Molecular Partners and Orano Med: Uniting for Targeted Alpha Radio-Therapies

Molecular Partners AG (SIX: MOLN; NASDAQ: MOLN) and Orano Med have expanded their strategic partnership to develop Targeted Alpha Radio-Therapies (TAT) for cancer treatment. This collaboration combines Molecular Partners' innovative Radio-DARPin Platform with Orano Med's proprietary supply of 212Pb, a key radioactive isotope. The expanded partnership aims to co-develop up to ten 212Pb-based Radio-DARPin Therapeutics, with Molecular Partners leading the development of six programs and Orano Med leading two.

The partnership's first Radio-DARPin Therapy (RDT) candidate, MP0712, targeting the tumor-associated protein delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3), is expected to enter first-in-human studies in 2025. The second nominated candidate targets mesothelin (MSLN), a protein overexpressed in various cancers. Molecular Partners will hold commercialization rights to both MP0712 and the second candidate, while Orano Med will hold rights to the remaining two programs.

The expanded partnership builds on the companies' shared expertise and capabilities, enabling them to reduce drug candidate cycle times and generate more drug candidates targeting novel targets. This collaboration exemplifies how strategic synergies can drive innovation and accelerate the delivery of next-generation targeted alpha therapies to patients, further diversifying vectorization technology in Orano Med's pipeline and strengthening Molecular Partners' position in the TAT space.

Molecular Partners expects no immediate impact on its financial forecast for the fiscal year 2025 from the expansion of the co-development agreement and maintains its funding guidance into 2027. The company reported cash and cash equivalents of CHF 149 million (unaudited) as of December 31, 2024, providing a solid financial foundation for the expanded partnership.

In conclusion, the expanded partnership between Molecular Partners and Orano Med enhances the development of targeted alpha radio-therapies by providing access to a crucial radioactive isotope supply, enabling the co-development of additional programs, leveraging shared expertise and capabilities, fostering strategic synergies, and driving clinical progress. This collaboration positions both companies at the forefront of the targeted alpha therapy space, with the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment.