights:

  • Financial performance in-line with expectations and guidance
  • Strong financial position with CHF 151.5 million in cash and short-term time deposits
    as of September 30, 2017
  • Net cash used in operating activities of CHF 28.5 million over the first nine months of 2017, reflecting scale-up of R&D and clinical development activities

Zurich-Schlieren, October 26, 2017. Molecular Partners AG (SIX: MOLN), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of drugs known as DARPin® therapies*, today announced its Interim Management Statement for the period ending September 30, 2017.

“We are very pleased with the ongoing progress of all our programs, both in oncology as well as in immuno-oncology, during the first nine months of 2017,” said Dr. Patrick Amstutz, Chief Executive Officer of Molecular Partners. “Patient recruitment in the running phase 2 trial in Multiple Myeloma is advancing well. The FDA acceptance of the IND to proceed with MP0250 in a phase 2 study in NSCLC will allow us to test the potential of this drug in solid tumors. Further, the dosing of the first patient in the phase 1 trial of MP0274, our HER2 multi-DARPin® drug candidate, was a key milestone for our company, marking the second multi-DARPin® drug candidate to be evaluated in a systemic cancer trial. Finally, we will present promising pre-clinical data from our immuno-oncology candidates at our R&D Day.”

Phase 2 study in Multiple Myeloma progressing well and according to plan

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. For this study, which will measure the safety and efficacy of MP0250, additional patients have been dosed at centers in Germany, Poland and Italy. The company anticipates initial safety data before year-end 2017, followed by efficacy data in 2018.

FDA accepted IND for second phase 2 trial of MP0250 in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

In August 2017, Molecular Partners submitted to the FDA an Investigational New Drug Application (IND) 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 accepted the IND and endorsed the company’s first systemic oncology trial in the US. Targeting HGF and VEGF simultaneously, MP0250 administered in combination with osimertinib offers the possibility to target two of the described escape pathways.

“We are pleased to have received the positive feedback from the FDA on the IND for MP0250 for our first solid tumor indication,” commented Dr. Andreas Harstrick, Chief Medical Officer of Molecular Partners. “This feedback from the FDA is encouraging, and we look forward to initiating our second phase 2 clinical trial of MP0250 as planned during the first quarter of 2018.”

First patient enrolled in the phase 1 trial for MP0274

On October 12, 2017, the company announced that the first patient had been enrolled in the phase 1 trial of MP0274, a multi-specific DARPin® candidate being developed for the treatment of HER2-positive solid tumors.

MP0274 is a proprietary DARPin® drug candidate for the treatment of HER2-positive cancer with 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.

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

The company anticipates one-year phase 3 efficacy data in wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) in H2 2018. C. David Nicholson, Executive Vice President & Chief R&D Officer of Allergan, will provide an update on abicipar at Molecular Partner’s R&D Day.

Balance Sheet: Strong cash and equity positions as of September 30, 2017

Molecular Partners’ financial performance for the first nine months of 2017 was in-line with management’s expectations and reflects the ongoing investments to further expand the company’s proprietary pipeline. Cash and short-term time deposits decreased by CHF 5.4 million to CHF 151.5 million as of September 30, 2017, from CHF 156.9 million as of June 30, 2017.

As of September 30, 2017, the company employed 107 FTEs (+3% year-over-year), with approximately 90% of employees serving in R&D functions.

“During the first nine months of 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 at least through the end of 2019.”

Bill Burns and Patrick Amstutz nominated for election to the Board on October 31, 2017 EGM

The Board of Directors of Molecular Partners has nominated William (Bill) Burns, former CEO of Roche Pharmaceuticals, for election to the Board of Directors at the upcoming EGM on October 31, 2017. Upon his election, the Board plans to appoint Bill Burns as Vice-Chairman. At the AGM in 2018, he will stand for nomination as Chairman. Patrick Amstutz, CEO and Co-founder of Molecular Partners, will also stand for election to the Board at the EGM.

Business outlook and priorities

For the company’s proprietary oncology pipeline, the company expects to report initial safety data from the phase 2 trial of MP0250 in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) in Q4 2017, and efficacy data in 2018. With regard to the phase 1b/2 trial of MP0250 for NSCLC, initial safety data are expected in 2018. For MP0274, the proprietary, single-pathway DARPin® drug candidate for the treatment of HER2-positive cancer, the company expects initial safety and activity data 2018.

The company will present new research data on its immuno-oncology pipeline at the R&D Day. In this promising field, Molecular Partners is increasingly focusing 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 trials in patients with wet AMD, and in initiating a phase 3 trial of abicipar in patients with DME, the next retinal indication, in 2018.

