Alpha Fusion and QST Begin Joint Research on Multiple Novel Astatine-Based Therapies Targeting Tumor-Overexpressed Proteins
– Joint Research Agreement Signed –

Alpha Fusion Inc. (CEO: Tadashi Fujioka; Head Office: Kita-ku, Osaka) has entered into a joint research agreement with the group led by Dr. Mingying Zhang, Director of the Department of Advanced Nuclear Medicine Research at the Institute for Quantum Medical Science, Quantum Life and Medical Science Directorate, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST; President: Shigeo Koyasu). The collaboration aims to develop multiple novel astatine-based therapeutic agents targeting certain proteins highly expressed in tumors (specific targets not disclosed).

This marks Alpha Fusion’s second academic collaboration in Japan, following its ongoing joint research with Osaka University.

Advancing Targeted Alpha Therapy with Astatine

Targeted Alpha Therapy (TAT) is attracting global attention as a promising new approach to cancer treatment. The therapy involves chemically linking alpha-emitting radionuclides to compounds that selectively accumulate in tumor cells. When intravenously administered to patients, the compounds deliver powerful alpha radiation directly to the tumor, physically destroying cancer cells.

Astatine is one such alpha-emitting radionuclide. Its clinical utility is increasingly supported by basic research, and advances in scalable production technology are accelerating its path to practical application.

Combining Expertise to Accelerate Development

QST, with its multiple in-house cyclotron facilities, has long been a global leader in nuclear medicine research thanks to its ability to produce radionuclides independently. Dr. Zhang’s group has a strong track record in developing and manufacturing diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals, many of which have been used in clinical studies. In recent years, they have focused considerable effort on astatine-based drug development for TAT and have published numerous findings.

Through this new partnership, Alpha Fusion aims to combine QST’s foundational strengths in TAT research with its own expertise in astatine drug discovery and development. Together, they will accelerate the creation of unique and innovative therapeutic agents in the rapidly advancing field of TAT.

Alpha Fusion remains committed to leading astatine-based drug development worldwide through broad collaborations with research institutions and industry partners both in Japan and abroad.

(Read More in Japanese)