Shots:
- The complexity of human physiology continues to challenge drug development, as conventional models often fail to provide critical insights, resulting in high attrition rates
- Champions Oncology bridges this gap through patient-derived xenograft and ex vivo platforms built from real tumors, integrated with radiolabeled compounds for deeper R&D insights
- Denis R. Beckford-Vera, Head of Radiopharmacology at Champions Oncology, discusses with PharmaShots the company’s new radiopharmaceutical services platform and its potential to advance oncology research.
Saurabh: Congratulations on the launch of the radiopharmaceutical services platform! How significant is this milestone, and how can oncology players leverage it to expand their R&D pipelines?
Denis: The launch of this platform is truly a watershed moment for Champions Oncology. Radiopharmaceuticals are gaining momentum as a new therapeutic modality, but historically, companies have struggled to find integrated preclinical solutions that cover the full spectrum of studies they need. With this platform, we’re bringing together radiolabeling expertise, access to a wide range of isotopes, advanced imaging, and our highly translational PDX and ex vivo models under one roof. That’s significant because it allows oncology players to answer critical pipeline questions much earlier: does my therapy reach the tumor, how does it distribute through the body, and can I meet regulatory expectations? By giving developers this level of clarity upfront, we’re helping them expand their pipelines with greater confidence, accelerate timelines, and reduce the risk of costly late-stage attrition.
Saurabh: Could you share insights on the updated radioactive materials license and the new study types it enables?
Denis: The updated license is significant. It dramatically broadens the set of isotopes we’re approved to work with. This includes therapeutic alpha emitters like actinium-225, where approval now covers broader use, and beta emitters such as lutetium-177, for which possession limits have been increased. It also expands our access to newer isotopes such as copper-64, terbium-161, and zirconium-89, alongside established agents like indium-111.
In practice, that means we can support both therapeutic and theranostic programs, pairing imaging agents with therapeutic isotopes to track biodistribution and treatment effect in real time. We can also run studies that were previously out of reach, such as radiolabeled ADC evaluations, dosimetry studies to meet FDA expectations, and extended biodistribution work in clinically relevant tumor-bearing models. By combining this licensing with our technical expertise, we’re uniquely positioned to give clients a seamless continuum of studies that link chemistry, biology, and translational outcomes.
Saurabh: From your perspective, what are the current gaps in Oncology R&D, and how does your platform help bridge them?
Denis: One of the biggest gaps in oncology R&D today is translational relevance. Too often, critical development decisions rely on data from models that don’t capture the complexity of human disease. That’s why attrition rates in oncology are still unacceptably high. At Champions, our foundation is patient-derived xenograft and ex vivo platforms, which are built from real tumors and include pretreated, mutationally complex samples that reflect the biology companies will face in the clinic. When we integrate radiolabeled compounds into those models, we give developers answers to some of their toughest questions: is my agent binding its target, is it reaching tumors effectively, how is it cleared from the body, and is it safe from an organ-level perspective? This is the kind of evidence that builds confidence in moving forward. By bridging the gap between preclinical testing and clinical reality, our platform directly addresses one of the most pressing needs in oncology development.
Saurabh: What key factors are shaping the future of Oncology R&D, and how do your services support pharma companies in staying market-ready?
Denis: Two main forces are driving the future of oncology R&D. First, regulators are setting higher standards, especially around dosimetry and imaging for radiopharmaceuticals. FDA guidance now requires organ-level dosimetry for isotopes like actinium-225, and IND submissions are increasingly expected to include SPECT or PET imaging data. Second, the competitive landscape is expanding dramatically, the field is moving well beyond PSMA-targeted radioligands into new isotopes, new targets, and more complex constructs like miniproteins and bispecifics. Our platform is designed to keep pharma companies ahead of both of these forces. We provide access to advanced isotopes, robust imaging capabilities, and clinically relevant tumor models, all supported by deep scientific expertise. This ensures that companies not only meet regulatory demands but also generate the kind of data that makes them competitive in an increasingly crowded space. In short, we help our partners stay market-ready in a rapidly evolving field.
Saurabh: Finally, which emerging technologies do you see playing the biggest role in transforming the radiopharmaceutical landscape?
Denis: There are three areas that I believe will be most transformative. First is the continued innovation in isotopes and conjugation chemistry, which will expand the range of tumors that can be targeted safely and effectively. Second is the increased innovation in targeting vector technologies, including peptides with improved properties, miniproteins, bispecifics, and nanoparticles. These advances will broaden the scope of what can be reached and improve the precision of radiopharmaceutical delivery. Third is the evolution of imaging technologies. Higher sensitivity PET and SPECT imaging will allow us to track radiopharmaceuticals in unprecedented detail, creating a much clearer picture of biodistribution and therapeutic effect. Finally, the integration of functional and multi-omic data layers can identify the patient populations most likely to benefit from radiopharmaceutical therapies.
These technologies are not isolated; their real power lies in combining them. When you bring together advanced isotopes, novel targeting vectors, cutting-edge imaging, and rich molecular data, you give developers the ability to design therapies that are not only effective but also personalized. That’s the direction the field is heading, and our platform is built to help companies lead that transformation.
About the Author
Denis R. Beckford-Vera, PhD
Head of Radiopharmacology, Champions Oncology
Denis Beckford-Vera PhD, is a radiopharmaceutical R&D leader with 20+ years of experience advancing novel imaging agents and targeted radiotherapies from discovery to clinic. He specializes in immunoPET and alpha/beta-emitting therapeutics, with recognized achievements in CD46- and CD33-directed radioimmunotherapies. Denis has built and led high-performing teams, established laboratories, and guided programs through IND-enabling studies and first-in-human trials.
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