Aptevo Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: APVO) and Niowave Inc. have announced a strategic collaboration to develop up to three radiopharmaceutical oncology programs, targeting the growing field of radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) for metastatic cancers. The partnership leverages Aptevo's multispecific antibody platforms and Niowave's radioisotope production and supply expertise, aiming to overcome key limitations in RPT: precise tumor targeting and reliable isotope access.
Radiopharmaceutical therapy combines a targeting molecule that seeks out cancer cells with a radioactive isotope that destroys them, minimizing collateral damage to healthy tissues. This approach has attracted over $17 billion in investments, according to estimates, as Big Pharma increasingly bets on its potential. However, the field has been constrained by limited access to critical isotopes and manufacturing infrastructure. Niowave, as a leading isotope manufacturer with established relationships in the radiopharmaceutical ecosystem, aims to address the supply constraint, while Aptevo contributes its ADAPTIR™ and ADAPTIR-FLEX™ modular protein platforms designed to create precise, multi-specific antibodies.
Under the terms of the agreement, Aptevo will contribute assets including targeting assets directed against Nectin-4, a clinically validated cancer target broadly relevant across solid tumors. Niowave will provide radioisotopes such as actinium-225 and related manufacturing capabilities. The companies have already designed the first stage of the collaboration, which will inform next steps—a potential near-term catalyst for investors. Niowave also made an equity investment in Aptevo, representing an initial ownership position of 7.9%, with potential to increase to 19.99% through warrant exercises at a premium, underscoring Niowave's confidence in the partnership.
“This collaboration will deepen our radiopharmaceutical development capabilities and better position us to support current partners and the broader industry,” said Mike Zamiara, CEO of Niowave. “Our investment reflects our confidence in the opportunity to combine Aptevo’s targeting capabilities with Niowave’s radioisotope production and supply expertise.”
The collaboration marks Aptevo’s entry into radiopharmaceuticals, expanding beyond its ongoing phase 1b clinical trial of mipletamig for acute myeloid leukemia. For Niowave, it is the first entry into therapeutic development. “We have established a strong foundation and clinical proof-of-concept with our multispecific assets, and this partnership enables us to extend that capability into radiopharmaceuticals,” said Jeff Lamothe, President and CEO of Aptevo. “By combining our targeting approach with Niowave’s isotope capabilities, we are well-positioned to explore new ways to address the complexity of many kinds of cancer.”
With Big Pharma investing heavily in emerging radiopharmaceutical companies, the partnership positions Aptevo and Niowave to capitalize on a validated area of oncology that has been hindered by isotope supply constraints. The companies aim to advance new treatments for patients with high unmet need, potentially offering a more targeted approach to destroying cancer cells without severe side effects. For more details on Aptevo, visit their website here.
