Targeted Alpha-Particle Radiotherapy for Cancer
VMT-𝛼-NET: A Theranostic for the Treatment and Diagnosis of Neuroendocrine Tumors
VMT-𝛼-NET is in development for the treatment and diagnosis of somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2). VMT-𝛼-NET is expected to enter a Phase 1 imaging study in Q3, 2023 that will be conducted at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
We Are Developing a New Class of “Theranostics” to Treat Cancer
Targeted Theranostics Provide the Potential to Improve Efficacy and Minimize Toxicity
Through the use of proprietary, specialized targeting peptides, we are able to diagnose and then deliver our powerful alpha-particle radiotherapy directly to the tumor. Utilizing a radioactive imaging agent, Pb-203, connected to a specific targeting peptide, we have the ability to diagnose the tumor. Following diagnosis, we link our alpha-particle radioactive isotope, Pb-212, to the same targeting peptide to treat and potentially kill the tumor. This two-step, personalized medicine approach offers the ability to understand which patients may respond to our therapy and potentially improve efficacy while minimizing toxicity associated with many other types of cancer treatments.
KEY FACTS
Targeting somatostatin receptor type 2 (SSTR2)
Study to be conducted at the University of Iowa
Opportunity for Orphan Drug Designations
DIAGNOSTIC
As a diagnostic, we link Pb-203, a radioactive imaging agent, to our SSTR2-targeting peptide. Through the use of imaging scans, we are able to characterize the tumor and confirm the patient’s cancer expresses SSTR2. This confirms the patient may be a candidate for treatment.
THERAPEUTIC
As a therapeutic, we link Pb-212, our alpha-particle radioactive isotope, to the same SSTR2 targeting peptide which has been shown to bind to the cancerous cell, to treat and potentially kill the tumor. This targeted theranostic approach offers the ability to understand which patients may respond to our therapy and potentially improve efficacy while minimizing the toxicity associated with many other types of cancer treatments.
Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (GEP-NETs)
Malignancies of neuroendocrine cells, which are specialized cells that secrete hormones and other bioactive substances which are found throughout the body.
~12K new diagnoses annually1
~175,000 people are living with this diagnosis1
Treatment depends on the type of tumor. Some approaches may include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy
1: cancer.org
