Alpha Fusion Initiates Joint Research with Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma and Veneno Technologies
– Advancing the Development of Innovative Astatine-Labeled Radiopharmaceuticals Using Disulfide-Rich Peptides –

Alpha Fusion Inc. has entered into a joint research agreement with Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation (Head Office: Chuo-ku, Osaka; President & CEO: Akihiro Tsujimura) for the research and development of novel astatine-211-labeled radiopharmaceuticals targeting multiple cancer antigens. For further details, please refer to Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma’s press release.

Targeted alpha therapy (TAT) is an emerging form of cancer treatment that involves using agents which deliver alpha-emitting radionuclides directly to cancer cells, thereby physically destroying them. TAT represents a novel therapeutic modality with a mechanism distinct from existing cancer therapies, and has recently gained global attention. Alpha particles have high energy and extremely short path lengths in tissue (about a few cell diameters, or 10 µm), enabling efficient cancer cell destruction while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Furthermore, their short range helps reduce radiation exposure risks, making TAT a treatment modality that can be implemented across a wide range of medical institutions.

Among alpha-emitting radionuclides, astatine-211 (At-211) has a relatively short half-life of approximately 7 hours, which allows for multiple administrations within a short period and enables flexible treatment regimens that reduce patient burden. At-211 can also be produced via cyclotron accelerators, supporting a stable supply chain.

In this project, Alpha Fusion—currently engaged in collaborative research with Osaka University—will partner with Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma and Veneno Technologies Inc. (Head Office: Tsukuba, Ibaraki; President & CEO: Toshinori Yoshikawa) to advance the research and development of new At-211-labeled radiopharmaceuticals.

The project will utilize highly selective disulfide-rich peptides (DRPs) generated via Veneno Technologies’ proprietary PERISS™ method* targeting cancer-associated antigens. DRPs are characterized by high target selectivity and excellent in vivo stability. Their favorable pharmacokinetics also make them highly suitable for conjugation with astatine-211, making DRP-At-211 conjugates promising candidates for radiopharmaceutical development.

By combining Alpha Fusion’s astatine-based drug discovery platform with Veneno Technologies’ ligand discovery technology and Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma’s drug development capabilities, this joint research aims to significantly expand the therapeutic potential of TAT and At-211 radiopharmaceuticals. Ultimately, the collaboration seeks to deliver innovative and safe therapeutic options to patients with cancers that remain difficult to treat with existing modalities.

Alpha Fusion is currently the only company in the world with an At-211-based therapeutic program that has entered clinical trials, and has established itself as a global leader in astatine-based drug development. Through ongoing collaborations with academic institutions, research organizations, and industry partners both in Japan and internationally, Alpha Fusion is committed to pioneering novel At-211-labeled radiopharmaceuticals and providing new treatment options for cancer patients worldwide.