Ariceum and NorthStar Announce Actinium-225 Supply Agreement

Ariceum Therapeutics, a biotech firm centered on developing radiopharmaceutical products for challenging cancer treatments, and NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes, a leader in radiopharmaceutical technology, have announced a new supply agreement. The collaboration involves NorthStar providing Ariceum with Actinium-225 (Ac-225), a crucial radioisotope in medical treatment. This partnership aims to enhance Ariceum's access to Ac-225 for its pipeline of development programs.

Ariceum plans to use the high-purity, non-carrier-added Ac-225 to label its proprietary peptide, satoreotide, which is an innovative antagonist targeting the somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2). This development is pivotal in the creation of a 'theranostic pair'—a dual approach for diagnosis and targeted radionuclide therapy—intended for cancers characterized by SSTR2 expression like small cell lung cancer (SCLC), pancreatic, and other aggressive cancers.

Manfred Rüdiger, CEO of Ariceum, expressed that satoreotide is unique as it is the first antagonist of the SSTR2 receptor to be labeled with Ac-225, targeting SCLC specifically. This compound is anticipated to enter clinical trials in the U.S. as part of a cross-Atlantic study. The potential of satoreotide has already been noted in existing Phase 1b clinical studies where it has been labeled with Lutetium-177 for end-stage SCLC. Rüdiger emphasized the reliability of NorthStar as a partner, attributing their leadership and expertise in advanced radioisotope production as critical to meeting Ariceum's needs. This collaboration is expected to progress clinical studies and expand the commercialization of targeted theranostic treatments.

NorthStar's President and CEO, Frank Scholz, acknowledged the promise shown by Ariceum's development initiatives focusing on difficult-to-treat cancers. Scholz highlighted NorthStar's mission to alleviate concerns regarding Ac-225 availability, thus fostering the exploration of new treatment pathways for patients lacking adequate options. NorthStar's role is pivotal in providing high-purity Ac-225 to facilitate the advancement of Ariceum's innovative therapies, which could potentially benefit a wide range of patients.

Ariceum Therapeutics, founded in 2021, specializes in radiopharmaceutical solutions for the diagnosis and treatment of neuroendocrine and aggressive cancers. The company's lead product, satoreotide, targets the SSTR2 receptor, prevalent in various tough-to-treat cancers like neuroendocrine tumors, SCLC, and Merkel Cell Carcinoma. In addition to satoreotide, Ariceum is advancing other products like a radiolabeled PARP-inhibitor, ATT001, currently in Phase 1 clinical trials. With headquarters in Berlin and global operations, Ariceum is bolstered by experienced leadership and backed by numerous specialized investors.

NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes is at the forefront of radiopharmaceutical innovation, with capabilities in producing radioisotopes for cancer detection and treatment. The company is set to become the first large-scale producer of non-carrier-added Ac-225, which is a crucial element in modern cancer therapies. NorthStar's services extend to providing customized radiopharmaceutical expertise to assist biopharmaceutical companies in advancing their development and commercial endeavors quickly.

This collaboration between Ariceum and NorthStar marks a significant step forward in tackling some of the most aggressive and hard-to-treat cancers, leveraging cutting-edge radiopharmaceutical technologies.