Radiopharm Theranostics’ research into the early-stage detection of a variety of cancers has been recognised after its paper was published in the prestigious medical journal Cancers. The pharmaceutical company has developed a world-class suite of medical products seemingly able to track and trace the movement of cancer molecules. The technology has also demonstrated an “outstanding” ability to attack a range of different cancer molecules.
Radiopharm’s approach focuses on what are known as avꞵ6 Integrins which are found in a variety of cancers including pancreatic, head-and-neck and certain types of lung cancers. The technology seeks to track the movement of the target molecules which are lit up during Positron Emission Tomography, or “PET” scans.
The conclusion reached in the paper indicated that of all integrins, avꞵ6 is ‘arguably the most promising target structure for radiotheranostics’, noting its broad clinical scope across oncology as well as fibrotic diseases, which may include COVID-19 related syndromes. Whilst, studies over the last two decades in radiotheranostics research have focused on an avꞵ3 subtype, Radiopharm appears to be making some serious strides with its focus on the effectiveness of targeting the avꞵ6 integrin.
Radiopharm is a new kid on the ASX block having only listed a few weeks ago. However, despite its short tenure as a public company it has already generated a fair amount of street talk given the 25-year track record of its uber-successful Executive Chairman Paul Hopper.
One of Hopper’s standout success stories includes founding the multi-billion-dollar market-capped Imugene where he remains the largest single shareholder. He also founded fellow ASX-listed Chimeric Therapeutics and sits on the boards of Prescient, Polynoma and Suda Pharmaceuticals. In 2018 Hopper sold another one of his successful companies, Viralytics, to Merck for a healthy $500 million.
Radiopharm Theranostics Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Riccardo Canevari said:
“To be published in Cancers is an excellent recognition of Professor Notni and his potentially transformational work,”
“A Phase 1 compassionate use diagnostic approach is ongoing in Germany, targeted at pancreatic and head and neck cancer and up to now including 15 patients. Under our Sponsored Research Agreement with Professor Notni and his company, TRIMT GmbH, we look forward to developing the technology toward a therapeutic application in due course.”
With the public biopharmaceutical sector currently experiencing a solid resurgence amid the COVID-19 crisis, Radiopharm appears well placed to benefit from the booming market. Being published in an esteemed magazine like Cancers not only shines a light on the company’s recent success it also elevates its reputation amongst its peers as an emerging leader in the field.
Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: matt.birney@businessnews.com.au
By Matt Birney
