Alpha-9 Oncology, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, will rely on NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes for supplies of non-carrier-added Actinium-225 (Ac-225), using it in its targeted radiopharmaceutical programs aimed at treating solid and blood cancers, as well as multiple undisclosed discovery-stage programs, via a long-term strategic agreement.

Research using Ac-225 is currently underway for developing targeted alpha radiopharmaceuticals to treat breast, lung, colorectal, liver, brain, prostate, and bladder tumors, as well as nonsolid cancers like leukemia. A high-energy alpha-emitting radioisotope, Ac-225 can be combined with targeting ligands to treat these cancers, but limitations in production technology have made it chronically challenging to access available supplies for research and commercial use.

NorthStar’s electron accelerator technology has set it on track to become one of the first commercial-scale radioisotope producers. As an n.c.a product, its Ac-225 supply is free of long-lived radioactive contaminants and byproducts that risk imposing regulatory and waste management challenges on providers. Its electron beam accelerator production method increases capacity and scheduling flexibility.
"Robust supply of high-quality Ac-225 will help us advance a new generation of highly effective radiopharmaceuticals with improved tumor uptake and limited off-target exposure,” said Dr. David Hirsch, chief executive officer of Alpha-9 Oncology, in a statement.

Alpha-9 develops molecules optimized around imaging, dosimetry, and therapy, accounting for effective tumor targeting, the amount of radiation delivered, and reduced exposure to healthy, surrounding tissues and organs.

NorthStar is currently building a 52,000-square-foot radiopharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organization to provide its partner companies with a full range of customized radiopharmaceutical development and commercialization services, and to further its own radiopharmaceutical programs.

Among its partners are Curie Therapeutics, Bayer, Aktis, and Clovis, and as of this month, Curadh.

"NorthStar's advanced technology and expertise in isotope production will accelerate Alpha-9's ability to advance several innovative, specialized radiopharmaceuticals to benefit patients with solid tumors and a variety of blood cancers while minimizing unwanted off-target effects,” said Frank Scholz, chief executive officer of NorthStar.

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