Ariceum and NorthStar Form Strategic Alliance for Ac-225 Supply Agreement

Strategic Collaboration for Enhanced Cancer Treatments

In a significant advancement for the field of radiopharmaceuticals, Ariceum Therapeutics and NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes have officially announced their partnership to supply Actinium-225 (Ac-225), a critical isotope for cancer treatment. This alliance aims to bolster Ariceum's innovative therapeutic pipeline, specifically targeting cancers that express the somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2), such as small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancers.

Understanding the Agreement

Through this new agreement, NorthStar will deliver non-carrier-added (n.c.a.) high purity Ac-225 to Ariceum. This radioactive isotope is regarded as a crucial element in developing new radiosynthesized therapies, especially for patients suffering from aggressive cancers with limited treatment options. With NorthStar's cutting-edge production technology and industry leadership, Ariceum is optimizing its supply chain for this critical isotope, which is crucial for their clinical studies.

A New Weapon Against Cancer

Ariceum is particularly excited about using Ac-225 to radiolabel its proprietary peptide, satoreotide (SS0110). Satoreotide is a first-in-class antagonist targeting SSTR2, designed as part of a 'theranostic pair' that combines both diagnostics and targeted treatment methodologies. Leveraging the radioisotope's properties, satoreotide aims to revolutionize the landscape of treatment for various cancers, including small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and Merkel Cell carcinoma.

Manfred Rüdiger, CEO of Ariceum Therapeutics, expressed his optimism regarding the partnership, stating, "Satoreotide represents a crucial advancement in our understanding and treatment of hard-to-treat cancers. With NorthStar's experienced team and reliable products, we are poised to make significant strides in clinical development soon."

The Importance of Ac-225

Ac-225 is a rare isotope with burgeoning applications in therapeutic radiology. Known for its potential to deliver targeted radiation therapy directly to cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue, Ac-225 has emerged as a vital component in the ongoing search for innovative cancer treatments. The limited availability of high purity Ac-225 has hindered research and development, and partnerships like the one between Ariceum and NorthStar are pivotal in overcoming these hurdles.

Frank Scholz, CEO of NorthStar, commented, "Our primary objective is to facilitate accessibility to Ac-225 for clinical trials and patient applications. This partnership underscores our commitment to ensuring that innovative treatment options are available to the millions facing dire prognoses from aggressive cancers."

What Lies Ahead

As the collaboration progresses, Ariceum plans to initiate clinical development of satoreotide in the United States as part of a transatlantic trial. The product is based on previous promising data from early clinical studies, where its Lutetium-177-labelled variant showed potential for efficacy.

Ariceum’s future endeavors include not only expanding the use of Ac-225 but also further development of their leading product, 177Lu-satoreotide tetraxetan, which is currently advancing through clinical trials aimed at neuroendocrine tumors.

About the Companies

Ariceum Therapeutics

Founded in 2021, Ariceum Therapeutics has quickly distinguished itself in the field of radiopharmaceuticals, focusing on precision treatments for neuroendocrine and other complex cancers. Headquartered in Berlin, the firm, which has garnered investment from leading firms, including EQT Life Sciences and HealthCap, aims to pave new paths for treatment in oncology.

NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes

NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes, based in Beloit, Wisconsin, is an industry leader in the production of radioisotopes essential for diagnostics and therapeutic applications. Their innovative approaches to isotope production not only enhance patient care but also contribute significantly to ongoing cancer research. With regular production of Ac-225 on the horizon, NorthStar positions itself as a critical player in the radiopharmaceutical industry.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Ariceum Therapeutics and NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes not only signifies an ambitious step towards advanced cancer treatments but also highlights the ongoing innovation and strategic partnerships essential for overcoming challenges in the medical field.