EXHIBIT 99.1

Molecular Templates, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter 2019 Financial Results

AUSTIN, Texas, March 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Molecular Templates, Inc. (Nasdaq: MTEM, “Molecular Templates,” or “MTEM”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of the Company’s proprietary targeted biologic therapeutics, engineered toxin bodies (ETBs), today reported financial results for the fourth quarter of 2019. As of  December 31, 2019, MTEM’s cash and investments totaled $126.6 million, which is expected to fund operations into 2022.

“In 2019, we made important progress by advancing our pipeline programs, establishing a new collaboration outside of oncology with a premier partner, and strengthening our balance sheet with a successful equity financing,” said Eric Poma, Ph.D., Molecular Templates’ Chief Executive and Scientific Officer. “We now have five ongoing studies across three clinical programs: three Phase 2 studies for MT-3724, a Phase 1 study for MT-5111, and a Phase 1 study with our partner Takeda for TAK-169. We also expect our earlier stage programs to advance in 2020, including an IND filing for MT-6402 (our PD-L1 ETB with antigen seeding), preclinical data presentations on ETBs against new targets, and continued progress in our multi-target collaborations with Takeda and Vertex.”

Company Highlights and Upcoming Milestones

Corporate

MT-3724 (CD20 ETB)

TAK-169 (CD38 ETB)

MT-5111 (HER2 ETB)

Research

Financial Results

The net loss attributable to common shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2019 was $15.9 million, or  $0.41 per basic and diluted share. This compares with a net loss attributable to common shareholders of $6.6 million, or  $0.18 per basic and diluted share, for the same period in 2018.

Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2019 were $6.2 million, compared to  $4.7 million for the same period in 2018. Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2019 were comprised of revenues from collaborative research and development agreements with Takeda, and grant revenue from CPRIT. Total research and development expenses for the fourth quarter of 2019 were $16.6 million, compared with  $7.6 million for the same period in 2018. Total general and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter of 2019 were $6.0 million, compared with  $3.9 million for the same period in 2018.

About Molecular Templates

Molecular Templates is a clinical-stage company focused on the discovery and development of targeted biologic therapeutics. Our proprietary drug platform technology, known as engineered toxin bodies, or ETBs, leverages the resident biology of a genetically engineered form of Shiga-like Toxin A subunit to create novel therapies with potent and differentiated mechanisms of action for cancer and other serious diseases.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”). Molecular Templates disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements, and claims the protection of the Act’s Safe Harbor for forward-looking statements.  All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release regarding strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenue, projected expenses, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. In addition, when or if used in this press release, the words “may,” “could,” “should,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “predict” and similar expressions and their variants, as they relate to Molecular Templates may identify forward-looking statements.  Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the development of the MT-3724, MT-5111, TAK-169, and MT-6402; the expected timing of submitting various IND applications and conducting studies; and the Company’s belief that its proprietary biologic drug platform technology, or ETBs, provides for a differentiated mechanism of action that may address some of the limitations associated with currently available cancer therapeutics.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors including, but not limited to, the uncertainties inherent in the preclinical and clinical development process; whether the Company’s cash resources will be sufficient to fund its continuing operations for the periods and/or trials anticipated; the ability of the Company to protect its intellectual property rights; and legislative, regulatory, political and economic developments, as well as those risks identified under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact:
Adam Cutler
Chief Financial Officer
adam.cutler@mtem.com 
862-204-4006

Molecular Templates, Inc. 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 
(in thousands, except share and per share data) 
(unaudited) 
  
 Three Months Ended December 31,  Year Ended December 31, 
 2019  2018  2019  2018 
Research and development revenue - from related party$4,688  $4,077  $19,499  $7,087 
Research and development revenue - other          196 
Grant revenue 1,509   607   2,771   6,002 
Total revenue 6,197   4,684   22,270   13,285 
Operating expenses:               
Research and development 16,573   7,562   50,519   30,202 
General and administrative 6,028   3,917   20,077   14,082 
Loss on impairment of in-process research and development       22,123    
Total operating expenses 22,601   11,479   92,719   44,284 
Loss from operations 16,404   6,795   70,449   30,999 
Interest and other income, net 873   444   2,323   751 
Interest and other expense, net (351)  (318)  (1,298)  (990)
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities    35   3   951 
Net loss attributable to common shareholders$15,882  $6,634  $69,421  $30,287 
Net loss per share attributable to common shareholders:               
Basic and diluted$0.41  $0.18  $1.86  $1.02 
Weighted average number of shares used in net loss per share calculations:               
Basic and diluted 40,552,083   36,589,988   37,770,378   29,601,692 
                


Molecular Templates, Inc.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
         
  December 31, 
  2019  2018 
ASSETS        
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $85,451  $87,721 
Marketable securities, current  39,633   10,234 
Prepaid expenses  2,318   2,244 
Grant revenue receivable  7,100   4,329 
Accounts receivable from related party  408   240 
In-process research and development - held for sale  4,500    
Other current assets  489   95 
Total current assets  139,899   104,863 
Marketable securities, non-current  1,510    
Operating lease right-of-use assets, non-current  9,959    
Property and equipment, net  18,158   6,851 
In-process research and development     26,623 
Other assets  4,676   1,821 
Total assets $174,202  $140,158 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable $1,465  $780 
Accrued liabilities  14,544   5,357 
Deferred revenue, current  17,291   26,231 
Other current liabilities  2,501   141 
Total current liabilities  35,801   32,509 
Deferred revenue, long-term  19,385   2,670 
Long-term debt, net  2,940   3,254 
Operating lease liabilities, non-current  11,682    
Other liabilities  1,366   819 
Total liabilities  71,174   39,252 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)        
Stockholders’ equity:        
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value:        
Authorized: 2,000,000 at December 31, 2019 and        
2018; Issued and outstanding: 250 and zero        
shares at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.      
Common stock, $0.001 par value:        
Authorized: 150,000,000 shares at December 31, 2019 and        
2018; Issued and outstanding: 45,589,157 and 36,736,012 shares at        
December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.  46   37 
Additional paid-in capital  267,089   195,573 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  18    
Accumulated deficit  (164,125)  (94,704)
Total stockholders’ equity  103,028   100,906 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $174,202  $140,158