Actithera Partners with Weizmann Institute for Advanced Radiopharmaceutical Innovations

Actithera's New Milestone in Cancer Treatment

Actithera, a bold player in biotechnology, has made significant strides by securing an exclusive license agreement to employ groundbreaking covalent chemistry technologies from the Weizmann Institute of Science. This collaboration promises to revolutionize the development of targeted radiopharmaceutical therapies, particularly for oncology applications.

Exclusive License Agreement

Actithera's agreement with Yeda, the commercial arm of the Weizmann Institute, gives them access to two patent families that represent leading-edge work from Professor Nir London’s lab, known for its expertise in covalent drug design. These innovative techniques focus on site-specific, durable, and traceless methods for radiolabeling proteins tied to tumors. Through these technologies, Actithera aims to significantly enhance tumor selectivity and the retention of radiopharmaceuticals in cancer treatments.

Implications for Cancer Treatment

The implications of this partnership extend beyond mere innovation; they introduce a new paradigm in how radiopharmaceuticals could be conceived, optimized, and used in clinical settings. By integrating Professor London’s groundbreaking methods into its drug discovery process, Actithera is positioned to radically transform cancer treatment, allowing for more targeted and effective therapies that spare healthy tissues.

Andreas Goutopoulos, PhD, Actithera's CEO, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, "This collaboration enables us to use revolutionary chemistry to label tumor-specific proteins irreversibly while preserving their native states. We believe that the durability and stealth of this method could lead to better radiation retention in tumors and improved therapeutic outcomes."

Financial Backing and Future Prospects

This strategic initiative is supported by Actithera's successful $75.5 million Series A financing raised earlier in July 2025. With this funding, the company plans to propel its proprietary Radioligand Therapy (RLT) discovery platform and preclinical pipeline forward. The firm aims to advance its lead candidate targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP) toward clinical trials across multiple oncology indications.

As Goutopoulos noted, unlocking these new opportunities in cancer treatment places Actithera in a unique strategic position within the biotechnology landscape. The firm’s focus on developing precision therapies aligns with the urgent need for more effective cancer treatments that address unmet medical needs.

Words from Yeda and Professor London

Elik Chapnik, CEO of Yeda, emphasized the importance of the collaboration, remarking, "Partnering with Actithera brings Professor London's innovative chemistry into practical application in the radiopharmaceutical space. Their vision aligns closely with our objective to convert scientific breakthroughs into unique treatment options for patients."

Furthermore, Professor London himself expressed pride in seeing his research translate into effective cancer therapies. He remarked, "Our work is aimed at pushing the boundaries of what's possible in covalent drug design. The potential to deliver targeted radiation accurately to tumors while minimizing the impact on healthy tissues is immensely promising. This venture with Actithera opens the door to crucial advancements in radiopharmaceutical therapy."

Holistic Approach to Drug Discovery

Actithera is committed to building a comprehensive pipeline of radiopharmaceutical therapies, focusing on technologies that intersect medicinal chemistry, radiochemistry, and advanced drug design. By integrating cutting-edge covalent chemistry from the Weizmann Institute into its existing capabilities, the company continues to expand its repertoire and innovate in precision therapy for oncology.

In conclusion, the partnership between Actithera and the Weizmann Institute is poised to usher in a new age of targeted cancer treatment, reflecting a significant advancement in biotechnology that holds promise for millions of patients worldwide. As developments continue, the medical community watches closely to see how these innovations come to life in clinical practices.