Toronto, Ontario – July 5, 2004: Molecular Templates Inc. (MTI), a Toronto-based biotechnology company, today announced it has received approval for its Australian patent, entitled “Cytotoxic Heteromeric Protein Combinatorial Libraries” (Australian Patent No. 769824). The development marks an important milestone in the company’s evolution, securing its position in the field of protein-based therapeutics.
MTI’s technology exploits multi-tasking protein toxins, such as Shiga-like toxin, or other related ribosome inactivating proteins, as “molecular templates” to develop powerful cytotoxic agents capable of selectively targeting, penetrating and killing chosen cell types. The patent describes a method for generating these new agents, and their application as therapeutics and diagnostics. “The Australian decision is a bellwether in MTI’s evolving IP strategy, and bodes well for the related applications in the United States, Europe and Canada,” said Gordon Wilson, Registered US Patent Agent at Madison Keats.
"We are building a strong intellectual property portfolio to protect our unique therapeutic approach for treating cancer. This new patent provides us with broad coverage for generating families of anti-cancer compounds,” said Duncan Jones, MTI President. “Lead compounds emerging from this platform are currently being evaluated in pre-clinical studies for the treatment of melanoma. We look forward to advancing our discovery and pre-clinical programs into the clinic."
MTI is working with Madison Keats to identify strategic partners to advance its platform technology.
About Molecular Templates:
Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Molecular Templates Inc. is a biotechnology company that uses sophisticated recombinant DNA technologies and high-throughput screening to identify novel protein molecules as therapeutic lead compounds for the treatment of cancer. To date, MTI has identified safe and selective anti-cancer agents against melanoma and cervical cancer. The company is currently validating its lead candidates in pre-clinical models. For additional information, please visit www.moleculartemplates.com.
About Madison Keats:
Madison Keats is a life sciences investment bank. The firm provides advisory services and focuses on orchestrating technology licensing, creative financing, and mergers and acquisitions. Madison Keats works exclusively within the life sciences industry. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the firm is strategically situated in the second largest banking centre in the U.S. and within close proximity to Research Triangle Park in North Carolina. For additional information, please visit www.madisonkeats.com.
For further information regarding this release, contact, Duncan Jones via email at duncan@moleculartemplates.com or by phone at 416 301-6700.
