Radiopharm Theranostics is making strides toward securing Investigational New Drug (IND) approval for its innovative cancer-fighting radio-antibody, BetaBart, following the successful manufacturing of its initial batch. This development paves the way for potential human trials in the United States, marking a significant step in the fight against various cancers.
BetaBart targets the B7-H3 protein, a protein commonly over-expressed in human tumors. Pre-clinical trials involving animals have demonstrated promising results, with BetaBart effectively shrinking tumors and enhancing survival rates. These findings have spurred Radiopharm to submit a pre-IND meeting request to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), seeking the necessary approval to advance to human trials.
Collaboration and Development
Developed in collaboration with the MD Anderson Cancer Centre (MDACC) in Texas, BetaBart represents a novel approach to radiopharmaceutical therapy. Radiopharm recently increased its stake in the joint venture with MDACC to 75% with a $4 million investment, underscoring its commitment to developing innovative cancer treatments. The collaboration leverages MDACC's expertise in antigen discovery and molecular imaging with Radiopharm's capabilities in radiopharmaceutical development.
"We are extremely pleased with the strong collaboration with MD Anderson and the early results we saw with BetaBart (RV-01) are impressive, so we’re looking forward to developing this further," the company stated.
Clinical Trial Plans
Pending FDA approval, Radiopharm plans to initiate Phase 1 and 2 human therapeutic trials in the US, potentially starting in mid-next year. These trials will assess BetaBart's efficacy across multiple tumor types, evaluating its safety and therapeutic potential in humans.
Technology and Mechanism
Radiopharm's core technology revolves around using introduced antibodies to deliver precise radioactive doses to individual tumor cells. This targeted approach, known as radiopharmaceutical therapy, aims to minimize damage to healthy tissues while maximizing the impact on cancer cells. BetaBart is engineered to target the 4Ig protein subtype of B7-H3, which is frequently found on human tumors, making it a first-of-its-kind radiopharmaceutical in development.
BetaBart has been specifically engineered for human use, utilizing the readily available 177 Lutetium radioactive isotope. This isotope emits beta radiation, which is less ionizing, reducing the likelihood of toxicity issues.
Financial Backing
Radiopharm's advancements are supported by substantial financial backing, including approximately $70 million in capital from fund managers and up to an additional $15 million from Lantheus, a prominent American medical company. This financial strength enables Radiopharm to advance its pipeline of radiopharmaceutical agents targeting various cancer types, including prostate, brain, and lung cancers.