R&D Day in New York on November 9 (12.00-2.30 pm EDT)

Molecular Partners will host an R&D Day for institutional investors, sell-side analysts, investment bankers, and business development professionals, entitled “The DARPin® Difference – Offering Patients a New Dimension of Protein Therapeutics”. Molecular Partners’ management team will provide an overview of the company’s clinical oncology pipeline and present key data from its pre-clinical immuno-oncology activities. C. David Nicholson, Executive Vice President & Chief R&D Officer at Allergan will present and discuss the company’s wet AMD candidate, abicipar. The event will also feature presentations by key opinion leaders (KOLs) in oncology, including Prof. Angelo Vacca, MD (Multiple Myeloma), Prof. Kathryn A. Gold, MD (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer) and Dr. Richard Baird, MA MBBS FRCP Ph.D. (HER2+ Breast Cancer).
To reserve a seat for the R&D Day, please contact Susan Noonan at susan@sanoonan.com.
For those who are unable to attend in person, a live webcast and replay will be accessible.

Financial outlook 2017

The first nine months of 2017 developed in line with management expectations. For the full year 2017, at constant exchange rates, the company expects total expenses of approximately CHF 50 million, of which approximately CHF 5 million will be non-cash effective costs for share-based payments, IFRS pension accounting and depreciation. This guidance is subject to the progress of the pipeline, mainly driven by manufacturing costs, the speed of enrollment of patients in clinical trials and data from research and development projects.

Financial Calendar

October 31, 2017 Extraordinary General Meeting
November 9, 2017 R&D Day in New York
February 8, 2018 Publication of Full-year Results 2017 (unaudited)
March 16, 2018 Expected Publication of 2017 Annual Report
April 18, 2018 Annual General Meeting

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

 

About the DARPin® Difference

DARPin® therapeutics are a new class of protein therapeutics that open an extra dimension of multi-specificity and multi-functionality. DARPin® candidates are potent, specific, safe and very versatile. They can engage more than five targets at once, offering potential benefits over those provided 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 a clinical POC study in multiple myeloma. In addition, Molecular Partners will evaluate MP0250 for the treatment of solid tumors in a phase 1b/2 trial in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MP0274, the company’s second-most advanced DARPin® drug candidate in oncology, has entered into phase 1 clinical development. With its broad anti-HER activity, MP0274 inhibits HER1-, HER2- and HER3-mediated downstream signaling via Her2, leading to induction of apoptosis. 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 company’s founding scientists, Molecular Partners continues to attract talented individuals who share a passion for developing 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.

First patient dosed in phase 1 clinical study of Molecular Partners’ second proprietary oncology asset MP0274

Zurich-Schlieren, October 12, 2017. Molecular Partners AG (SIX: MOLN), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of drugs known as DARPin® therapies, announced today that the first patient was dosed in the phase 1 clinical study of its oncology asset MP0274. MP0274 is a proprietary DARPin® drug candidate for the treatment of HER2-positive cancer with a new mode of action compared to current standard of care antibodies.

The phase 1 study of MP0274 is a two part study in patients with advanced HER2-positive solid tumors. Part 1 will be conducted in three sites in Germany, Switzerland and the UK all of which are open to recruitment, and will assess safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and establish the recommended dose for further development. Part 2 will be conducted in the initial three sites as well as in additional sites and is designed to confirm safety and to assess preliminary efficacy at the recommended dose. Initial safety data are expected in the first half of 2018 and initial efficacy data towards the end of 2018.

“We are very pleased to have reached this important milestone to dose the first patient in our phase 1 study for patients with advanced HER-2 positive solid tumors with our novel drug candidate MP0274,” commented Dr. Andreas Harstrick, Chief Medical Officer at Molecular Partners. “With this milestone, Molecular Partners significantly expands its clinical portfolio besides the ongoing MP0250 clinical trials.”

 

Financial Calendar

October 26, 2017 Q3 2017 Management Statement
October 31, 2017 Extraordinary General Meeting
November 9, 2017 R&D Day in New York
February 8, 2018 Publication of Full-year Results 2017 (unaudited)
March 16, 2018 Expected Publication of 2017 Annual Report
April 18, 2018 Annual General Meeting

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 advanc-ing 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 treat-ment of solid tumors and has entered into Phase 2 development for hematological tumors. In ad-dition, Molecular Partners intends to further evaluate MP0250 for solid tumors in a phase 1b/2 trial for EGFR-mutated T790M-positive 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 just 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 com-pounds 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 estab-lished 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.

Molecular Partners Publishes Invitation to Extraordinary General Meeting to be held on October 31, 2017

Zurich-Schlieren, October 9, 2017. Molecular Partners AG (SIX: MOLN), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that is developing a new class of drugs, known as DARPin® therapies, today published the Invitation to the Extraordinary General Meeting which will be held on Tuesday, October 31, 2017, 2.00 pm CET (doors open at 1.00 pm), at the registered office of the company, 5th floor, Wagistrasse 14, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland.

