Joint Research Agreement Concluded with QST and Niigata University

Alpha Fusion Inc. (Representative Director & CEO: Naoshi Fujioka, Kita-ku, Osaka) has entered into a joint research agreement for the research and development of a novel astatine labeling platform technology with:

• A group led by Noriko Ishioka, Director of the Quantum Bio-Basis Research Department at the Takasaki Ion Accelerators for Advanced Radiation Application (TIARA) of the Sector of Quantum Technology Basis Research, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST) (President: Shigeo Koyasu).
• A group led by Professor Hitoshi Shimada of the Division of Clinical Functional Neurosurgery, Center for Integrated Brain Function, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University (President: Tatsuo Ushiki).

This marks Alpha Fusion’s second joint research with QST.

Targeted Alpha Therapy (TAT), which involves injecting an alpha-particle-emitting radioisotope (alpha-emitter) conjugated to a compound that accumulates in cancer cells to physically kill the cancer, is currently attracting global attention. Astatine is one such alpha-emitter, and its practical application is highly anticipated due to preliminary demonstrations of its clinical utility in basic research and ongoing progress in establishing mass production technology.

The group led by Noriko Ishioka at QST has a proven track record in developing fundamental technologies contributing to radiopharmaceuticals for cancer diagnosis and treatment, utilizing facilities such as the Ion-Beam Irradiation Facility (TIARA) at the Takasaki Quantum Applied Research Institute. Recently, they have focused on research into labeling and pharmacological mechanisms for astatine, which holds promise for medical applications.

The group led by Professor Hitoshi Shimada at Niigata University has been conducting various neuropsychiatric disorder imaging studies using Positron Emission Tomography (PET). They have previously developed PET imaging technology to quantitatively evaluate abnormal protein accumulation in the brain, and now plan to expand their research by applying their expertise in novel PET drug development to theranostic imaging technology targeting brain tumors, among other conditions.

This joint research aims to establish a fundamental technology that accelerates the development of novel astatine pharmaceuticals applicable to a diverse range of drug candidates, by integrating QST’s knowledge of radiopharmaceutical platform technology, Niigata University’s expertise in PET drugs, and Alpha Fusion’s drug discovery R&D knowledge.

Alpha Fusion is committed to continuing to lead global astatine drug discovery by collaborating widely with research institutions and companies both domestically and internationally.