Novartis' Actinium-Based Drug Shows Promise for Prostate Cancer Treatment
Novartis experimental actinium-based drug shows promise in prostate cancer treatment: Study
The Economic Times
Image: The Economic Times
Novartis announced that its experimental actinium-based drug demonstrates anti-tumor activity in prostate cancer, with over 52% of patients previously treated with Pluvicto showing significant PSA reductions. The drug is part of Novartis' growing focus on radioligand therapies, which are designed to deliver radiation directly to cancer cells.
- 0152.5% of patients previously treated with Pluvicto had a PSA reduction of at least 50% using the new drug.
- 02Over 85% of treatment-naive patients experienced a similar PSA reduction, compared to 58.8% of those who had prior chemotherapy.
- 03Novartis is conducting two late-stage studies for the actinium-based drug, which is part of its strategy to enhance radioligand therapies.
- 04The drug uses actinium-225, which delivers higher energy over shorter distances than the lutetium-177 used in Pluvicto.
- 05A long-term supply agreement for actinium with Niowave has been established to address potential isotope supply issues.
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Novartis has reported promising early results from its experimental actinium-based drug for prostate cancer, indicating significant anti-tumor activity. In a study involving 101 patients, 52.5% of those previously treated with the older drug Pluvicto experienced a reduction in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels by at least half. The response rates were even higher among treatment-naive patients, with over 85% achieving similar reductions. However, analysts from TD Cowen have noted that managing side effects, particularly dry mouth and severe anemia, will be critical as the drug progresses through trials. Novartis is increasing its investment in radioligand therapies, which now make up nearly 40% of its cancer research and development budget. The new drug utilizes actinium-225, an alpha-emitting isotope, which may offer greater efficacy compared to the beta-emitting lutetium-177 used in Pluvicto. To ensure adequate supply of actinium-225, Novartis has entered a long-term agreement with Niowave, a U.S.-based medical isotope producer, as it anticipates growing clinical demand.
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The development of this actinium-based drug could significantly enhance treatment options for prostate cancer patients, potentially improving outcomes and reducing the need for more invasive therapies.
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