Radiopharm (ASX:RAD) announces supply agreement for therapeutic isotope with TerThera - Kalkine Media

Highlights

• Radiopharm is developing a radiotherapeutic that can target protein tyrosine phosphatase mu
• TerThera is based in the Netherlands, and it has developed the radionuclide Terbium-161 (Tb-161) isotope
• Under the agreement, TerThera would supply the Tb-161 isotope to Radiopharm for an initial period of three years, which can be extended further

ASX-listed radiotherapeutics company (diagnostic and therapeutic products) Radiopharm Theranostics (ASX: RAD) has announced a supply agreement with the Netherlands-based radionuclide producing company TerThera. The agreement is for the supply of TerThera’s Terbium-161 (Tb-161), which would further RAD's efforts in developing its radiotherapeutic that can target protein tyrosine phosphatase mu.Source: RAD ASX update dated 17 April 2023

Shares jump 5.8%

The company's shares on the ASX closed at AU$0.18 at the end of trading on 17 April 2023, up nearly 5.8% as compared to the previous day’s closing price.

The development

Australia’s innovative radiopharmaceutical products developer RAD, which is targeting unmet medical needs, has announced its agreement with The Netherlands based radionuclide production company TerThera BV. As a part this supply agreement, which is set to come into force immediately and would last for at least three years (may be extended to two more years), TerThera would provide Terbium-161 (Tb-161) to RAD. The isotope is set to be linked to a peptide (proprietary) to develop RAD 602.

RAD 602 radiotherapeutic is under development by Radiopharm Theranostics to target protein tyrosine phosphatase mu, which is expressed in cancer cells, with only limited manifestation in healthy tissue. The company has stated that in the fourth quarter of the ongoing calendar year, it would begin a Phase 1 dose with a view to speeding up the trial of RAD 602 in cure of brain cancer.

Separately, TerThera’s Terbium-161 is said to have “unique properties” and the isotope has application in treatment of patients with cancer. Tb-161’s radiation includes Auger electrons (higher linear energy transfer) as well as short-range beta particles (few millimeters travel).

Statements

The CEO and Managing Director of RAD has lauded the "strong therapeutic properties" of Terbium-161 in the treatment of brain tumors. He has commented that the novel therapeutic isotope is a targeted radiotherapeutic with the ability to "expand treatment options" for people with cancer. He also highlighted the "strong competitive advantage" RAD has achieved thanks to the supply agreement.

Philippe van Overeem, the CEO of TerThera, has commented that the agreement would help in developing "a new generation of therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals".