Starpharma, UQ target new radiopharmaceuticals

A federal government science grant and industry funding has sparked the creation of a new research and industry hub targeting the development of new radiopharmaceuticals.

Pharmaceutical developer Starpharma has partnered with the University of Queensland and the University of Sydney in establishing the ARC Research Hub for Advanced Manufacture of Targeted Radiopharmaceuticals (AMTAR Hub).

Backed by a $4.8 million grant from the Australian Research Council and $10 million from industry partners, the hub also involves Telix Pharmaceuticals, Clarity Pharmaceuticals and CSIRO.

The partnership will advanced R&D of Starphjarma’s targeted DEP radiotheranostic diagnostic and therapeutic products.

Professor Kris Thurecht from UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and Centre for Advanced Imaging will lead the hub.

Professor Thurecht said: “The DEP platform offers several distinct advantages versus other biological and nanotechnological approaches and we are encouraged by the existing data.”

Radiotheranostics are medical technologies that involved targeted radioactive molecules used to image and treat tumours.

They include Telix Pharmaceuticals’ Illuccix radiodiagnostic for prostate cancer and a range of Starpharma products.

Last week Starpharma announced new data for its DEP HER2-zirconium imaging product for HER-2 positive breast cancers.

The data showed favourable biodistribution, rapid upotake into the tumor and excellent imaging contrast, according to Starpharma.

The company has also published data around its DEP HER2-lutetium targeted radiotherapeutic for solid tumours.

Starpharma CEO Dr Jackie Fairley said the partnership would allow the company to access additional resources and accelerate development of its radiotheranostic products.

Dr Fairley said: “Spearheaded by internationally recognised Professor Kris Thurecht, the AMTAR Hub is a significant initiative that will shape the future of Australia’s radiotheranostics industry.”

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Picture: AMTAR Hub