Fusion Pharmaceuticals and BWXT Medical Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance Cancer Treatment

In a significant development for the field of cancer treatment, Fusion Pharmaceuticals (FUSN) and BWXT Medical, a subsidiary of BWX Technologies (BWXT), have joined forces to enhance the supply of actinium-225 generators—a crucial medical isotope utilized in clinical trials to combat cancer. This partnership not only bolsters the production of actinium-225 but also propels Fusion Pharmaceuticals toward its mission of advancing targeted alpha therapies (TATs). In this article, we will explore the details of this collaboration, the significance of actinium-225 in cancer treatment, and Fusion Pharmaceuticals’ remarkable strides in the field of radiopharmaceuticals.

Empowering Fusion with Generator Technology

The cornerstone of this collaboration revolves around BWXT Medical supplying Fusion Pharmaceuticals with generators designed to produce actinium-225. Actinium-225 is an alpha-emitting isotope with immense potential in the realm of targeted alpha therapies (TATs) for cancer treatment. The partnership provides Fusion with preferential access to radium-225, a parent isotope that undergoes decay to generate actinium-225. This strategic alliance empowers Fusion to manufacture actinium-225 on-site at their good manufacturing practice (GMP) facility.

The Significance of Actinium-225 in Targeted Alpha Therapies

Actinium-225 stands at the forefront of Fusion Pharmaceuticals’ innovative cancer treatment approach. Targeted alpha therapies (TATs) represent a cutting-edge strategy that combines actinium-225 with specific tumor-targeting vectors. These vectors guide actinium-225 directly to cancer cells, delivering a precise and potent dose of alpha-emitting radiation. The result is the effective destruction of cancerous cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissues—a promising advancement in cancer therapy.

BWXT’s Generator Technology: A Game-Changer

BWXT Medical’s proprietary generator technology is instrumental in the production of high-purity actinium-225. This technology enables the on-demand isolation of actinium-225 from the radium supplied by BWXT. The generators, to be shipped to Fusion’s GMP production facility, have a proven track record of success in producing various medical isotopes. Their simplicity of use is a distinct advantage, eliminating the need for substantial investments in high-cost cyclotrons and associated infrastructure and staffing.

CEO John Valliant’s Vision

Fusion Pharmaceuticals’ CEO, John Valliant, has articulated a clear vision for the company’s role in the cancer treatment landscape. He emphasized Fusion’s transition into a later-stage company that pioneers next-generation radiopharmaceuticals harnessing the potency and precision of alpha-emitting particles. Valliant expressed his belief in Fusion’s diverse pipeline of targeted alpha therapy programs, collaborations like the one with AstraZeneca, actinium supply partnerships, and the company’s state-of-the-art radiopharmaceutical manufacturing facility.

Advancements in Clinical Trials

Fusion Pharmaceuticals has made notable strides in advancing its clinical trials. In the third quarter of 2023, the company made significant progress in patient enrollment for its Phase 2 clinical trial of FPI-2265. This TAT, based on a small molecule, targets prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and is intended for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. It is poised to become the first actinium-based PSMA TAT to reach the market. Data from this trial, involving approximately 20 to 30 patients, is expected to be reported in the first quarter of 2024.

Furthermore, Fusion is on track to share data from the second cohort of its Phase 1 study of FPI-1434. This study focuses on patients with solid tumors expressing IGF-1R, with results anticipated by the end of the year. Additionally, preclinical data on FPI-2068, a TAT developed in collaboration with AstraZeneca targeting solid tumors expressing EGFR-cMET, has showcased anti-tumor efficacy and provided confirmation of FPI-2068’s mechanism of action. These achievements led to IND clearance and plans for a Phase 1 clinical study.

Manufacturing and Supply Chain Expertise

Integral to Fusion Pharmaceuticals’ mission is its expertise in manufacturing and supply chain management. The company is making substantial progress in validating its proprietary GMP radiopharmaceutical manufacturing facility. Once operational, this facility is expected to produce up to 100,000 doses of the drug per year, significantly expanding access to innovative cancer therapies. The diversified supply chain investments made by Fusion underscore its commitment to delivering much-needed treatments to patients facing cancer.

Bottom-line: The collaboration between Fusion Pharmaceuticals and BWXT Medical represents a crucial step forward in the field of cancer treatment. By enhancing the supply of actinium-225 and harnessing the power of targeted alpha therapies, these companies are at the forefront of innovative medical solutions. CEO John Valliant’s vision for Fusion Pharmaceuticals, coupled with advancements in clinical trials and robust manufacturing capabilities, positions the company as a key player in the fight against cancer. As they continue to advance, Fusion Pharmaceuticals and BWXT Medical offer hope and progress in the battle to conquer this devastating disease.