In this episode of Beyond Biotech, host Jim Cornell explores the fast-evolving world of radiopharmaceuticals—therapies that combine targeted biological molecules with radioactive isotopes to precisely destroy cancer cells. Guests include Ken Herrmann (Professor of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Essen) and Patrick Amstutz and Dani Steiner from Molecular Partners, who discuss scientific advances, logistical challenges, and the promise of this new therapeutic frontier.

Key Points:

Radiopharmaceuticals are transforming cancer therapy by fusing precision biology with targeted radiation. With innovations like Molecular Partners’ DARPin® platform and lead-212 isotopes, researchers are tackling tumours once thought untreatable. Improved logistics, strong academic–industry collaborations, and a focus on personalization are driving this new wave of treatment. Experts say the radiotherapeutics boom marks a new era where patients can live not just longer—but better.

• Reinventing Targeted Therapy: Molecular Partners’ DARPin® (Designed Ankyrin Repeat Protein) technology offers a smaller, more stable alternative to antibodies. These engineered proteins can target tumors with high precision, allowing for novel radiotherapeutic applications.
• How Radiotherapeutics Work: As explained by Herrmann, radioactive ligands are attached to targeting molecules to deliver radiation directly to cancer cells. Successes such as PSMA-targeted prostate cancer therapies are paving the way for treating other solid tumors like lung, GI, and breast cancers.
• Overcoming Challenges: Early barriers included short shelf lives, supply chain issues, and lack of large-scale clinical data. Improved logistics, partnerships (e.g., with Orano Med for isotope supply), and new manufacturing approaches are now helping the field scale up safely and efficiently.
• New Targets and Technologies: Molecular Partners is advancing DL3-targeted therapies using lead-212, an alpha emitter that delivers potent, localized radiation with minimal damage to healthy tissue. The team’s innovations reduce kidney accumulation and improve tumor uptake.
• The Future of Radiopharma: The guests foresee personalized medicine and multi-specific radiotherapeutics—where one molecule hits multiple tumor targets—as the next frontier. The goal: safer, more effective cancer therapies that improve both survival and quality of life.