Algeta to collaborate with Genzyme
To evaluate Thorium-227 conjugated with a novel tumour-targeting antibody
Algeta, a Norwegian developer of targeted cancer therapeutics, is to collaborate with Genzyme to evaluate the potential of its Thorium platform.
Under the terms of the deal, Genzyme will team one of its novel tumour-targeting antibodies with Algeta’s Thorium platform to attach the alpha emitting payload Thorium-227.
Both companies will contribute resources towards the collaboration, which is expected to last for up to a year initially.
Algeta said Thorium-227 is an element that emits high-energy alpha particles, which are potent at killing tumour cells and have a highly localised effect as a result of the very short range of the alpha particle (2–10 cell diameters). It is linked to tumour-targeting carrier molecules, such as monoclonal antibodies, to reach its target.
By conjugating Thorium-227 to a number of such molecules, each with a different tumour target, Algeta is exploring the potential to create a pipeline of new-generation alpha-pharmaceuticals to specifically seek and destroy cancers while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissues.