Aptevo Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: APVO) and Niowave Inc. have announced a 50/50 strategic collaboration to develop up to three radiopharmaceutical oncology programs, aiming to advance targeted cancer treatments in a market that has seen over $17 billion in investments. The partnership leverages Aptevo's multispecific antibody platforms for tumor targeting and Niowave's expertise in radioisotope production, supply, and manufacturing.
Radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) is a novel approach that targets cancer cells directly while sparing healthy tissue, unlike conventional treatments that cause collateral damage. This search-and-destroy method is particularly promising for metastatic cancers that are difficult to treat. However, the field requires better tumor targeting and reliable isotope access to advance. Aptevo and Niowave aim to address these needs through their collaboration.
Under the agreement, Aptevo will contribute assets from its proprietary ADAPTIR™ and ADAPTIR-FLEX™ platforms, including targeting assets directed against Nectin-4, a clinically validated cancer target expressed on the surface of solid tumors. Niowave will provide radioisotopes such as actinium-225 and related manufacturing and supply capabilities. The companies have already designed and are ready to initiate the first stage of the collaboration, which will inform future development steps.
Niowave also made an equity investment in Aptevo, representing an initial ownership position of 7.9%, with the potential to build an equity stake of up to 19.99% through warrant exercises. This investment underscores confidence in the partnership. Mike Zamiara, CEO of Niowave, stated, "This collaboration will deepen our radiopharmaceutical development capabilities and better position us to support current partners and the broader industry. Together, we expect to help advance new treatment options for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers."
The collaboration marks Aptevo's entry into radiopharmaceuticals, expanding beyond its existing phase 1b clinical trial of mipletamig for acute myeloid leukemia. Jeff Lamothe, President and CEO of Aptevo, said, "The collaboration between Aptevo and Niowave reflects a strategic expansion of Aptevo's development plan. 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."
The radiopharmaceutical therapy market has attracted significant investment from Big Pharma, but development has been constrained by limited access to critical isotopes and manufacturing infrastructure. Niowave's established relationships across the radiopharmaceutical ecosystem position it as a reliable isotope supply partner in a resource-constrained market. Together, Aptevo and Niowave aim to support radiopharmaceutical development in complex tumor settings, potentially overcoming limitations that have prevented the market from achieving blockbuster status.
For more information about Aptevo, visit Aptevo Therapeutics.
