Matinas BioPharma Announces Issuance of Key U.S. Patent for Prescription-Only Next Generation Omega-3 MAT9001 Providing Protection Through 2033

BEDMINSTER, N.J., Oct. 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Matinas BioPharma Holdings, Inc. (NYSE AMER: MTNB), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, announced today that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) issued U.S. Patent No. 10,058,521 entitled, “Omega-3 pentaenoic acid compositions and methods of use” to the Company. The issued patent provides additional intellectual property protection for MAT9001, Matinas’ proprietary prescription-only omega-3 fatty acid-based composition under development for the treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, through 2033.

The issued patent claims cover the Company’s proprietary methods relating to reducing triglyceride levels, total cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol or apolipoprotein C-III by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising omega-3 fatty acids comprising eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA).

“Recent developments in the cardiovascular space have placed renewed focus on MAT9001, our proprietary and purposefully designed omega-3 product. Over the past few years, we continued to be diligent in the prosecution of important intellectual property covering our MAT9001 product and the ongoing expansion of our intellectual property portfolio is an integral aspect of our development strategy. Given the clinical data generated from a head-to-head study of MAT9001 demonstrating superiority versus Vascepa^® (icosapent ethyl) in reducing triglycerides, total and non-HDL cholesterol, apolipoproteins and PCSK9 levels, we are very excited about the prospects for our potential best-in-class drug in this emerging drug class. We are committed to further exploring a variety of interesting and value-creating opportunities for the development and ultimate commercialization of MAT9001,” commented Jerome D. Jabbour, Chief Executive Officer of Matinas.

MAT9001 is comprised of docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), a potent but less prevalent omega-3 fatty acid with very unique properties, and other omega-3 fatty acids. MAT9001 was developed based on the newest scientific advancements in the field, incorporating and building upon the knowledge of almost 40 years of scientific research in the omega-3 discipline. Matinas BioPharma is developing MAT9001 for therapeutic applications in the cardiovascular and metabolic fields.

About Matinas BioPharma

Matinas BioPharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative medicines using its lipid nano-crystal (LNC) platform delivery technology. The Company's proprietary, disruptive technology utilizes lipid-crystal nano-particle cochleates to nano-encapsulate small molecules, oligonucleotides, vaccines and other medicines potentially making them safer, more tolerable, less toxic and orally bioavailable.

The Company's lead anti-fungal product candidate, MAT2203, positions Matinas BioPharma to become a leader in the safe and effective delivery of anti-infective therapies utilizing its proprietary LNC formulation technology.

In addition, the Company is exploring development and partnership options for MAT9001, a prescription-only omega-3 fatty acid-based composition under development for hypertriglyceridemia, which has shown superiority versus Vascepa^® (icosapent ethyl) in reducing serum triglycerides, Total- and Non-HDL-Cholesterol, apolipoproteins and PCSK9 levels.

For more information, please visit www.matinasbiopharma.com and connect with the Company on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Forward Looking Statements: This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including those relating to the Company's anticipated capital and liquidity needs, strategic focus and the future development of its product candidates, including MAT9001 and MAT2203, the anticipated timing of regulatory submissions, the anticipated timing of clinical studies, the anticipated timing of regulatory interactions, the Company’s ability to identify and pursue development and partnership opportunities for its products or platform delivery technology on favorable terms, if at all, and the ability to obtain required regulatory approval and other statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "could," "believes," "estimates" and similar expressions. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, our ability to obtain additional capital to meet our liquidity needs on acceptable terms, or at all, including the additional capital which will be necessary to complete the clinical trials of our product candidates; our ability to successfully complete research and further development and commercialization of our product candidates; the uncertainties inherent in clinical testing; the timing, cost and uncertainty of obtaining regulatory approvals; our ability to protect the Company's intellectual property; the loss of any executive officers or key personnel or consultants; competition; changes in the regulatory landscape or the imposition of regulations that affect the Company's products; and the other factors listed under "Risk Factors" in our filings with the SEC, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. Except as may be required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Matinas BioPharma's product candidates are all in a development stage and are not available for sale or use.

Source: Matinas BioPharma Holdings, Inc.

Released October 18, 2018