Matinas BioPharma Chairman Eric Ende Resigns; Company Focused on Lipid Nanocrystal Platform

Matinas BioPharma Chairman Eric Ende has resigned, and the company is focusing on its lipid nanocrystal (LNC) platform delivery technology. Its lead product candidate, MAT2203, is a highly potent antifungal drug that has been made oral, safe, and well-tolerated. The company is positioning it for a Phase III registration trial in support of a New Drug Application for treating invasive aspergillosis.

In a recent corporate development, Matinas BioPharma Holdings Inc. (MTNB) announced the appointment of Eric J. Ende as the new Chairman of the Board, effective October 1, 2022 [1]. Founding Chairman Herbert J. Conrad will remain an independent director of the company. This change reflects the company's progress and the confidence in Ende's leadership [2].

Matinas BioPharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in improving the intracellular delivery of nucleic acids and small molecules using its lipid nanocrystal (LNC) platform technology [2]. The company's lead product candidate, MAT2203, is a highly potent antifungal drug that has been made oral, safe, and well-tolerated [1]. MAT2203 is being positioned for a Phase III registration trial in support of a New Drug Application (NDA) for treating invasive aspergillosis [1].

Aspergillosis is a severe and often life-threatening fungal infection that affects people with weakened immune systems, such as those with cancer or HIV/AIDS [3]. Current treatments for aspergillosis are limited, often requiring intravenous administration and lengthy hospital stays [3]. MAT2203's oral formulation and improved safety profile could offer significant advantages over existing treatments [1].

The company's LNC technology has shown potential in delivering a range of therapeutics, including nucleic acids, antibodies, and small molecules [2]. This versatility could enable Matinas BioPharma to develop a diverse pipeline of products, addressing unmet medical needs across various therapeutic areas [2].

With the appointment of Ende as the new Chairman and the focus on the Phase III trial for MAT2203, Matinas BioPharma is well-positioned for its next phase of growth and development.

References:

[1] MarketScreener. Matinas BioPharma Holdings, Inc. Eric Ende Resigns As Chairman Of Matinas BioPharma. March 14, 2023. https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/MATINAS-BIOPHARMA-HOLDING-34185054/news/Matinas-Biopharma-Holdings-Eric-Ende-Resigns-As-Chairman-Of-Matinas-Biopharma-49342009/

[2] Nasdaq. Matinas BioPharma Announces Chairman Succession Plan. September 21, 2022. https://www.nasdaq.com/press-release/matinas-biopharma-announces-chairman-succession-plan-2022-09-21

[3] Mayo Clinic. Aspergillosis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/aspergillosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369542