Perspective Therapeutics is making strides in the development of its radiopharmaceutical pipeline, with ongoing clinical trials and expansion of manufacturing capabilities. The company's lead programs, VMT-α-NET and VMT01, are showing promise in neuroendocrine tumors and metastatic melanoma, respectively.
VMT-α-NET for Neuroendocrine Tumors
Perspective Therapeutics is conducting a Phase 1/2a trial of [212Pb]VMT-α-NET (NCT05636618) in patients with unresectable or metastatic somatostatin receptor type 2 (SSTR2)-positive neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) who have not received prior radiopharmaceutical therapies (RPT). The FDA has granted Fast Track Designation for this program.
Initial results from the company-sponsored Phase 1/2a study of [212Pb]VMT-α-NET in patients with RPT-naïve neuroendocrine tumors were presented at the 2024 North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (NANETS) Multidisciplinary NET Medical Symposium in November. Data submitted to the Safety Monitoring Committee (SMC) supported dose escalation to Cohort 3, increasing the number of patients dosed at 5 mCi.
An investigator-led study in India explored the use of [212Pb]VMT-α-NET in patients with metastatic NETs and medullary thyroid carcinomas. The investigator reported updated safety and anti-tumor activity of [212Pb]VMT-α-NET administered at 67 µCi/kg (2.5 MBq/kg) every 8 weeks for up to 6 doses in 10 patients with GEP-NETs. Confirmed tumor response per RECIST 1.1 was observed in six of the 10 patients.
VMT01 for Metastatic Melanoma
VMT01 is designed to target and deliver 212Pb to tumor sites expressing melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), a protein overexpressed in metastatic melanoma tumors. Perspective is conducting a Phase 1/2a study (NCT05655312) in previously treated patients with histologically confirmed melanoma and MC1R-positive imaging scans.
The FDA has granted Fast Track Designation for the development of [212Pb]VMT01 for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma who have demonstrated MC1R tumor expression. A clinical trial collaboration agreement with Bristol Myers Squibb has been established to explore the combination of the checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab with [212Pb]VMT01.
Initial results from the first two dosing cohorts showed no dose-limiting toxicities and treatment emergent adverse events were mostly Grades 1 and 2. In Cohort 1 (3 mCi of [212Pb]VMT01), one patient experienced an unconfirmed RECIST version 1.1 objective response, and two patients experienced stable disease at 9 and 11 months. The SMC recommended exploring a lower dose level of 1.5 mCi per dose, both as a single agent and in combination with nivolumab.
Advancing Pre-IND Assets
Perspective Therapeutics is advancing multiple assets in pre-IND development, with plans to move several into the clinic in the next 9-18 months.
PSV359, targeting fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP-α), has shown promising preclinical imaging and therapy results. First-in-human SPECT/CT images revealed strong tumor uptake, fast clearance, and low accumulation in normal organs. The company is on track to file an IND in late 2024.
PSV40X targets prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and is being assessed for its potential to achieve a best-in-class profile. Pre-targeting technology is also under investigation to enhance tumor targeting using antibodies to direct radiolabeled ligands to tumor sites.
Manufacturing Expansion and Financial Position
Perspective Therapeutics is expanding its manufacturing infrastructure, including a newly operational facility in Somerset, New Jersey. The company has entered into a Master Equipment and Services Agreement with Comecer SpA for manufacturing equipment. Buildings have been purchased in Houston, Chicago, and Los Angeles for future manufacturing sites.
As of September 30, 2024, Perspective Therapeutics had approximately $268 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments. The company expects this to be sufficient to fund operations into mid-2026.
