BOSTON, Mass. – May 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aktis Oncology, a biotechnology company discovering and developing novel targeted radiopharmaceuticals to treat a broad range of solid tumors, today announced a multi-target discovery collaboration agreement with Eli Lilly and Company to generate anticancer radiopharmaceuticals using Aktis Oncology’s novel miniprotein technology platform. The collaboration draws on Aktis’ proprietary radiopharmaceutical platform together with Lilly’s expertise in oncology drug development and commercialization, with the goal of developing first- in-class and differentiated therapeutics for a range of solid tumors.

“Our strategic collaboration with Lilly leverages Aktis’ unique miniprotein radiopharmaceutical platform capabilities to address novel targets, while delivering a safe and effective clinical profile,” said Matthew Roden, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Aktis Oncology. “We are pleased to partner with Lilly in efforts to increase the number of patients that can derive meaningful clinical benefit from targeted radiopharmaceuticals.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Aktis will receive a $60 million upfront cash payment for the collaboration in addition to an equity investment in Aktis by Lilly. In addition, Aktis will be eligible to receive up to an additional $1.1 billion in potential preclinical, clinical, regulatory and commercial milestones, as well as tiered royalties.

In exchange, Lilly will receive worldwide rights to develop radiopharmaceutical therapeutic and diagnostic products discovered by Aktis on a defined set of targets selected by Lilly.

“This collaboration with Aktis Oncology builds upon our growing radiopharmaceutical capabilities and provides access to an exciting and innovative technology for creating important and differentiated radiopharmaceuticals. We look forward to collaborating with Aktis and utilizing this emerging modality to bring forward meaningful new therapies for people with cancer,” said Jacob Van Naarden, President, Lilly Oncology.

About Aktis Oncology

Aktis Oncology is a biotechnology company pioneering the discovery and development of novel targeted alpha radiopharmaceuticals to treat a broad range of solid tumor cancers. Founded and incubated by MPM Capital, the company has developed proprietary platforms to generate tumor targeting agents with ideal properties for alpha radiotherapy. Part of a growing oncology pipeline, the company’s lead program targets Nectin-4, a tumor-associated antigen found in urothelial and other cancers. Designed for high tumor penetration and long residence time, Aktis Oncology’s molecules will quickly clear other areas of the body, thereby maximizing tumor elimination while minimizing side effects of treatment. This approach would enable clinicians to visualize and verify target engagement prior to exposure to therapeutic radioisotopes. To learn more about Aktis Oncology, visit www.aktisoncology.com.

Media Contact:
Terri Clevenger
ICR Westwicke
(203) 682-8297
Terri.Clevenger@westwicke.com

Investor Contact:
Peter Vozzo 
ICR Westwicke
(443) 213-0505
Peter.Vozzo@westwicke.com

Source:- Aktis Oncology