NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes and Cellectar Biosciences forged a strategic partnership which centers around the supply of non-carrier-added (n.c.a.) Actinium-225 (Ac-225). NorthStar, a leader in radiopharmaceutical development and production, will provide Cellectar, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on cancer treatments, with a secure supply of this crucial radioisotope. Cellectar will integrate the Ac-225 into its Phospholipid Ether (PLE) delivery platform. This platform is designed to optimize the delivery of radioisotopes and can be tailored for specific tumor types.
This collaboration is significant for the radiopharmaceutical industry as it addresses the scarcity of Ac-225, a critical component in emerging alpha-emitting radiotherapies. The increased availability of n.c.a. Ac-225 could accelerate the development and commercialization of novel cancer treatments, particularly for challenging cancers like pancreatic cancer. This secure supply chain fostered by the agreement allows companies like Cellectar to focus on research and clinical development, potentially leading to faster breakthroughs in the field. The partnership highlights the growing importance of strategic collaborations in overcoming supply chain limitations and advancing innovative radiopharmaceutical technologies.
For physicians and patients, this partnership holds the promise of new, more effective cancer therapies. Cellectar’s lead alpha emitter program, CLR 121225, which utilizes Ac-225, has shown preclinical promise in treating various solid tumors, including pancreatic and triple-negative breast cancers. The anticipated commencement of human clinical trials for CLR 121225 in 2025 offers a beacon of hope for patients battling these aggressive cancers. This collaboration may eventually lead to more targeted and potent treatments with fewer off-target effects, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life. The increased availability of Ac-225 thanks to NorthStar’s production capabilities could pave the way for a wider range of alpha-emitting radiotherapies becoming accessible to patients, offering new treatment options for various cancers.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
