Alpha Tau Medical Ltd. (NASDAQ: DRTS, DRTSW) has announced significant progress in the development and clinical evaluation of its Alpha DaRT (Diffusing Alpha-emitters Radiation Therapy) technology. The company's third quarter 2024 financial results and corporate update highlight advancements in regulatory approvals, clinical trials, and financial stability.
FDA Acceptance into TAP for Glioblastoma
In October 2024, Alpha Tau Medical announced that Alpha DaRT was accepted into the FDA's Total Product Life Cycle Advisory Program (TAP) to expedite market access for patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The TAP program aims to accelerate the availability of innovative medical devices by providing strategic communication with the FDA and facilitating engagement with key stakeholders. This acceptance is expected to reduce the time, cost, and uncertainty associated with achieving reimbursement and commercial adoption post-FDA authorization.
Clinical Trial for Recurrent Lung Cancer
The first patient with recurrent lung cancer has been treated in a clinical trial at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem, Israel. This study is designed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of delivering Alpha DaRT sources into the lung using an endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) procedure. The trial will assess the rate of successful source placement and monitor for any treatment-related adverse events. Additional details can be found at https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05632913.
IDE Approval for Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Study
The FDA has approved an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) application to initiate a multi-center study evaluating Alpha DaRT for the treatment of recurrent cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cSCC) in immunocompromised patients. This investigator-initiated study, led by the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University in Atlanta, aims to enroll up to 28 patients across eight U.S. institutions. The study will focus on patients with recurrent cSCC who have weakened immune systems due to primary or secondary immunodeficiencies, excluding diabetes. More information is available at https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06615635.
Anticipated Milestones
Alpha Tau Medical anticipates several key milestones in the near future:
- Response from PMDA in Japan in Q1 2025 for pre-market approval for Alpha DaRT in patients with recurrent head and neck cancer.
- Planned release of data from pancreatic cancer trials in Canada and Israel in Q1 2025.
- Targeting completion of patient recruitment in the ReSTART pivotal U.S. multi-center trial in recurrent cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in H1 2025 (NCT05323253).
- Targeting release of data from combination trial of Alpha DaRT with pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) in H1 2025 (NCT05047094).
- Targeting first brain cancer treatment in H1 2025.
Financial Position
As of September 30, 2024, Alpha Tau Medical reported cash, cash equivalents, and deposits totaling $68.4 million. The company anticipates that this balance will be sufficient to fund operations for at least the next two years.
About Alpha DaRT
Alpha DaRT (Diffusing Alpha-emitters Radiation Therapy) is designed to deliver potent alpha-irradiation to solid tumors through intratumoral delivery of radium-224 impregnated sources. The alpha particles emitted during the decay of radium and its daughters aim to destroy the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissue due to their short diffusion distance.
