Lilly points in a new radiopharma direction
After being burned by Point, Lilly is taking a slower approach with Radionetics.
After being burned by Point, Lilly is taking a slower approach with Radionetics.
Lilly first move into radiopharmaceuticals, via the $1.4bn acquisition of Point Biopharma, soon soured, so it’s not surprising that the big pharma is taking a more cautious approach in its latest foray into this space.
The group paid $140m yesterday to collaborate with privately held Radionetics Oncology; the deal also gives Lilly exclusive rights to acquire its partner for $1bn, although no timelines for a potential buyout were given.
GPCR
Like many other radiopharmaceutical players, Radionetics is developing small molecules conjugated to radioisotopes. However, the group reckons its unique selling point is a focus on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which it describes as a “vast and largely unexplored class for radiopharmaceuticals”.
GPCRs make up a protein family with hundreds of members and wide-ranging functions. It has been estimated that around 34% of FDA-approved drugs are targeted to GPCRs.
One of Radionetics’ first therapies could hit MC2R, said to be highly expressed on adrenocortical carcinoma tumours. The company is currently developing an imaging agent directed to this target, the gallium-68-based 68Ga-R8760, but has mentioned plans to develop therapeutic versions of its agents.
A phase 1 study in this cancer type is under way; there do not appear to be any other drugs in development against MC2R, according to OncologyPipeline.
Two other Radionetics assets, with undisclosed targets, could go into the clinic this year, and the group has said it is planning work in both breast and lung cancers.
Alpha or beta
When it comes to its therapies, Radionetics is looking at both alpha and beta emitters.
Beta emitters like lutetium-177 are used in approved products such as Novartis’s Pluvicto, but alpha emitters such as actinium-225 are said to be more potent and precise. Several groups focused on alpha emitters have been bought recently, including Rayzebio, by Bristol Myers Squibb, and Fusion Pharmaceuticals, by AstraZeneca.
But questions have been raised about the actinium supply chain, and last month Bristol had to pause the phase 3 Action-1 trial of RYZ101 because of shortages.
And, in another indication that radiopharmaceuticals might be facing a reality check, Telix was last month forced to pull plans to list in the US.
With Radionetics, Lilly looks wise to try before it buys.
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