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HALLE, Germany and MOL, Belgium, April 01, 2025 / Biotech Newswire / -- Navigo Proteins GmbH, a leader in precision medicine and next-generation radiotheranostics, today announced a strategic research collaboration with SCK CEN, the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre. This partnership will focus on the preclinical development of next-generation radiotheranostics, using the Auger-electron emitting radioisotope Terbium (161Tb).
This collaboration brings together Navigo Proteins' cutting-edge Affilin® and HEAD platforms and know-how of radiotheranostic development with SCK CEN’s world-class expertise in radioisotopes. Together, the two organizations aim to accelerate the development of radioligand therapies – highly specific, targeted therapies offering high efficacy with minimal side effects for cancer patients.
Dr. Ulrich Haupts, CSO and Managing Director at Navigo Proteins, commented: “The collaboration with SCK CEN marks an important milestone in our strategy to expand our partnerships and bring next-generation radiotheranostic products to the clinic faster. Through this alliance, we gain strategic access to the target 161Tb, a highly promising isotope for radiopharmaceutical development. Our combined expertise in radiotheranostic development, along with SCK CEN’s pioneering work, creates a unique opportunity to deliver significant advances in cancer treatment.”
“Navigo Proteins and SCK CEN each have extensive experience in key ingredients of radiopharmaceuticals. Navigo has developed carrier molecules, while SCK CEN provides terbium-161, infrastructure, and expertise in preclinical testing. Combining these complementary strengths saves valuable development time. This is crucial, as these treatments have the potential to enhance therapy response and improve quality of life for patients with various types of cancer – beyond their current use in metastatic prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors”, agrees Koen Hasaers, Director Nuclear Medical Applications at SCK CEN.
The collaboration will focus on preclinical studies of multiple, undisclosed targets using the latest radiotheranostic approaches. The researchers will test whether these molecules successfully deliver the radioactivity to tumors and assess their efficiency. The aim is to identify a promising candidate within two to three years and prepare all necessary data to initiate clinical studies.
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Main ingredients of radiopharmaceuticals
Radiopharmaceuticals have three main ingredients. The first is the radioisotope, which delivers the radiation necessary for treatment. The second component is a specially designed carrier molecule which directs the radioisotope to the cancer cells. The third is the chelator, which securely binds the radioisotope to the carrier, ensuring stability throughout the process.
About Navigo Proteins
Navigo Proteins is a near-clinical fast-growing biopharmaceutical company focused on Precision Medicine and particularly next generation radiotheranostics based on using its proprietary Affilin® platform. Affilins® are novel target-binding proteins, combining the advantages of antibodies and peptides.
The growing Affilin® portfolio, backed by unique pre-clinical data, tackles key challenges in targeted therapeutics, achieving exceptional tumor-specific accumulation and favorable biodistribution. Collaborations in the Radiopharmaceutical industry with strong players like ITM, as well as in-house programs drive the development of Affilins® for targeted radioligand therapy and imaging.
The ultimate aim at Navigo Proteins is to deliver best-in-class therapies and lifesaving products to patients faster. The high modularity of the Navigo platform allows faster innovation cycles building on proven and tested components.
For more information visit www.navigo-proteins.com and follow Navigo Proteins on LinkedIn.
Affilin® is a registered trademark of Navigo Proteins GmbH.
About SCK CEN
70 years of experience in nuclear research and technology
SCK CEN is one of the largest research institutions in Belgium. Every day, more than 900 employees dedicate themselves to developing peaceful applications for radioactivity. SCK CEN's research activities focus on three main areas: innovative nuclear systems, nuclear waste management and dismantling and the resolute fight against cancer. SCK CEN is world-renowned and shares its knowledge through countless publications and training courses, so that this pool of exceptional competence can be maintained.
Contacts
SCK CEN
Wendy De Groote
Communications Officer
+32 (0)14 33 21 49
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Navigo Proteins GmbH
Dr. Michael Hamm
Head of Business Development
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Keywords: International Cooperation; Radioisotopes; Terbium; Electrons; Research Design; Belgium; Germany; Navigo Proteins; SCK CEN; Strategic R&D Collaboration; Targeted Radiotheranostics; Precision Medicine; Next-generation Radiotheranostics; Preclinical Development; Auger-electron Emitting Radioisotope; Terbium (161Tb); Affilin® Platform; HEAD Platform; Radioligand Therapies; Radiopharmaceutical Development; Radioisotopes; Carrier Molecules; Chelator; Tumor-specific Accumulation; Imaging; Nuclear Medical Applications; Radiopharmaceutical Industry; Nuclear Research; Radiation Therapy
Source: Biotech Newswire