Molecular Partners and Orano Med have announced a strategic partnership for the development of radio-DARPin therapeutics (RDTs), further details of which can be found in a press release. The cooperation will focus on the targeted delivery of radioactive payloads to combat cancerous tumors. This development agreement covers multiple oncology targets, including Molecular Partners’ previously published RDT target molecule DLL3. According to the press release, the two partners will share the costs for preclinical and clinical development and will also supply their respective materials. Initial in-human clinical trials are expected to begin in 2025.
Orano Med, which is headquartered in Plano, Texas, and forms part of the Paris-based Orano Group, will contribute its expertise in targeted alpha therapy with lead-based (212Pb) alpha emitters. Together with the new class of custom-built protein drugs, known as DARPin therapeutics, from Molecular Partners, DLL3 is to be developed as an RDT target.
“Orano Med provides extensive expertise and a secure supply of a powerful, highly focused source of radiation for precision cancer treatment, expanding our RDT portfolio in new directions”, comments Patrick Amstutz, CEO of Molecular Partners, in the press release. While his company has successfully proven that DARPins attack tumor cells in an effective and highly selective manner, it is imperative for Molecular Partners to “align ourselves with our partners who have the scientific, technical and logistical expertise to develop, manufacture and supply radiotherapeutics”, he adds.
Molecular Partners is headquartered at the Bio-Technopark Schlieren-Zürich and was founded by researchers from the University of Zurich in 2004.
