Evergreen Theragnostics licenses EVG321, starts clinical trials for radioligand therapy in small cell lung cancer

Evergreen Theragnostics, a company specializing in radiopharmaceuticals during the clinical stage, has revealed a new collaboration and licensing agreement with Innsbruck Medical University (MUI), an esteemed European research institution. The partnership aims to advance the clinical development of EVG321, an innovative radioligand therapy (RLT) targeting the cholecystokinin 2 receptor (CCK2R) for treating small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Radioligand therapies have seen significant growth in the medical field, combining the power of medical isotopes with the precision of targeted treatments. This combination allows for the specific ablation of tumor cells, directing ionizing radiation precisely to affected tissues. CCK2R has been identified as highly expressed in SCLC, offering the potential to deliver treatments directly to the tumor site.

James Cook, CEO of Evergreen Theragnostics, expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership, highlighting the contributions of Univ. Prof. Dr. Irene Virgolini and Priv. Doz. Dr. Elisabeth von Guggenberg from Innsbruck as pivotal innovators in the RLT field. Cook stressed the importance of developing new therapies for small cell lung cancer and conveyed confidence that EVG321 could substantially improve patient outcomes.

Univ. Prof. Dr. Irene Virgolini from Medical University of Innsbruck shared her excitement about the collaboration, recognizing Evergreen Discovery's pioneering work in radiopharmaceuticals and their impressive track record in bringing new medicines to patients. She emphasized Evergreen's urgency and dedication to developing innovative drugs, making them an ideal partner.

Evergreen plans to initiate clinical trials for therapeutic and diagnostic applications of Lutetium-177 (177Lu) EVG321 and Gallium-68 (68Ga) EVG321 in the coming months. Success in these trials could bring new treatment options to patients suffering from small cell lung cancer.

Evergreen Theragnostics is dedicated to enhancing cancer treatment options through radiopharmaceuticals. The company offers Contract Development and Manufacturing (CDMO) services and focuses on drug discovery and commercialization of proprietary products. Evergreen's headquarters are in Springfield, New Jersey, within a state-of-the-art GMP radiopharmaceutical facility. Founded in 2019, the company boasts a team with extensive experience in theragnostic radiopharmaceutical manufacturing, research, and clinical development.

Medical University of Innsbruck employs approximately 2,200 staff and serves around 3,400 students. It stands as the largest educational and research institution in western Austria, in collaboration with the University of Innsbruck. The university serves the regions of Tyrol, Vorarlberg, South Tyrol, and Liechtenstein. It participates in numerous international educational and research programs, with research areas including Oncology, Neuroscience, Genetics, Epigenetics and Genomics, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, and Organ and Tissue Repair. The university has earned national and international recognition for its success in competitive research funding.

This collaboration between Evergreen Theragnostics and Innsbruck Medical University represents a significant step forward in the development of targeted treatments for small cell lung cancer, potentially offering new hope to patients through innovative radiopharmaceutical therapies.