German precision medicine specialist Navigo Proteins GmbH has announced a strategic research collaboration with Belgium's Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN) to accelerate the development of targeted radiotheranostic treatments for cancer using the promising radioisotope terbium-161 (161Tb).
The partnership, announced on April 1, 2025, brings together Navigo's engineered protein platforms with SCK CEN's radiochemistry and isotope production expertise to explore preclinical applications of Auger-electron emitters for cancer therapy.
"This alliance brings together the right building blocks for next-generation radiopharmaceuticals," said Dr. Ulrich Haupts, CSO and Managing Director at Navigo. "By working with SCK CEN, we gain strategic access to terbium-161 and a wealth of nuclear medicine know-how that can help bring new therapies to the clinic faster."
The Science Behind Radiotheranostics
Radiotheranostics represent an emerging class of precision medicine that combines diagnostic imaging and therapeutic capabilities in a single approach. Unlike conventional treatments, these agents can deliver radioactive payloads directly to tumor cells, limiting damage to healthy tissue.
The collaboration will utilize Navigo's cutting-edge Affilin® and HEAD platforms alongside SCK CEN's expertise in radioisotopes. Terbium-161, an Auger-electron emitting radioisotope, is particularly promising for targeted cancer therapy due to its physical properties that allow for precise energy deposition in tumor cells.
Radiopharmaceuticals consist of three critical components: the radioisotope (161Tb in this case), a carrier molecule that targets cancer cells, and a chelator that binds the radioisotope to the carrier. Navigo's Affilin® platform provides novel target-binding proteins that combine advantages of both antibodies and peptides, potentially offering superior tumor-specific accumulation.
Development Timeline and Goals
The research teams will focus on preclinical studies targeting multiple undisclosed molecules using the latest radiotheranostic approaches. Their investigations will assess the efficiency of these molecules in delivering radioactivity specifically to tumors.
"The aim is to identify a promising candidate within two to three years and prepare all necessary data to initiate clinical studies," explained Koen Hasaers, Director of Nuclear Medical Applications at SCK CEN. "The synergy between our isotope infrastructure and Navigo's molecular platforms means faster development timelines – and potentially better outcomes for patients."
Expanding Treatment Options Beyond Current Applications
While current radioligand therapies have shown success primarily in metastatic prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors, this collaboration aims to broaden applications to other cancer types.
"Navigo Proteins and SCK CEN each have extensive experience in key ingredients of radiopharmaceuticals," noted Hasaers. "Combining these complementary strengths saves valuable development time. This is crucial, as these treatments have the potential to enhance therapy response and improve quality of life for patients with various types of cancer."
Strategic Significance for Both Organizations
For Navigo Proteins, this partnership represents a significant milestone in their strategy to expand partnerships and accelerate the clinical development of next-generation radiotheranostic products. The company's growing Affilin® portfolio addresses key challenges in targeted therapeutics by achieving exceptional tumor-specific accumulation and favorable biodistribution.
SCK CEN brings over 70 years of experience in nuclear research and technology to the collaboration. With more than 900 employees dedicated to developing peaceful applications for radioactivity, the Belgian research center contributes world-class expertise in radioisotopes and preclinical testing infrastructure.
Future Implications for Cancer Treatment
The long-term vision of this collaboration extends beyond the development of a single candidate. Both organizations aim to establish a framework for more personalized, effective, and better-tolerated cancer treatments through radiotheranostics.
By combining precision targeting with the therapeutic potential of radioisotopes like terbium-161, these next-generation treatments could potentially offer cancer patients improved outcomes with fewer side effects compared to conventional therapies.
The preclinical studies will investigate a series of undisclosed targets with rigorous assessment of both efficacy and safety profiles before advancing to clinical development.
