Defence Therapeutics: Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment with Accum® and Actinium-225

In the relentless pursuit of more effective cancer treatments, Defence Therapeutics has emerged as a beacon of innovation. The Canadian biopharmaceutical company has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) to combine its proprietary Accum® delivery technology with Actinium-225 (Ac-225), a potent alpha-particle emitter. This partnership aims to revolutionize radio-immunoconjugate cancer therapies by enhancing their efficacy and safety, addressing critical limitations in current treatments.

The potential of targeted radiotherapies using Ac-225 has long been recognized. Ac-225 emits powerful alpha particles that can irreparably damage cancer cells' DNA, leading to cell death. However, a significant challenge has been the trapping of Ac-225-antibody complexes in endosomes, preventing them from reaching the cell's nucleus where they can be most effective. Defence's Accum® technology is designed to overcome this hurdle by enhancing the escape of these complexes from endosomes, thereby improving their accumulation in the nucleus. This approach could reduce the required dosage levels of Ac-225, potentially minimizing side effects while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.



The collaboration with CNL is a strategic move that underscores Defence's commitment to advancing precision oncology. CNL, Canada's premier nuclear science facility, will conduct preclinical studies to evaluate the biodistribution, therapeutic potency, and safety profile of Accum®-modified antibodies transporting Ac-225. The research aims to determine how effectively these modified antibodies deliver Ac-225 to cancer cells and their impact on tumor growth. This collaboration marks a significant step in Defence's mission to revolutionize cancer treatment through enhanced targeted therapies.

The global radiopharmaceutical market is projected to reach USD 16.87 billion by 2033, and Defence is well-positioned to contribute to this rapidly growing field of precision oncology. The company's proprietary Accum® technology enables precision delivery of radio-immunoconjugates or ADCs in their intact form to target cells, and vaccine antigens. This technology has the potential to increase efficacy and potency against catastrophic illnesses such as cancer and infectious diseases.

However, the path to success is not without challenges. The radiopharmaceutical market is highly competitive, with major players like AstraZeneca and Actinium Pharmaceuticals already making significant strides. AstraZeneca's acquisition of Fusion Pharmaceuticals, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation radioconjugates, is a testament to the growing interest in this field. Fusion's most advanced program, FPI-2265, is a potential new treatment for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), currently in a Phase II trial.

Defence Therapeutics' Accum® technology offers a unique advantage in this competitive landscape. By addressing the endosomal escape issue, Accum® ensures that Ac-225 reaches its target more efficiently, reducing the required dosage and minimizing off-target toxicity. This is a critical differentiation point, as traditional radiotherapies like Pluvicto (Lu-177-PSMA-617) face challenges such as off-target effects due to broader radiation paths.

In conclusion, Defence Therapeutics' collaboration with CNL to combine Accum® technology with Ac-225 represents a significant advancement in the field of targeted radiotherapies. By enhancing the efficacy and safety of radio-immunoconjugate cancer therapies, Defence is poised to make a meaningful impact on the lives of cancer patients. As the global radiopharmaceutical market continues to grow, Defence's innovative approach positions it as a leader in the quest for more effective and safer cancer treatments. The company's commitment to precision oncology and its strategic partnerships will be crucial in navigating the competitive landscape and delivering on its promise to revolutionize cancer treatment.