Molecular Partners and Orano Med work more closely together

Molecular Partners and Orano Med have extended their agreement on the joint development of 212Pb-based RadioDARPin therapeutics, according to a press release. Both companies only announced an agreement on the development of radio-DARPin therapeutics (RDTs) in January 2024. DARPins are artificial proteins with special binding capabilities. Orano Med, based in Plano, Texas and part of Orano of Paris, brings its expertise in targeted alpha therapy with lead-based (212Pb) alpha emitters.

The amended agreement provides for four programs, with each company holding the marketing rights for two of these programs. Both companies expect the first trials for MP0712 to start in 2025, subject to regulatory approval. MP0712 is designed to specifically kill cancer cells with its radioactive payload. Molecular Partners holds the commercialization rights for MP0712, a radio DARPin targeting DLL3. DLL3 is a protein that occurs on tumors.

"The continued progress and strengthening of our collaboration with our partner Orano Med is not only a strong testament to the DARPin platform, but also to the strong teamwork between our companies," said Patrick Amstutz, CEO of Molecular Partners.

Molecular Partners does not expect the extension of the development agreement to have an immediate impact on its financial forecast for the 2024 financial year and is maintaining its financing forecast until 2027. Cash and cash equivalents, including short-term time deposits, are reported at around CHF 140 million as at September 30, 2024.

Molecular Partners, based in the Bio-Technopark Schlieren-Zurich, was founded in 2004 by researchers from the University of Zurich(UZH). ce/gba