New developments in the pharmaceutical sector: Nuclidium and Actithera boost the competition in radiopharmaceuticals industry
The world of radiopharmaceuticals and theranostics is witnessing a remarkable surge, driven by advancements in nuclear medicine and the integration of imaging and treatment for cancer therapy. This burgeoning field is poised for significant growth, with the radiopharmaceutical theranostics market projected to reach $5.76 billion by 2029, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7%[3].
Technological advancements are playing a crucial role in this growth. Companies are focusing on developing novel manufacturing technologies and platforms to enhance accessibility and efficiency. Notable advancements include the use of alpha-emitting isotopes, such as Ac-225, and targeting ligands, which help improve the precision and efficacy of treatments[1].
The field of theranostics combines diagnostic imaging with therapeutic interventions, offering a promising approach for personalized treatment strategies, particularly in cancer care. This approach enables precise targeting of tumors while minimizing damage to healthy tissues[5].
In the realm of company developments, Nuclidium AG is making strides in the theranostic sector. The company recently secured a Series B financing round of CHF 79 million to advance its theranostic pipeline, focusing on copper-61 and copper-67 isotopes. Nuclidium's platform is designed for seamless integration into clinical workflows, aiming to improve global access to radiotheranostics[2].
Nuclidium is committed to both diagnostic imaging agents and therapeutic isotopes, with a focus on true theranostics: using the same targeting ligand labeled with both diagnostic and therapeutic radionuclides. The company expects theranostics to increasingly blur the line between diagnosis and treatment in many solid tumors[6].
Nuclidium's next indication is breast cancer. The company's approach allows for more precise patient selection and dose planning compared to separate companion diagnostics, which is particularly beneficial in this disease[4]. Copper isotopes' chemistry also allows for rapid preparation at the point of care, further enhancing efficiency.
Another company, Actithera, is targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a challenging target due to difficulties with sustained tumor retention. Actithera's approach is designed to be modular and target-agnostic, allowing for the optimization of ligand properties for various radionuclides[7]. The company is focused on optimizing the retention time of radioconjugates in tumors to enhance therapeutic efficacy.
Investors like Sofinnova are looking for discovery platforms that can repeatedly generate high-quality candidates. However, they acknowledge the challenges ahead, such as the pressure around radiopharma[8]. Actithera and Nuclidium are among those who have recently secured significant funding rounds: $75.5 million and $98 million respectively. The $98 million series B round will help Nuclidium in achieving its goals[9].
Improving the therapeutic index and tumor retention have emerged as key criteria for next-generation radioligand therapies (RLTs). Cu-67, a isotope used by Nuclidium, decays into a stable isotope, Zn-67, leaving no radioactive waste for hospitals or patients[10].
As these companies and others continue to innovate, the field of radiopharmaceuticals and theranostics is set to revolutionize cancer treatment, offering more precise, effective, and accessible therapies for patients worldwide.
[1] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2565-4 [2] https://www.biospace.com/article/releases/nuclidium-raises-79-million-series-b-financing-to-advance-its-theranostic-pipeline-/184238 [3] https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/radiopharmaceuticals-market-1554.html [4] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nuclidium-raises-98-million-series-b-financing-to-advance-its-theranostic-pipeline-301664600.html [5] https://www.nature.com/articles/nrd.2017.231 [6] https://www.biospace.com/article/releases/nuclidium-raises-98-million-series-b-financing-to-advance-its-theranostic-pipeline-301664600.html [7] https://www.actithera.com/ [8] https://www.sofinnova.com/ [9] https://www.biospace.com/article/releases/actithera-raises-75-5-million-series-a-financing-to-advance-its-radiopharmaceutical-platform-301666228.html [10] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2565-4
- The growth in the radiopharmaceuticals and theranostics market is attributed to advancements in technology, particularly in the development of novel manufacturing technologies and platforms.
- Companies like Nuclidium AG and Actithera are focusing on theranostics, aiming to improve precision and efficacy in cancer treatment through the use of radionuclides and targeting ligands.
- Investors are interested in companies that can repeatedly generate high-quality candidates, such as Nuclidium and Actithera, which have recently secured significant financing for their theranostic pipelines.
- The integration of technology in radiopharmaceuticals and theranostics is expected to revolutionize cancer treatment, offering more effective, accessible, and personalized therapies for various medical conditions.
