Altamira Therapeutics has announced a strategic collaboration with an undisclosed company in the radiopharmaceutical sector to explore the integration of its proprietary RNA delivery technology with radiopharmaceutical cancer treatments. The partnership aims to enhance the targeting capabilities of radioligand therapies through the combination of Altamira's peptide-based nanoparticle platform with existing radiopharmaceutical compounds.
Collaboration Framework and Objectives
Under the terms of the agreement, Altamira and its collaboration partner will conduct comprehensive in vitro and in vivo testing to evaluate the efficacy of combining RNA nanoparticles with an undisclosed RNA payload alongside the partner's proprietary radiopharmaceuticals. The collaboration represents a novel approach to enhancing the precision and therapeutic benefits of radiopharmaceutical therapy, which currently uses tiny amounts of radioactive compounds to diagnose and treat various diseases, particularly cancer.
The experimental framework will focus on determining whether Altamira's xPhore™ platform can improve the targeting specificity and therapeutic outcomes when used in conjunction with existing radiopharmaceutical treatments. Upon successful conclusion of the experiments, the collaboration partner will have the option to negotiate licensing and supply agreements with Altamira for the development and commercialization of the combined RNA nanoparticle technology for cancer treatment applications.
Market Context and Growth Potential
The collaboration enters a rapidly expanding market landscape, with the global radiopharmaceutical market reaching $8.4 billion in 2024 and projected to grow to $17.1 billion by 2033. This growth trajectory reflects the increasing recognition of radiopharmaceutical therapy's potential in precision oncology and its ability to deliver highly targeted treatment approaches.
Radiopharmaceutical therapy operates through a sophisticated mechanism where radioactive compounds are injected into patients and subsequently navigate through the bloodstream to locate and bind to tumor-specific receptors. This targeted approach has demonstrated significant advances in treatment outcomes and holds promise for expanding precision oncology applications to additional tumor types.
Technology Integration and Platform Capabilities
Altamira's contribution to the collaboration centers on its xPhore™ platform, a peptide-based nanoparticle technology designed for efficient RNA delivery to extrahepatic tissues. The company's proprietary delivery technology extends beyond liver-targeted applications, addressing a significant gap in RNA therapeutics where most current technologies are limited to hepatic delivery.
The versatility of Altamira's platform accommodates various RNA modalities, including siRNA and mRNA, making it suitable for diverse therapeutic applications. The company currently maintains two flagship siRNA programs utilizing this delivery technology: AM-401 for KRAS-driven cancer and AM-411 for rheumatoid arthritis, both in preclinical development beyond in vivo proof of concept stages.
Leadership Perspective and Strategic Vision
Thomas Meyer, PhD, Altamira's founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration's potential impact. "We are very delighted to initiate this collaboration to explore the utility of our RNA delivery technology in conjunction with radiopharmaceuticals," Meyer commented. "The concept of radiopharmaceutical therapy has allowed for highly impressive advances in treatment outcomes and holds great promise for expanding precision oncology to additional tumor types. We look forward to working with our partner, on further enhancing radiopharmaceuticals' therapeutic benefits."
Company Background and Portfolio
Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda, with main operations in Basel, Switzerland, Altamira Therapeutics has established itself as a specialized developer of RNA delivery technologies. Beyond its core xPhore™ platform, the company maintains a diversified portfolio including a 49% stake in Altamira Medica AG, which holds the commercial-stage asset Bentrio®, an over-the-counter nasal spray for allergic rhinitis treatment.
The company's business model includes making its versatile delivery platform available to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies through out-licensing arrangements, positioning Altamira as both a developer of proprietary therapeutics and a technology provider for the broader industry. Additionally, Altamira is currently in the process of partnering or divesting its inner ear legacy assets as part of its strategic portfolio optimization.
