Villigen, Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland,– July 11, 2022.—Today the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences in Switzerland, and Debiopharm, a Swiss based biopharmaceutical company specialized in development of oncology and infectious disease medicines, announce the transfer of the worldwide development and commercialization rights to PSI for the investigational molecular targeted radiotherapy, Debio 1124 (formerly PPF11N). The decision was made due to the shift of development strategies and reprioritisation of Debiopharm’s pipeline and is not a change with regard to the development of Debio 1124 as an investigational medical product.
PSI conducts cutting-edge research in three main fields: matter and materials, energy and the environment and human health. Initially discovered by PSI as PPF11N, before being licensed by Debiopharm, Debio 1124 selectively targets and delivers molecular radiotherapy to tumor cells expressing the Cholecystokinin B Receptor (CCK2R). Although the Debio 1124 rights are now returned to PSI, Debiopharm remains committed to radiopharmaceutical research programs.
“Radiopharmaceuticals are emerging as an important treatment modality in current and future cancer fighting strategies. We are very grateful for this positive collaborative experience with PSI and appreciate the synergy between our two organisations over the past few years. We look forward to work together again in the future.” expresses Bertrand Ducrey, CEO of Debiopharm.
” The development of new innovative radiopharmaceuticals is an important strategic goal for the Paul Scherrer Institute in order to support and strengthen Switzerland’s position in this important and continuously expanding field. We are pursuing multiple research as well as translational projects in this area. Our cooperation with Debiopharm is going to contribute to this innovative direction in the future.” states PSI Director, Christian Rüegg.
About Debio 1124
Debio 1124 is an investigational agent representing a new-generation peptide analogue of minigastrin, coupled to the isotope Lutetium 177 (177Lu) designed to selectively deliver molecular radiotherapy to tumor cells expressing the Cholecystokinin B Receptor (CCK2R). The compound may be used as both a diagnostic tool during initial imaging step and subsequently as an intravenous radio-pharmaceutical for treatment. This targeted, theragnostic compound is being researched in various cancer types including advanced Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC) and SCLC.
Debiopharm’s commitment to cancer patients
Debiopharm aims to develop innovative therapies that target high unmet medical needs in oncology. Bridging the gap between disruptive discovery products and real-world patient reach, we identify high-potential compounds for in-licensing, clinically demonstrate their safety and efficacy and then select large pharmaceutical commercialization partners to maximize patient access globally.
For more information, please visit www.debiopharm.com
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