At this Extraordinary General Meeting William (Bill) Burns and Patrick Amstutz will be proposed for election to the Board of Directors.

Link to the Invitation to the Extraordinary General Meeting with the corresponding agenda items.

Link zur Einladung zur ausserordentlichen Generalversammlung mit den zugehörigen Traktanden.

 

Financial Calendar

October 26, 2017 Q3 2017 Management Statement
October 31, 2017 Extraordinary General Meeting
November 9, 2017 R&D Day in New York
February 8, 2018 Publication of Full-year Results 2017 (unaudited)
March 16, 2018 Expected Publication of 2017 Annual Report
April 18, 2018 Annual General Meeting

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

 

About the DARPin® Difference

DARPin® therapeutics are a new class of protein therapeutics that open an extra dimension of multi-specificity and multi-functionality. DARPin® candidates are potent, specific, safe and very versatile. They can engage more than five targets at once, offering potential benefits over those provided 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 a clinical POC study in multiple myeloma. In addition, Molecular Partners intends to evaluate MP0250 for the treatment of solid tumors in a phase 1b/2 trial in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MP0274, the company’s second-most advanced DARPin® drug candidate in oncology, is entering into phase 1 development. With its broad anti-HER activity, MP0274 inhibits HER1-, HER2- and HER3-mediated downstream signaling via Her2, leading to induction of apoptosis. 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 company’s founding scientists, Molecular Partners continues to attract talented individuals who share a passion for developing 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.

Bill Burns nominated for election to Molecular Partners’ Board of Directors as Vice-Chairman with nomination to Chairman in 2018

CEO and Co-founder Patrick Amstutz also to stand for election to Board at extraordinary general meeting on October 31, 2017

Zurich-Schlieren, October 3, 2017. Molecular Partners AG (SIX: MOLN), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of drugs known as DARPin® therapies*, today announced that its Board of Directors has nominated William (Bill) Burns, former CEO of Roche Pharmaceuticals, for election to the Board of Directors. An extraordinary general meeting will take place on October 31, 2017, after which the Board of Directors plans to appoint Bill Burns Vice-Chairman. At the annual general meeting 2018, he will be nominated for election to Chairman of the Board of Directors.

“We are delighted to have attracted Bill as a Board member and future Chairman of Molecular Partners,” commented Jörn Aldag, current Chairman of the Molecular Partners Board of Directors. “The Company is rapidly evolving from a technology platform-based enterprise to a fully integrated, oncology-focused biopharmaceutical company. Bill has an extremely deep understanding of the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, with a focus on oncology, an outstanding reputation, and strong leadership skills. He is the ideal person to guide the next phase of growth as Molecular Partners seeks to become a key player in oncology.”

“It is a pleasure to join the Molecular Partners team,” said Bill Burns. “With an ongoing pivotal trial in ophthalmology and the company’s ambitious plans to create high patient value in oncology, the timing is perfect. I look forward to working with Patrick and the team to make DARPin®-based drugs a landmark therapeutic approach.”

At the forthcoming extraordinary general meeting on October 31, 2017, Molecular Partners Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder Patrick Amstutz will also stand for election to the Board of Directors, along with Bill Burns. As announced previously, the Board had nominated Patrick Amstutz for election in May 2017.

“I am honored to join the Board of Directors and I look forward to working closely with Bill to continue Molecular Partners’ successful development,” commented Patrick Amstutz. “Bill’s expertise and skills will be invaluable to our continued success.”

Bill Burns brings to Molecular Partners vast experience in the development and commercialization of drugs, 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.

Financial Calendar

October 26, 2017 Q3 2017 Management Statement
October 31, 2017 Extraordinary General Meeting
November 9, 2017 R&D Day in New York
February 8, 2018 Publication of Full-year Results 2017 (unaudited)
March 16, 2018 Expected Publication of 2017 Annual Report
April 18, 2018 Annual General Meeting

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

About the DARPin® Difference

DARPin® therapeutics are a new class of protein therapeutics that open an extra dimension of multi-specificity and multi-functionality. DARPin® candidates are potent, specific, safe and very versatile. They can engage more than five targets at once, offering potential benefits over those provided 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 a clinical POC study in multiple myeloma. In addition, Molecular Partners intends to evaluate MP0250 for the treatment of solid tumors in a phase 1b/2 trial in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MP0274, the company’s second-most advanced DARPin® drug candidate in oncology, is entering into phase 1 development. With its broad anti-HER activity, MP0274 inhibits HER1-, HER2- and HER3-mediated downstream signaling via Her2, leading to induction of apoptosis. 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 company’s founding scientists, Molecular Partners continues to attract talented individuals who share a passion for developing 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.