Navigo Proteins announces strategic R&D collaboration with SCK CEN to develop targeted radiotheranostics
New and unique opportunity to advance cancer treatment
9 Apr 2025Navigo Proteins GmbH has announced a strategic research collaboration with SCK CEN, the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre. This partnership will focus on the preclinical development of next-generation radiotheranostics, using the Auger-electron emitting radioisotope Terbium (161Tb).
This collaboration brings together Navigo Proteins' cutting-edge Affilin® and HEAD platforms and know-how of radiotheranostic development with SCK CEN’s expertise in radioisotopes. Together, the two organizations aim to accelerate the development of radioligand therapies – highly specific, targeted therapies offering high efficacy with minimal side effects for cancer patients.
The collaboration will focus on preclinical studies of multiple, undisclosed targets using the latest radiotheranostic approaches. The researchers will test whether these molecules successfully deliver the radioactivity to tumors and assess their efficiency. The aim is to identify a promising candidate within two to three years and prepare all necessary data to initiate clinical studies.
Dr. Ulrich Haupts, CSO and Managing Director at Navigo Proteins, commented, “The collaboration with SCK CEN marks an important milestone in our strategy to expand our partnerships and bring next-generation radiotheranostic products to the clinic faster. Through this alliance, we gain strategic access to the target 161Tb, a highly promising isotope for radiopharmaceutical development. Our combined expertise in radiotheranostic development, along with SCK CEN’s pioneering work, creates a unique opportunity to deliver significant advances in cancer treatment.”
“Navigo Proteins and SCK CEN each have extensive experience in key ingredients of radiopharmaceuticals. Navigo has developed carrier molecules, while SCK CEN provides terbium-161, infrastructure, and expertise in preclinical testing. Combining these complementary strengths saves valuable development time. This is crucial, as these treatments have the potential to enhance therapy response and improve quality of life for patients with various types of cancer – beyond their current use in metastatic prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors”, agrees Koen Hasaers, Director Nuclear Medical Applications at SCK CEN.
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