When it comes to treating metastatic cancers, the current approach often destroys everything in the path to the tumor, causing harmful side effects. A novel approach, radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT), targets cancer cells directly while sparing healthy tissue. This method has garnered over $17 billion in investments, according to estimates compiled by Aptevo Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: APVO).
Radiopharmaceutical therapeutics are now at a tipping point, requiring better tumor targeting and reliable isotope access. Aptevo Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel multispecific immuno-oncology therapeutics, and Niowave Inc., a radioisotope production and supply company, have inked a 50/50 strategic collaboration to develop up to three radiopharmaceutical oncology programs. Niowave also made an equity investment in Aptevo, representing an initial ownership position of 7.9% with the potential to build up to 19.99%.
“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 collaboration marks Aptevo’s entrance into radiopharmaceuticals, building on its phase 1b clinical trial of mipletamig for acute myeloid leukemia. Aptevo’s ADAPTIR™ and ADAPTIR-FLEX™ platforms create precise, multi-specific antibodies that engage the immune system to selectively attack tumors. Niowave brings radioisotope manufacturing and supply, including actinium-225, addressing a supply-constrained market.
Under the agreement, Aptevo will contribute assets from its multispecific antibody platforms, including targeting assets directed against Nectin-4, a clinically validated cancer target expressed on cancer cell surfaces. Niowave will provide radioisotopes and manufacturing capabilities. The companies have designed and are ready to initiate the first stage of the collaboration.
“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 emerged as a clinically validated area of oncology, drawing interest from Big Pharma, which has been investing in emerging radiopharmaceutical companies. These investments underscore the role of smaller, innovation-driven platforms in advancing the field. However, development has been constrained by limited access to critical isotopes and manufacturing infrastructure. Niowave, as a leading manufacturer and supplier of isotopes, reinforces its role as a reliable isotope supply partner. Combined, Aptevo and Niowave aim to support radiopharmaceutical development in complex tumor settings, potentially changing the landscape of cancer treatment.
To learn more about Aptevo, click here. Featured image from Shutterstock. This content was originally published on Benzinga.
