Spago Nanomedical AB (publ) announced the publication of data on the composition, stability, and mode of action for its leading candidate drug 177Lu-SN201. The preclinical results shows that the candidate drug accumulates favorably in tumors, inhibits tumor growth, provides prolonged survival compared to control, and is suitable for systemic treatment of cancer. The paper was published in the scientific journal ACS Omega.

The paper, titled "Characterization and Efficacy of a Nanomedical Radiopharmaceutical for Cancer Treatment", was published in the peer reviewed scientific journal ASC Omega. The results shows that the candidate drug accumulates favorably in tumors and is suitable for systemic treatment of cancer. Treatment with 177Lu-SN201 inhibited tumor growth and resulted in 37% longer survival compared to the control group in a preclinical model of colon cancer.

The relative accumulation of 177Lu-SN201 in tumor, analyzed by single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), was 19.4% of the injected dose per gram tumor tissue. This is somewhat higher than has been previously reported for the Novartis drug Lutathera, a radionuclide therapy approved by the EMA and the FDA for treatment of patients with neuroendocrine tumors. Previous preclinical results from regulatory studies shows good safety of the nanoparticle SN201 in doses that widely exceeds the anticipated clinical dose.

In summary, results indicate that 177Lu-SN201 is a promising new radionuclide therapy for physiological targeting and tumor selective treatment of cancer with potential use in several different tumor types. Preparations for clinical trials proceeds according to plan and the aim is to initiate a phase 1/2a trial in cancer patients within shortly.