RadioMedix and Vect-Horus Initiate First-in-Human Trial of Blood-Brain Barrier-Crossing Radiotracer for Glioblastoma and Pancreatic Cancer
Key Insights
RadioMedix (search) and Vect-Horus (search) have dosed the first patient in an exploratory IND study evaluating 203Pb-RMX-VH-PIB (search), a diagnostic radiotracer targeting LDLR (search)-overexpressing tumors in glioblastoma multiforme (search) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (search).
The investigational agent demonstrates the unique ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and showed significant tumor accumulation in preclinical studies, positioning it as a potential companion diagnostic for future targeted alpha therapy.
This milestone represents a significant advancement in theranostic radiopharmaceutical development for two of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant cancers with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options.
RadioMedix (search) and Vect-Horus (search) have achieved a significant milestone in oncology drug development with the first patient dosing in an exploratory Investigational New Drug study of 203Pb-RMX-VH-PIB (search), a novel diagnostic radiotracer designed to target two of the most challenging cancers: glioblastoma multiforme (search) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (search).
The investigational agent represents a potentially groundbreaking approach to addressing cancers with historically poor outcomes. "Patients impacted by devastating cancers such as GBM and PDAC often have very poor prognosis and limited effective therapies," said Ebrahim S. Delpassand, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of RadioMedix (search). "203Pb-RMX-VH-PIB (search), which is able to cross the blood-brain-barrier, could offer a novel approach for targeting both."
Targeting LDLR-Overexpressing Tumors
The diagnostic imaging product 203Pb-RMX-VH-PIB (search) targets the Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor (search) (LDLR (search)), which is overexpressed in solid tumors including glioblastoma multiforme (search) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (search). In preclinical studies, the radiotracer demonstrated significant tumor accumulation, establishing a critical prerequisite for successful Targeted Radioligand Therapy.
The exploratory clinical study aims to evaluate the safety, dosimetry, and distribution of 203Pb-RMX-VH-PIB (search) in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (search), described as the most aggressive and often fatal brain tumor, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (search), characterized as one of the most chemo-resistant and lethal cancers.
Companion Diagnostic for Future Therapy
The radiotracer is designed to serve as a companion diagnostic for future Targeted Alpha Therapy for these cancers. "This study will provide the first human insights to guide future clinical development of a theranostic radiopharmaceutical which may ultimately help clinical management for patients," Delpassand noted.
Alexandre Tokay, CEO of Vect-Horus (search), emphasized the significance of this clinical milestone: "We are pleased to announce the initiation of this clinical trial, which is an important milestone for Vect-Horus and demonstrates continuing progress in the collaboration with our partner RadioMedix (search). We are looking forward to generating clinical data with RadioMedix with the aim of expanding treatment options for patients with GBM and PDAC."
Strategic Partnership and Development
The collaboration between RadioMedix (search) and Vect-Horus (search) operates under a co-development and licensing agreement for theranostic agents. RadioMedix serves as the licensor of 203Pb-RMX-VH-PIB (search) and has committed to supporting its development and advancing innovative diagnostic tools for challenging diseases.
RadioMedix (search) operates as a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on targeted radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosis, monitoring, and cancer therapy, with particular emphasis on progressing next-generation Targeted Alpha Therapies. The company supports its operations through The SPICA Center, a 27,000 square foot facility specializing in radiopharmaceutical manufacturing.
Vect-Horus (search) brings expertise in designing and developing molecular vectors for targeted delivery of therapeutic molecules and imaging agents to organs, including the brain, and to tumors. Founded in 2005 as a spin-off of the Institute for Neurophysiopathology, the company has established proof of concept for its technology in animal models and employs 43 people, primarily in research and development, having secured EUR 42 million in equity and subsidies.