Molecular Partners and Orano Med Expand Cancer Therapy Partnership

Molecular Partners AG, a biotech company at the clinical stage known for its DARPin therapeutics, and Orano Med, a leader in targeted alpha therapies (TAT) using lead-212 (212Pb), have announced an expansion of their partnership. This collaboration aims to advance the development of 212Pb-Radio-DARPin candidates, increasing the total number of programs to ten, which underscores their leadership in the field of radiopharmaceuticals.

Under the new agreement, the two companies will develop an additional six targeted alpha therapeutics candidates. Molecular Partners will spearhead these programs, subject to royalty terms, with an option allowing Orano Med to co-develop two of these programs on an equal basis, where Orano Med will acquire commercialization rights. This collaboration initially began in January 2024, focusing on four programs where costs and profits were equally shared. Molecular Partners is tasked with commercialization of the first program, MP0712, aimed at DLL3, expected to enter clinical trials in 2025 pending regulatory approval. They also hold rights for a second program targeting mesothelin, while Orano Med will commercialize the third and fourth programs.

The partnership is a blend of Molecular Partners’ novel Radio-DARPin Platform and Orano Med’s proficiency in 212Pb supply and clinical capabilities. This synergy has enabled both parties to streamline drug development processes and produce more candidates for new targets, surpassing what current technologies can achieve.

Patrick Amstutz, CEO of Molecular Partners, expressed enthusiasm about the extended partnership, emphasizing the combined ambition to build the largest radiotherapy pipeline currently available. He highlighted the potential of integrating radioactive isotopes in innovative targets, aiming to achieve what other technologies cannot. Arnaud Lesegretain, CEO of Orano Med, noted the efficiency and strength of their collaborative approach, which significantly reduces development timelines for lead-212-based Radio-DARPin drug candidates. He stated that this partnership effectively accelerates next-generation targeted alpha therapies and expands Orano Med’s vectorization technology portfolio.

Detailed financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed. However, Molecular Partners does not anticipate any immediate impact on its 2025 financial projections due to this expansion, maintaining its funding guidance up to 2027.

DARPin therapeutics represent a new class of custom-built protein drugs, offering multifaceted functionality and target specificity. Their design provides advantages over current protein-based therapeutics due to their flexible architecture, high affinity, specificity, and stability. DARPins can be deployed as single units targeting specific sites or as multispecific entities engaging multiple targets, offering diverse functionalities.

The 212Pb-based Radio-DARPins being developed by Molecular Partners and Orano Med are pioneering in providing a unique delivery system for radioactive payloads. They demonstrate precise targeting capabilities with balanced safety and tumor-eradicating properties of 212Pb. This collaboration is pursuing multiple targets, including DLL3 and mesothelin, to effectively address solid tumors.

Molecular Partners AG, founded in 2004, is focused on designing and developing DARPin therapeutics, especially within oncology. With offices in Zurich, Switzerland and Concord, Massachusetts, USA, the company leverages DARPins to offer innovative solutions through both proprietary programs and collaborations.

Orano Med, a subsidiary of the Orano Group, is a clinical-stage biotechnology firm developing targeted cancer therapies using the unique properties of 212Pb. The company is expanding its manufacturing capacities for 212Pb radiolabeled pharmaceuticals to meet global patient needs, with facilities in France and the US.