Targeted Alpha-Particle Radiotherapy for Cancer
VMT01: Theranostic for the Treatment and Diagnosis of Metastatic Melanoma
VMT01 is in development for the treatment and diagnosis of metastatic melanoma. Through the use of a specialized peptide, VMT01 is designed to target the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) on tumor cells.
VMT01 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 imaging study being conducted at the Mayo Clinic Rochester. Following the results of the imaging trial, the Company plans to initiate a Phase 1/2a therapy study.
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 melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R)
- Open IND with U.S. FDA
- Phase 1 imaging study open to enrollment
- Studies to be conducted at the Mayo Clinic
- Pending Orphan Drug Designation Application
DIAGNOSTIC
As a diagnostic, we link Pb-203, a radioactive imaging agent, to our MC1R-targeting peptide. Through the use of imaging scans, we are able to characterize the tumor to confirm the patient’s cancer expresses MC1R. 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 MC1R 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.
Metastatic Melanoma:
Occurs when the pigment-producing cells that give color to the skin become cancerous. It becomes metastatic when the tumor spreads to other areas of the body, including vital organs.
~100K new diagnoses of melanoma annually1
~6,850 deaths annually from metastatic melanoma1
In most cases, advanced stage metastatic melanoma can’t be cured but treatment can support a longer life
1: cancer.org
