When it comes to treating metastatic cancers, the current approach often involves destroying everything in the path to the tumor, but the collateral damage can be deadly. A novel approach, radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT), targets cancer cells directly while sparing healthy tissue. This method has attracted over $17 billion in investments, according to estimates compiled by Aptevo Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: APVO).
As radiopharmaceutical therapeutics reach a tipping point, the field requires better tumor targeting and reliable isotope access. An RPT drug consists of a targeting molecule that finds the cancer cell and a radioactive isotope that destroys it. To address these needs, Aptevo Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing multispecific immuno-oncology therapeutics, and Niowave Inc., a radioisotope production and supply company, have formed a 50/50 strategic collaboration to develop up to three radiopharmaceutical oncology programs.
Aptevo brings its multispecific platforms and oncology expertise, while Niowave provides radioisotope production, supply, and manufacturing capabilities. Niowave also made an equity investment in Aptevo, representing an initial ownership of 7.9%, with the potential to build up to 19.99% through warrant exercises. "This collaboration will deepen our radiopharmaceutical development capabilities and better position us to support current partners and the broader industry," said Mike Zamiara, CEO of Niowave.
The collaboration marks Aptevo's entry into radiopharmaceuticals, building on its phase 1b clinical trial of mipletamig for acute myeloid leukemia. Aptevo's ADAPTIR™ and ADAPTIR-FLEX™ platforms create multispecific antibodies that engage the immune system to attack tumors. By combining these platforms with Niowave's isotope manufacturing, the companies aim to advance new treatments for cancers with high unmet need.
Under the agreement, Aptevo will contribute assets from its multispecific antibody platforms, including targeting assets against Nectin-4, a clinically validated cancer target expressed on the surface of solid tumors. Niowave will provide radioisotopes like actinium-225 and manufacturing capabilities. "The collaboration reflects a strategic expansion of Aptevo's development plan," said Jeff Lamothe, President and CEO of Aptevo.
The radiopharmaceutical therapy market has attracted Big Pharma investments, but development has been constrained by limited access to isotopes and manufacturing infrastructure. Niowave is a leading manufacturer and supplier of isotopes with established relationships. Together, Aptevo and Niowave aim to overcome these limitations and advance RPT for complex tumor settings. For more information about Aptevo, visit Aptevo's website. The original press release can be viewed on NewMediaWire.
