Molecular Templates Inc.

Molecular Templates Inc. (MTI) is an innovative biotechnology company that uses protein engineering techniques, coupled with high-throughput screening, to identify and develop new therapeutic protein molecules for the treatment of cancer.

MTI is creating novel anti-cancer drugs capable of singling out, penetrating, and killing cancer cells. The Company is generating libraries based specifically on ribosome inactivating proteins from E. coli as a ‘template’ from which MTI is able to engineer novel and highly selective cancer-killing agents. This molecular engineering utilizes MTI’s core competence in the area of bacterial protein structure and function. MTI is currently concentrating its efforts on a specific lead molecule (MTI SAM 3) for the treatment of melanoma that has demonstrated good cancer killing potency, selectivity and low toxicity. We have documented killing of a range of melanoma cell lines as well as melanoma xenograph tumors treated by both IV and intra tumor injection . We have shown that SAM 3kills a wide variety of melanoma cell lines .Labeling techniques have been developed to show cell specific surface binding. Maximum tolerated dose and daily repeat dosing in a mouse model showed no observable effects.

The technology allows for the screening of activity against other cancer indications as well. Screening for agents to treat pancreatic and ovarian cancer has been initiated. The leads are identified using a proprietary technology, termed RAPID, (for Rationally Accelerated Protein Identification & Discovery) that has the capability for generating lead compounds in a streamlined selection and screening sequence. The approach involves the integration of three distinct components:

1. creation of molecular libraries comprising diverse, natural structures
2. testing the structures in functional cell-based assays coupled to
3. automated high throughput screening

MTI’s agents are designed to recognize unique surface features or receptors present on cancerous cells, and to selectively destroy the cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. Screening is for the activity of killing of cancer cells and does not require pre existing knowledge of specific surface antigens. This is a significant advantage.

MTI is a product-focused company that leverages its RAPID technology base to create its own pipeline of internal candidates that will be developed and then partnered at the appropriate time. It also has capability to partner with companies that have intellectual property positions on targets, but need to quickly develop novel and patentable therapeutic proteins and could partner on that basis.

MTI launched operations in early 2001 and had received $2.5million in seed stage funding from Milestone Medica Corporation and Sunnybrook Working Ventures Medical Breakthrough Fund. MTI has also obtained IRAP funding .Very recently MTI completed a $500,000 convertible debenture with Mr Stephen Howard, Growth Works and Medical Ventures Fund.

The Company is currently seeking financing to take its therapeutic leads forward to the clinic and to screen for new leads for other indications.

MTI’s scientific team is lead by Dr Jean Gariepy , Professor at the University of Toronto and Senior Scientist at the Ontario Cancer Institute , and Dr Leigh Revers , Vice President of Research. The company is managed by Dr Randal Chase , Executive Chairman of the Board. The Board consists of Drs Gariepy and Chase , Dr Ezra Lwowski as an independent, Mr Joe Regan VP of Growth Works Mr Thomas Parsons of the Univ Health Network and shortly to include a new member recommended by Mr Howard. Observers will include Mr Ray Benzinger and Dr Revers.

A Scientific Advisory includes Dr Neil Berinstein ,Dr Michel Klein and Dr Elizabeth Eisenhaurer . Regulatory and development advice is provided by experts with extensive experience in this field.

Dr Randal Chase is Executive Chairman of MTI. He hold a PhD from the University of BC. His early career was at Bristol Meyers and Glaxo Pharmaceuticals. He is past President of QLT, Aventis Pasteur Canada and Mexico(Connaught Laboratories) ,North American Vaccines and Shire Biologics. He is currently on the Board of Directors of Acambis (London and NASAQ), Bioject (NASDAQ),Conjuchem (TSX) and Medicago(privately held ) He can be reached at 905 252 3629 or randal@moleculartemplates.com

Molecular Templates Inc.
1 Richmond St. West, 8th fl
Toronto, ON M5H 3W4
tel: 416-313-7716
fax: 416-974-6097

email: randal@moleculartemplates.com
www.moleculartemplates.com