ITM Isotope Technologies Munich has signed a licensing agreement with the life science business of Merck KGaA in Darmstadt, Germany, for the clinical development and commercialization of radiolabeled folate derivatives.
These folate derivatives will be used for therapeutic and diagnostic applications against folate-receptor-positive malignant tumors such as ovarian cancers.
Under the agreement, Merck KGaA will supply ITM with its folate precursors for radiolabeling, which ITM will use to advance the clinical and potential future commercial development of its folate-receptor-targeting radiopharmaceutical pipeline candidates. The worldwide exclusive license has been expanded to all folate-receptor-positive malignant tumors.
ITM is developing ITM-52, a radiopharmaceutical candidate comprised of a folate receptor α (FRα)-targeting moiety coupled with a medical isotope. The company plans to advance this to phase I clinical testing. ITM’s theranostic pairing, ITM-55D/ITM-52 is designed to address current limitations in screening and treatment.
