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Radioconjugates are targeted medicines that combine a potent medical radioisotope, known as the payload, with a targeting molecule such as an antibody, peptide or small molecule via a chemical linker.1
Traditional radiotherapy, such as external beam radiation therapy, can kill surrounding healthy cells in the process of cancer treatment. In contrast, radioconjugates’ targeting molecule is designed to bind specifically to tumour associated antigens on the surface of cancer cells. This allows for more stable and prolonged tumour uptake of the therapeutic agent.1
For example, by attaching a radioactive payload, such as actinium-225, which is an alpha-emitting particle that holds the promise of being a next-generation radioisotope in cancer treatment, radioconjugates can deliver a greater radiation dose over shorter distance, with potential for more targeted delivery to reduce damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
30–50% of patients receive radiotherapy at some point during their cancer treatment.2 Radioconjugates are an emerging modality which has the potential to bring transformative outcomes for many patients with cancer. Our vision is for radioconjugates to redefine radiotherapy regimens and to become the backbone for novel cancer therapies, including combination approaches.
Radioconjugates are an important part of the Oncology R&D strategy and a key part of our diverse portfolio, designed to attack cancer from multiple angles.
Building on an ongoing collaboration, the acquisition of Fusion Pharmaceuticals in 2024, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing next generation radioconjugates, marked a major step forward in AstraZeneca delivering on our aim to transform cancer treatment and outcomes for patients by replacing traditional radiotherapy regimens with more targeted treatments.3
The next step for the field is to redefine the boundaries of radiation treatment by evaluating tumour types beyond those currently treated with traditional radiotherapy, and in patients whose tumours cannot be treated with available therapies.
If you believe in the power of what science can do, join us in our endeavour to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines.
We know that however innovative our science, however effective our medicines and delivery, to achieve all we want to achieve, we cannot do it alone.
References:
1. National Institute of Cancer. Radiopharmaceuticals: Radiation Therapy Enters the Molecular Age [Last Accessed 23 July 2024]. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2020/radiopharmaceuticals-cancer-radiation-therapy
2. Majeed H, Gupta V. Adverse Effects of Radiation Therapy. 2023. In: StatPearls [Internet].
3. AstraZeneca to acquire Fusion to accelerate the development of next-generation radioconjugates to treat cancer.
Veeva ID: Z4-65988
Date of preparation: September 2024