Eckert & Ziegler and GlyTherix Ltd have announced an expansion of their collaboration, marked by a global supply agreement for Actinium-225 (Ac-225). This agreement aims to bolster GlyTherix's research and development efforts in the realm of alpha radiotherapeutics for solid tumors.
Eckert & Ziegler will provide high-quality Ac-225 to support GlyTherix's clinical programs. GlyTherix specializes in developing antibody radiopharmaceuticals that target solid tumors, utilizing a strategy that combines radionuclides with antibodies to deliver localized radiation, thereby minimizing harm to healthy tissue. GlyTherix's approach targets Glypican-1, a protein prevalent in aggressive cancers such as prostate, pancreatic, bladder, lung, glioblastoma, and ovarian cancer.
Actinium-225 Production and GMP Quality
Eckert & Ziegler's production of Ac-225, initiated in December 2024 in collaboration with the Nuclear Physics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences (ÚJF), is on track to achieve GMP quality in the first half of 2025. This milestone is expected to significantly enhance the availability of Ac-225 for pharmaceutical companies engaged in developing alpha-emitting drugs.
GlyTherix's Clinical Development Plans
GlyTherix is set to employ 177Lu-DOTA-Miltuximab in an upcoming Australian Phase Ib trial in early 2025, followed by Phase II trials in the US in 2026. The company has already commenced Ac-225-based research and development activities at the Australian ARC Research Hub for Advanced Manufacture of Targeted Radiopharmaceuticals (AMTAR) at the University of Queensland.
Executive Perspectives
Dr. Harald Hasselmann, CEO of Eckert & Ziegler, stated, "We are happy to extend our collaboration with GlyTherix to fully support the planned development activities also for Actinium-225-based radiopharmaceuticals. Increasing the availability of Ac-225 is our key objective as it will accelerate both progress in clinical research and commercial applications, which will ultimately result in the improved access to cancer therapies for patients globally."
Dr. Brad Walsh, GlyTherix Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are pleased to be able to rely on Eckert & Ziegler also for the supply of Actinium-225. Alongside with Lutetium-177, Actinium-225 will become an important part of our clinical program later this year. It is therefore vital securing a reliable network for global supply of the alpha emitter to consistently support our upcoming trials."
