Navigo Proteins and SCK CEN join forces to advance targeted radiotheranostics
German biotechnology company Navigo Proteins has established a strategic research collaboration with SCK CEN, the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, to accelerate development of targeted radiotheranostics. The partnership aims to combine Navigo’s expertise in precision carrier molecules with SCK CEN’s capabilities in radioisotope production and preclinical testing.
Terbium-161: Expanding radiopharmaceutical possibilities
Central to the collaboration is the development of radiopharmaceuticals using terbium-161 (¹⁶¹Tb), an Auger-electron emitting radioisotope with promising therapeutic properties. Unlike more commonly used beta-emitting radioisotopes, Auger-electron emitters deliver radiation over extremely short distances, potentially allowing for more precise targeting of cancer cells while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
The partnership integrates Navigo’s proprietary Affilin® platform technology with SCK CEN’s radioisotope production capabilities. Affilin® proteins are engineered binding molecules that combine structural advantages of both antibodies and peptides, potentially offering improved tumour penetration and pharmacokinetic profiles compared to conventional targeting agents.
Dr Ulrich Haupts, CSO and Managing Director at Navigo Proteins, highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration: “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.”
Complementary expertise accelerates development timeline
The collaboration leverages the complementary strengths of both organisations to streamline the development process. Koen Hasaers, Director Nuclear Medical Applications at SCK CEN, emphasised this synergy: “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.”
The partnership will focus on multiple undisclosed targets using innovative radiotheranostic approaches. The researchers have established an ambitious timeline, aiming to identify a promising candidate within two to three years and generate sufficient preclinical data to support clinical trial initiation.
Expanding the radiotheranostic paradigm
The field of radiotheranostics has gained significant clinical traction in recent years with approvals for metastatic prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumours. Radiotheranostics combine diagnostic and therapeutic applications using radiopharmaceuticals that can both visualise and treat disease.
The Navigo-SCK CEN collaboration focuses on refining all three critical components of effective radiopharmaceuticals: the radioisotope (¹⁶¹Tb), carrier molecules (based on Navigo’s Affilin® platform), and chelators that bind the radioisotope to the carrier. This comprehensive approach aims to optimise tumour-specific accumulation while achieving favourable biodistribution profiles – key challenges in targeted radiotherapy.
