Atonco and GIP ARRONAX (Saint-Herblain, France) are joining forces to take a new step forward in the implementation of alpha-immunotherapy against cancer. Their partnership aims to develop and validate the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) radiopharmaceutical production process for Atonco’s ATO-101 (Girentuximab radiolabelled with astatine-211), with a view to clinical intravesical instillation for the treatment of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Through this collaboration, two key players in the Nantes radiopharmaceutical sector are combining their expertise: the development of innovative astatine-211-based radiopharmaceuticals (Atonco) and the production of radionuclides and radiopharmaceuticals for nuclear medicine research (GIP ARRONAX).
This collaboration represents a key milestone in the clinical translation of astatine-211, an alpha-particle-emitting radionuclide capable of selectively destroying targeted tumor cells. It builds on the astatine-211 production expertise developed at GIP ARRONAX and follows radiochemistry research conducted in Nantes by Team 2 of CRCI2NA, which led to the development of radiolabelling and quality control methods for astatine-211-labelled Girentuximab. Within this partnership, GIP ARRONAX plays a central role in the pharmaceutical development and GMP validation of manufacturing processes and control methods, in preparation for validation batches ahead of first-in-human clinical trials.
Laurette Fisson, CMC Director and Product Development at Atonco: “This collaboration reinforces Atonco’s position as a leader in the development of innovative astatine-211-based radiopharmaceuticals, contributing to the advancement of targeted therapeutic options for patients with cancers resistant to standard treatments. We are delighted to work with GIP ARRONAX, a longstanding partner with recognized expertise in radiopharmaceutical research and development.”
Férid Haddad, Director of GIP ARRONAX: “This collaboration with Atonco brings to fruition nearly 15 years of development work carried out by GIP ARRONAX on astatine-211, a promising alpha emitter. We are proud to contribute to the advancement of nuclear medicine, and particularly to the development of alpha radiotherapy, which represents a therapeutic solution of the future.”
About Atonco
Atonco is a private company developing targeted radiopharmaceutical products for oncological applications. Originating from the nuclear medicine centre in Nantes, Atonco and its partners are committed to the clinical use of alpha-emitting radionuclides, particularly astatine-211.
For more information, visit www.atonco-pharma.com
About GIP ARRONAX
ARRONAX is a Public Interest Group (GIP) carrying out public interest missions in the fields of research, economic development, and training. It operates a high-energy, high-intensity multi-particle cyclotron enabling the production of non-conventional radionuclides, including astatine-211, of which it is one of only two European producers. GIP ARRONAX manufactures radiopharmaceuticals to GMP standards to support early-phase clinical research.
For more information, visit https://www.arronax-nantes.fr/gip-arronax/