ITM secures $204.6m for radiopharmaceutical pipeline

13 June 2024
ITM Isotope Technologies Munich (ITM) has secured a substantial investment of €188 million ($204.6 million) to bolster its radiopharmaceutical pipeline. This capital infusion, led by global investment firm Temasek and supported by BlackRock, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), ATHOS, and Carbyne, is set to accelerate ITM’s ambitions in the field of precision oncology.

This significant funding will be primarily allocated to advance and expand ITM’s radiopharmaceutical pipeline. A key focus will be the commercial launch of ITM’s Phase III lead candidate, ITM-11 (n.c.a. ^177Lu-edotreotide), targeted for the treatment of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. ITM-11 is currently undergoing evaluation in two Phase III clinical trials, COMPETE and COMPOSE, which aim to establish its efficacy and safety for this challenging cancer indication.

An essential component of ITM's strategy involves enhancing its manufacturing capabilities for Lutetium-177 (^177Lu). This will be achieved by expanding the production of this crucial radioisotope and including other high-value medical radioisotopes such as Actinium-225 (^225Ac). The expansion will not only meet the increasing global demand for these isotopes but also support ITM's broader objective of diversifying its radiopharmaceutical therapy pipeline.

The company's CEO, Steffen Schuster, highlighted the importance of this investment by stating, “The additional equity and continued collaboration with our existing, industry-specialized investors emphasizes their confidence in our ability to drive value for the radiopharmaceutical field through our unmatched manufacturing capabilities and innovative precision oncology pipeline.”

In recent years, ITM has marked several significant milestones. These include advancing its pipeline with novel oncology targets, opening the NOVA facility, and launching a joint production venture called Actineer with CNL for Actinium-225. Moreover, the company has entered into multiple high-value supply agreements for Lutetium-177, reinforcing its position in the market.

As ITM continues to grow, its primary focus remains on harnessing the therapeutic benefits of radiopharmaceutical therapy to benefit patients worldwide. The newly secured funding is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting ITM's mission to expand access to these advanced cancer treatments.

ITM’s progress is indicative of the broader momentum in the radiopharmaceutical sector, which is increasingly recognized for its potential to offer targeted and effective cancer treatments. By leveraging the new investment, ITM aims to continue its pioneering work in this field, contributing to the development of innovative therapies that can address a variety of oncological challenges.

In conclusion, the substantial investment secured by ITM underscores the confidence of major global investors in the company's vision and capabilities. The funds will not only facilitate the commercial launch of ITM-11 but also enable the company to expand its production capabilities and diversify its radiopharmaceutical offerings. With a robust pipeline and strategic growth plans, ITM is well-positioned to make significant advancements in the treatment of cancer, ultimately benefiting patients around the globe.

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