DETROIT, MICHIGAN - Aptevo Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: APVO) and Niowave Inc. have announced a 50/50 strategic collaboration to develop up to three radiopharmaceutical oncology programs, aiming to advance targeted cancer therapies in the over $17 billion radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) market. The partnership leverages Aptevo's multispecific antibody platforms for precise tumor targeting and Niowave's radioisotope production, supply, and manufacturing capabilities, addressing key challenges in the field: better tumor targeting and reliable isotope access.
Radiopharmaceutical therapy combines a targeting molecule that seeks out cancer cells with a radioactive isotope that destroys them, minimizing collateral damage to healthy tissues. This approach is gaining traction as a potential breakthrough for metastatic cancers. Under the agreement, Aptevo will contribute assets from its proprietary ADAPTIR™ and ADAPTIR-FLEX™ platforms, including targeting assets directed against Nectin-4, a clinically validated target expressed on the surface of solid tumors. Niowave will provide radioisotopes such as actinium-225 and related manufacturing capabilities.
Niowave also made an equity investment in Aptevo, representing an initial ownership position of 7.9%, with the potential to increase to up to 19.99% through warrant exercises at a premium. This investment underscores confidence in the collaboration's potential. “This collaboration will deepen our radiopharmaceutical development capabilities and better position us to support current partners and the broader industry,” said Mike Zamiara, Chief Executive Officer of Niowave.
The collaboration marks Aptevo's entrance into radiopharmaceutical therapeutics, building on its ongoing phase 1b clinical trial of mipletamig for acute myeloid leukemia. For Niowave, it represents a first entry into therapeutic development beyond its core radioisotope supply business. “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,” said Jeff Lamothe, Aptevo's President and CEO.
The companies have already designed the first program and are ready to initiate the initial stage, which will inform future development. The timing aligns with growing Big Pharma investments in radiopharmaceuticals, which have totaled over $17 billion, according to estimates compiled by Aptevo. However, 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.
The radiopharmaceutical therapy market holds promise for treating complex cancers with fewer side effects, and Aptevo and Niowave aim to overcome current limitations through this collaboration. To learn more about Aptevo, click here.
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This content was originally published on Benzinga. Read further disclosures here.
