Algeta enters cancer partnership with Genzyme
Oslo – Norwegian Algeta ASA has entered a research collaboration with Genzyme to evaluate the potential of its Thorium platform Under the terms of the agreement, Genzyme will provide access to a novel tumour-targeting antibody, and the public Norwegian firm will provide access to its Thorium platform to attach the alpha particle emitting radionuclide thorium-227. Both companies will contribute resources towards the collaboration, which is expected to last for up to a year initially. Alpha particles are potent at killing tumour cells and have a highly localised effect as a result of the very short range of the alpha particle. By conjugating thorium-227 to a number of such molecules, each with a different tumour target, Algeta is exploring the potential to create a pipeline of new-generation alpha-pharmaceuticals to specifically seek and destroy cancers while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Importantly, the direct tumour cell killing action of alpha-pharmaceuticals potentially overcomes drug-resistance mechanisms. In addition, they cause a localised 'bystander effect', whereby tumour cells adjacent to those bound by the alpha-pharmaceutical may also be destroyed even if they do not bind the drug themselves. The short range of the alpha particle means that damage to healthy cells and side effects may be minimised.