Schlieren ZH – Molecular Partners and Orano Med will collaborate in the development of protein drugs, so-called DARPin therapeutics. Their radioactive payload is designed to specifically kill cancer cells. The therapeutic agents are intended to minimize collateral kidney damage.
Molecular Partners and Orano Med have announced an agreement for the development of radio-DARPin therapeutics(RDTs). This involves the targeted administration of radioactive payloads to cancer tumors. This development agreement covers several oncology targets, including Molecular Partners' previously disclosed RDT target DLL3. According to the announcement, the two partners will share the costs of preclinical and clinical development and will also supply their respective materials. The first clinical trials on humans are scheduled to begin in 2025.
Orano Med, which is based in Plano, Texas, and is part of the Paris-based Orano Group, will contribute its expertise in targeted alpha therapy with lead-based (212Pb) alpha emitters. Together with Molecular Partners' DARPin therapeutics, a new class of customized binding proteins, DLL3 will be developed as an RDT target.
"Orano Med offers extensive expertise and safe delivery of a powerful, highly focused radiation source for precision cancer treatment and expands our RDT portfolio in new directions," Molecular Partners CEO Patrick Amstutz is quoted as saying. His company has been able to prove that the DARPins attack tumor cells effectively and highly selectively. "But it is essential that we join forces with partners who have the scientific, technical and logistical expertise to develop, manufacture and supply radiotherapeutics."
Molecular Partners, based at Bio-Technopark Schlieren-Zurich , was founded in 2004 by researchers from the University of Zurich. ce/mm