Lilly signs potential $1.16B deal with radiopharma startup

Eli Lilly has partnered with Boston-based biotech firm Aktis Oncology to advance innovative anticancer radiopharmaceuticals through Aktis’ unique miniprotein discovery platform. This collaboration signifies a significant stride in cancer treatment, leveraging the strengths of both companies in their respective fields.

Per the agreement, Eli Lilly will oversee the global clinical development and commercialization of the radiopharmaceutical products from phase 1 trials and beyond. In return, Aktis Oncology will receive an upfront payment of $60 million and an equity investment from Eli Lilly. Furthermore, Aktis stands to gain up to $1.1 billion in potential milestone payments, along with tiered royalties on future sales.

Aktis Oncology will spearhead the initial discovery phase and conduct early human imaging studies, utilizing its proprietary platform to create agents that target specific tumors. The collaboration aims to develop treatments that focus on a select group of tumor-associated antigens, which could potentially enhance therapeutic effectiveness and reduce side effects.

Eli Lilly’s involvement in the radiopharmaceutical sector began in earnest late last year when the company invested $1.4 billion to acquire POINT Biopharma. POINT Biopharma’s lead candidate is currently in phase 3 trials for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. The company boasts an 80,000-square-foot facility that not only supplies doses for clinical trials but is also equipped for large-scale commercial production.

The market for therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals is experiencing rapid growth, with projections suggesting it could surpass $13 billion by 2030. This burgeoning field has seen a flurry of acquisitions, new company launches, and clinical trials, as major players seek to capitalize on the promising potential of radiopharmaceutical treatments.

In another significant development in the radiopharma space, Novartis recently announced its acquisition of Massachusetts-based Mariana Oncology. This deal includes a portfolio of radiopharmaceutical programs ranging from lead optimization to early development stages, targeting solid tumors such as breast, prostate, and lung cancer. Among the notable assets in the acquisition is MC-339, an actinium-based therapy for small cell lung cancer.

These strategic moves by Eli Lilly and Novartis highlight the increasing importance of radiopharmaceuticals in the battle against cancer. By harnessing cutting-edge technologies and fostering collaborations, these companies aim to bring more effective and targeted cancer treatments to market, offering new hope to patients worldwide.