Aptevo Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: APVO) and Niowave Inc. have announced a 50/50 strategic collaboration to develop up to three radiopharmaceutical oncology programs, targeting the rapidly growing radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) market, which has attracted over $17 billion in investments according to estimates compiled by Aptevo. The collaboration aims to address key challenges in the field: improving tumor targeting and ensuring reliable access to radioisotopes.
Radiopharmaceutical therapy involves targeting cancer cells directly while sparing healthy tissue, a significant advancement over traditional treatments that cause collateral damage. The therapy combines a targeting molecule designed to find cancer cells with a radioactive isotope that destroys them. Aptevo brings its multispecific antibody platforms (ADAPTIR™ and ADAPTIR-FLEX™) and oncology development expertise, while Niowave contributes its radioisotope production, supply, and manufacturing capabilities. Under the agreement, Niowave also made an equity investment in Aptevo, initially representing a 7.9% ownership stake, with the potential to increase to up to 19.99% through warrant exercises.
The first program under the collaboration targets Nectin-4, a clinically validated cancer target expressed on the surface of solid tumors. Aptevo will contribute targeting assets directed against Nectin-4, while Niowave will provide radioisotopes, including actinium-225, and related manufacturing capabilities. The companies have designed and are ready to initiate the first stage of the collaboration, which will inform future development steps.
“This collaboration will deepen our radiopharmaceutical development capabilities and better position us to support current partners and the broader industry,” said Mike Zamiara, CEO of Niowave. “Our investment reflects our confidence in the opportunity to combine Aptevo’s targeting capabilities with Niowave’s radioisotope production and supply expertise.” Jeff Lamothe, President and CEO of Aptevo, added, “By combining our targeting approach with Niowave’s isotope capabilities, we are well-positioned to explore new ways to address the complexity of many kinds of cancer.”
The collaboration comes at a time when Big Pharma is increasingly investing in radiopharmaceutical companies, highlighting the importance of innovation-driven platforms. However, development has been constrained by limited access to critical isotopes and manufacturing infrastructure. Niowave, a leading manufacturer and supplier of isotopes, aims to address these supply constraints. The partnership aims to advance new treatment options for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers, potentially reducing the harmful side effects associated with traditional therapies.
For more information about Aptevo, visit their website here. The original press release can be viewed on NewMediaWire.
