Algeta has entered a research, development, and commercialization agreement with Affibody to develop tumor-targeting alpha-pharmaceuticals based on thorium-227.

Algeta gains access to two proprietary Affibody molecules for use in cancer therapy. These molecules are able to bind to two validated tumor targets: HER-2, which is present on aggressive breast tumors, and PDGFR?, which plays a significant role in angiogenesis associated with solid tumor growth and development. Affibody molecules are a novel class of small targeting molecules with antibody-like properties that have the potential to be excellent carriers of therapeutic payloads and may in addition have efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetic benefits.

Algeta and Affibody will collaborate on a defined technical program to determine whether the two Affibody molecules covered by this agreement can be effective carrier targeting molecules for Algeta’s thorium-227.

As part of the collaboration, Algeta gains access to Affibody’s proprietary Albumod platform applied to two Affibody targeting molecules. This is designed to enhance their efficacy by extending their circulatory half-life.

Release Date: May 5, 2011
Source: Algeta