Radiopharmaceutical therapy, a targeted approach to treating metastatic cancers that spares healthy tissue, is gaining momentum with over $17 billion in investments, according to estimates compiled by Aptevo Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: APVO). This search-and-destroy method delivers radioactive isotopes directly to cancer cells via targeting molecules, offering a promising alternative to conventional treatments that cause collateral damage. However, the field faces two critical challenges: better tumor targeting and reliable isotope access.
Enter Aptevo Therapeutics and Niowave Inc., who recently announced a 50/50 strategic collaboration to develop up to three radiopharmaceutical oncology programs. Aptevo, a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in multispecific immuno-oncology therapeutics, brings its proprietary ADAPTIR™ and ADAPTIR-FLEX™ platforms designed to create precise antibodies that engage the immune system. Niowave, a leader in radioisotope production and supply, contributes its manufacturing capabilities and access to isotopes like actinium-225.
The collaboration includes an equity investment by Niowave in Aptevo, representing an initial 7.9% ownership stake with potential to grow to 19.99% through warrant exercises. This financial commitment underscores both companies' confidence in the partnership. “This collaboration will deepen our radiopharmaceutical development capabilities and better position us to support current partners and the broader industry,” said Mike Zamiara, CEO of Niowave. “Our investment reflects our confidence in the opportunity to combine Aptevo’s targeting capabilities with Niowave’s radioisotope production and supply expertise.”
The first program targets Nectin-4, a clinically validated cancer antigen expressed on the surface of solid tumors. Aptevo will contribute targeting assets directed against Nectin-4, while Niowave provides radioisotopes and manufacturing support. The companies have already designed and are ready to initiate the first stage of the collaboration, which will inform future development. “The collaboration between Aptevo and Niowave reflects a strategic expansion of Aptevo’s development plan,” said Jeff Lamothe, President and CEO of Aptevo. “By combining our targeting approach with Niowave’s isotope capabilities, we are well-positioned to explore new ways to address the complexity of many kinds of cancer.”
Radiopharmaceutical therapy has drawn interest from Big Pharma, but development has been constrained by limited access to critical isotopes and manufacturing infrastructure. Niowave’s established relationships across the radiopharmaceutical ecosystem position it as a reliable supply partner in a resource-constrained market. Aptevo and Niowave aim to overcome these limitations, potentially unlocking blockbuster status for the field. The collaboration marks Aptevo’s entry into radiopharmaceuticals and Niowave’s first foray into therapeutic development, combining strengths to advance new treatments for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers. To learn more about Aptevo, click here.
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