Alpha-9 Oncology Begins Phase 1 Study of A9-3408 for Melanoma Treatment

Alpha-9 Oncology Begins Phase 1 Clinical Study for Melanoma Treatment

In a significant advance for targeted cancer therapies, Alpha-9 Oncology, a company specializing in clinical-stage radiotherapeutics, proudly announces the initiation of dosing for its Phase 1 clinical study of A9-3408. This innovative drug is based on Actinium-225 and designed specifically to target the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) in patients suffering from melanoma.

The Phase 1 trial operates as a multi-center, open-label study that will assess the safety, pharmacokinetics, and dose escalation of A9-3408 in patients with MC1R-positive melanoma who have not responded to standard therapies. This significant milestone not only marks the first dosing of patients but also builds upon the foundation set by A9-3202, a Gallium-68-based imaging agent developed by Alpha-9 Oncology, which was introduced into clinical settings last year.

Importance of the MC1R Target

According to Paul Blanchfield, the CEO of Alpha-9 Oncology, the dosage commencement is a landmark achievement for the company and underscores the robustness of their internal research and development platform. Blanchfield expressed enthusiasm about initiating trials for their first therapeutic endeavor, with hopes of advancing additional innovative assets through clinical development.

Dr. Robert Meehan, who has been appointed as Chief Medical Officer at Alpha-9, emphasizes the significance of the MC1R as an optimal target for therapy. He notes that it is highly expressed in melanoma cases while being relatively absent in healthy tissues. Even as immunotherapy has evolved, many patients who progress after the standard care options still face substantial unmet medical needs. This reinforces the potential impact of the A9-3408 program, particularly after previous studies showed that 92% of patients displayed strong MC1R expression post immunotherapy progression.

A Team of Experts Leading the Charge

Dr. Meehan's recent appointment bolsters Alpha-9's capabilities in clinical development. With an extensive background in biopharmaceuticals, specifically in the realms of hematology and oncology, he brings a wealth of knowledge in drug development across various modalities. Before joining Alpha-9, he held key positions at Dragonfly Therapeutics and Moderna among others, enhancing his proficiency in steering complex development programs.

Pioneering Radiotherapeutics for Cancer Treatment

The ongoing work of Alpha-9 Oncology is grounded in a comprehensive method of molecule design, focusing on optimizing binders, linkers, and chelators. This strategic development allows them to create radiotherapeutics characterized by exceptional tumor uptake and retention, while seeking to minimize off-target effects, improving overall safety and efficacy. The progression of their MC1R-focused program stands as a testament to Alpha-9's commitment to advancing precision oncology and meeting the demands of cancer treatment.

Alpha-9 Oncology is dedicated to enhancing treatment options for patients battling cancer through their pipeline of innovative molecules. By leveraging proprietary technology and expert knowledge, the company aims to reliably deliver radiation in a manner that effectively targets tumor cells while safeguarding healthy tissues.

For more information, visit Alpha-9 Oncology's website.