Molecular Partners and Orano Med agree closer partnership

Molecular Partners and Orano Med have expanded their agreement on the joint development of Radio-DARPin therapeutics on a 212Pb basis, further details of which can be found in a press release. The two companies announced an agreement to develop radio-DARPin therapeutics (RDTs) in January 2024. DARPins are artificial proteins with special binding capabilities. Orano Med, which is based in Plano in the US State of Texas and owned by the Paris-based Orano Group, contributes its expertise in targeted alpha therapy with lead-containing (212Pb) alpha emitters to this partnership.

The amended agreement provides a framework for four programs, with each company holding commercialization rights to two of these programs. Both companies expect initial trials for MP0712 to begin in 2025, subject to regulatory approval. MP0712 is designed to specifically kill cancer cells with its radioactive payload. Molecular Partners holds commercialization rights for MP0712, a radio-DARPin targeting DLL3, which is a type of protein found on tumors.

“The continued progress and strengthening of our collaboration with our partner Orano Med is a strong testament not only to the DARPin platform, but also to the strong teamwork between our companies”, as Patrick Amstutz, CEO of Molecular Partners, comments in the press release.

Molecular Partners does not expect the expansion of the development agreement to have an immediate impact on its financial forecast for the 2024 financial year and is sticking to its funding guidance up to and including 2027. Cash and cash equivalents, including short-term fixed-term deposits, amount to 140 million Swiss francs as of September 30, 2024, according to the company.

Headquartered at Bio-Technopark Schlieren-Zurich, Molecular Partners was founded in 2004 by researchers from the University of Zurich (UZH). ce/gba