Actinium Pharmaceuticals and Memorial Sloan Kettering: A Strategic Collaboration to Enhance Actimab-A
In a significant move for the future of hematologic cancer treatments, Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE AMERICAN: ATNM) has announced a partnership with the renowned Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) to advance the clinical development of its innovative therapy, Actimab-A. This collaboration aims to expand upon Actimab-A's mutation-agnostic mechanism and further investigate its interplay with other targeted therapies for acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Objectives of the Collaboration
Two critical objectives outline this collaboration. Firstly, researchers will explore the effectiveness of Actimab-A in conjunction with targeted therapies, including FLT3 and menin inhibitors. The study will focus on defining the transcriptional profiles of AML cells post-treatment with these combinations, providing crucial insights into the drug's efficacy. Secondly, the research will evaluate the activity of Actimab-A-based combinations using ex vivo samples derived from AML patients, shedding light on the treatment's effectiveness for individuals who have received or not received prior therapies like Venetoclax combined with hypomethylating agents.
Actimab-A: The Backbone of AML Therapy
Actimab-A has showcased a promising mutation-agnostic profile, especially in high-risk relapsed and refractory (r/r) AML patients, including those with challenging conditions such as TP53 gene mutations or having undergone previous treatments like bone marrow transplantation. Its ability to synergize effectively with FLT3 inhibitors and menin inhibitors has been evidenced through preclinical studies, where it exhibited improved antileukemic activity and tumor control. Given that FLT3 mutations appear in approximately 25-30% of AML cases, this partnership could significantly enhance treatment outcomes for a considerable patient population.
Sandesh Seth, Chairman and CEO of Actinium, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "In 2025, we are reimagining and revitalizing our Actimab-A program leveraging its mutation-agnostic, backbone therapy profile. This collaboration with MSKCC will further expand and support novel Actimab-A combinations with targeted therapies in AML." He emphasized the collaboration's potential to address the pressing healthcare needs of over 100,000 patients suffering from myeloid malignancies, representing a notable market opportunity expected to reach multi-billion-dollar figures.
Clinical Trials and Future Directions
Actimab-A is currently progressing into pivotal Phase 2/3 trials, exploring its combinations with the chemotherapy regimen CLAG-M in r/r AML patients and with Venetoclax and ASTX-727 for newly diagnosed cases. Additionally, Actinium is directing efforts towards using Actimab-A for solid tumors by targeting myeloid-derived suppressor cells, which play a role in limiting the effectiveness of PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors and correlating with poorer patient outcomes.
Consistent with their rigorous research philosophy, Actinium is well-prepared to execute this collaboration with MSKCC. They anticipate generating essential data from AML patient-derived models, with compelling clinical results expected in the second half of 2025. Benefiting from their cooperative research and development agreement with the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Actinium aims to integrate Actimab-A into treatment protocols that substantively improve patient outcomes in acute myeloid leukemia and related malignancies.
Conclusion
Actinium Pharmaceuticals' partnership with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center showcases a forward-thinking approach in the dynamic field of cancer therapy. By leveraging Actimab-A's unique qualities and advancing its clinical applications, the collaboration not only addresses existing treatment gaps but also sets the stage for innovative approaches to combating AML effectively. As this research unfolds, the anticipation continues to grow for a future where effective and targeted treatments can revolutionize the landscape of hematologic cancers.
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