Strategic Collaboration Accelerates 212Pb-Based Radiotherapy Pipeline: Molecular Partners and Orano Med Strengthen Targeted Cancer Treatment Development

Expanded Pipeline Reaches Ten Programs in Targeted Alpha Therapy Space

In a significant move that underscores the growing momentum in targeted radiotherapies, Molecular Partners AG and Orano Med have deepened their strategic alliance to advance a comprehensive portfolio of lead-212-based therapeutic candidates. The latest agreement, finalized on January 12, 2025, brings the total number of co-developed programs to ten—a testament to the robust synergy between the two clinical-stage biotech firms.

The newly expanded partnership introduces six additional Radio-DARPin candidates to the development pipeline, building on the foundation of their initial collaboration established in January 2024. Molecular Partners will spearhead development of these six new programs under a royalty framework, with a significant provision allowing Orano Med to transition two of these programs into a 50/50 co-development arrangement where Orano Med retains commercialization authority.

Clinical Milestone on Horizon: MP0712 Enters First-in-Human Studies

Among the most anticipated developments emerging from this partnership is the imminent clinical advancement of MP0712, a DLL3-targeted radio-therapeutic candidate. Molecular Partners will maintain commercialization rights for this lead program, which is positioned to initiate first-in-human trials in 2025, contingent upon regulatory approval.

The portfolio extends beyond DLL3 targeting. A second program directed at mesothelin remains under Molecular Partners’ commercialization control, while Orano Med holds rights to two additional candidates—representing a carefully balanced distribution of intellectual property and commercial opportunity across both organizations.

Complementary Technological Strengths Drive Innovation

The partnership leverages a distinctive convergence of capabilities. Orano Med contributes its proprietary 212Pb supply infrastructure and extensive expertise in alpha-particle therapeutic development, while Molecular Partners contributes its innovative Radio-DARPin platform—a protein engineering approach designed to function as a precise delivery mechanism for radioactive payloads.

The Radio-DARPin technology addresses a critical need in radiotherapeutic delivery. DARPins (Designed Ankyrin Repeat Proteins) offer inherent advantages over conventional vectors: compact molecular architecture, exceptional binding specificity and affinity, and the capacity for multi-functional customization. These characteristics make them particularly well-suited for channeling the cytotoxic potential of alpha-emitting isotopes such as lead-212.

Both organizations have demonstrated that their collaboration substantially compresses traditional drug development timelines. Over the preceding twelve months, the teams identified synergies that enable more rapid generation of drug candidates targeting previously challenging or “undruggable” molecular sites—positioning them at the forefront of the targeted alpha-therapy landscape.

Industry Leadership in Next-Generation Radiotherapy

This expanded collaboration reflects both companies’ commitment to establishing dominance in the radiotherapy space. Patrick Amstutz, PhD and Chief Executive Officer of Molecular Partners, emphasized the strategic importance: “The growth of this relationship with Orano Med demonstrates the shared commitment of both organizations to construct an expansive and differentiated radiotherapy platform. Our collaborative experience has validated the mutual value each organization brings, and we remain confident in our capacity to develop innovative solutions that expand the currently achievable targets in therapeutic delivery.”

Arnaud Lesegretain, leading Orano Med as Chief Executive Officer, added perspective on the operational benefits: “Our deepening partnership with Molecular Partners underscores the effectiveness of our integrated strategy. The platform we have created together accelerates timelines for developing lead-212-based therapeutic candidates while exemplifying how complementary strengths can propel innovation forward. This collaboration simultaneously diversifies the technology approaches available within our radiotherapy pipeline.”

Financial and Operational Implications

The financial specifics of the expanded agreement remain undisclosed. However, Molecular Partners has indicated that the 2025 fiscal year financial guidance remains unchanged, with the organization maintaining its previously communicated funding runway extending through 2027.

Understanding Targeted Alpha Therapy and 212Pb

The scientific rationale underlying these programs centers on the unique biological properties of alpha-particle emission. When an alpha emitter such as 212Pb decays, it releases a helium nucleus with exceptionally high linear energy transfer and minimal spatial range—affecting only immediate neighboring cells. This confined distribution creates irreparable DNA damage in malignant cells while substantially reducing collateral harm to healthy tissue, fundamentally differentiating alpha therapies from conventional external beam or lower-energy isotope approaches.

Among the molecular targets under investigation, Delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3) and mesothelin (MSLN) represent high-priority malignant-associated proteins, indicating the breadth of oncological applications the partnership envisions across its expanding candidate portfolio.