Lantheus lands rights to budding radiopharmaceuticals for initial outlay of $35M
One of the largest radiopharma companies in the world is acquiring global rights to a pair of novel therapeutic and diagnostic drugs used to target a peptide receptor overexpressed in prostate and breast cancers.
Bedford, Mass.-based Lantheus announced the deal June 27, saying its acquisition of two of Life Molecular Imaging’s RM2 gastrin-releasing peptide receptor antagonist agents—177Lu-DOTA-RM2 and 68Ga-DOTA-RM2—demonstrates Lantheus’s dedication to pioneering cancer care.
The move “marks a significant step towards addressing unmet medical needs in prostate and breast cancer treatment,” Lantheus adds in its announcement.
The agreement includes global rights to the radiotheranostic pair for an upfront payment of $35 million and potential regulatory milestone payments plus royalties, Lantheus says.
The company notes that, prior to being licensed to Life Molecular Imaging, RM2 was discovered at Bern and Basel Universities and developed by Bayer.
Other points noted by Lantheus in the announcement:
- 68Ga-DOTA-RM2 targets tumors overexpressing the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) in not only breast and prostate cancers but also cancers of the lung, pancreas, colon, stomach and ovaries.
- First-in-human dosimetry showed a favorable safety and dosimetry profile and confirmed preclinical data demonstrating dose-dependent efficacy of 177Lu-DOTA-RM2.
Lantheus says it intends to begin a Phase 1/2a study with 177Lu-DOTA-RM2 in prostate cancer patients in 2025, using 68Ga-DOTA-RM2 as a companion diagnostic.
Life Molecular Imaging, a subsidiary of Life Healthcare Group, will complete the Phase 1/2a dose escalation study in collaboration with Lantheus.
“While new PSMA-targeted diagnostics and therapeutics are transforming prostate cancer care, there are many patients for whom PSMA-targeted therapy may not be appropriate,” Lantheus CEO Brian Markison comments. “Targeting GRPR with 177Lu-DOTA-RM2 and 68Ga-DOTA-RM2 creates a potential new option to expand access to radiotheranostics for more prostate cancer patients.”
Life Molecular CEO Ludger Dinkelborg says that, given Lantheus’s experience developing and providing access to radiotheranostics in cancer, “we are confident in our decision to hand them the reins for this promising theranostic pair and are honored to work with them toward improving the future for people with prostate and breast cancer.”
PharmaShots lists Lantheus as the third-largest radiopharma company based on market cap, behind only Novartis and Bayer.
Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.