On November 24, 2020 Blue Earth Diagnostics, a leading molecular imaging diagnostics company, reported that their manufacturing partner Nucleis (Liege, Belgium) has manufactured and shipped their first patient doses of rhPSMA-7.3 (18F), an investigational Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA)-targeted radiohybrid PET imaging agent, currently under evaluation in clinical trials in men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer and suspected prostate cancer recurrence (Press release, Blue Earth Diagnostics, NOV 24, 2020, View Source [SID1234571646]).
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Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in men. Accurate staging of newly diagnosed prostate cancer assists in directing appropriate initial treatment strategies. After initial treatment, recurrence occurs in up to one-third of patients, typically detected by a rise in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. However, in both settings, conventional imaging is limited in detecting the location and extent of the disease. Of those who suffer biochemical recurrence, approximately one-third develop metastatic prostate cancer.
Blue Earth Diagnostics has been working closely with Nucleis Radiopharmaceuticals, formerly part of the Cyclotron Research Centre (University of Liege in Belgium), to establish them as a contract manufacturer able to supply clinical trial sites. Nucleis is now qualified to supply rhPSMA-7.3 (18F) as part of a clinical trials programme in the Netherlands where the first patients have been scanned.
Blue Earth Diagnostics has two Phase 3 studies underway to investigate the use of rhPSMA-7.3 (18F) PET imaging in prostate cancer. The SPOTLIGHT study is designed to evaluate its safety and diagnostic performance in men with suspected prostate cancer recurrence based on elevated PSA following prior therapy. The LIGHTHOUSE trial is designed to evaluate the safety and diagnostic performance of rhPSMA-7.3 (18F) PET imaging in men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer. Further information, including a current list of clinical trial sites, can be found on www.clinicaltrials.gov (LIGHTHOUSE at NCT04186819, and SPOTLIGHT at NCT04186845).
Dr. Jonathan Allis, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Earth Diagnostics said, "Our collaboration with Nucleis Radiopharmaceuticals and supply of our first rhPSMA-7.3 (18F) doses from their site in Liege is a great development in our R&D programme. This will enable us to bring more European sites into our clinical trials programme as part of our work to bring new products to clinicians and their patients."
Fabrice Giacomelli, Chief Executive Officer of Nucleis Radiopharmaceuticals said, "We are pleased to have been chosen by a global leader in diagnostic imaging, Blue Earth Diagnostics, to manufacture and supply rhPSMA-7.3 (18F) doses for these two Phase 3 studies. This collaboration is fully aligned with the Nucleis mission of delivering innovative PET tracers and improving patient care."
About rhPSMA
rhPSMA-7.3 (18F) is an investigational agent that consists of a radiohybrid Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA)-targeted receptor ligand which attaches to and is internalized by prostate cancer cells, and is labeled with the 18F radioisotope for PET imaging. rhPSMA compounds can also be labeled with radioisotopes such as 177Lu and 225Ac for therapeutic use. Blue Earth Diagnostics acquired exclusive, worldwide rights to rhPSMA imaging technology from Scintomics in 2018, with an option to therapeutic rights. rhPSMA originated from the Technical University of Munich, Germany, and has been utilised clinically under German legislation at the Department of Nuclear Medicine there for the diagnostic imaging of men with both primary and recurrent prostate cancer. rhPSMA compounds have not received regulatory approval.
This press release is intended to provide information about Blue Earth Diagnostics’ business in Europe.