AstraZeneca has finalized an agreement to acquire Fusion Pharmaceuticals Inc., a company focused on developing next-generation radioconjugates (RCs) for cancer treatment. This acquisition represents a significant stride in AstraZeneca’s commitment to revolutionizing cancer therapy by replacing conventional methods like chemotherapy and radiotherapy with more precise and targeted treatments.
RCs have emerged as a promising avenue in cancer treatment, delivering a radioactive isotope directly to cancer cells through precise targeting with molecules like antibodies, peptides, or small molecules. This approach offers several advantages over traditional radiotherapy, including reduced damage to healthy cells and improved accessibility to tumors previously unreachable.
The acquisition enhances AstraZeneca’s oncology portfolio with Fusion’s pipeline of RCs, notably FPI-2265, a leading program targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), currently in Phase II trials.
Fusion’s expertise in actinium-based RCs brings valuable capabilities in research and development, manufacturing, and the supply chain to AstraZeneca. Additionally, this move strengthens AstraZeneca’s commitment to Canada.
Susan Galbraith, Executive Vice President of Oncology R&D at AstraZeneca, emphasized the potential of RCs to transform cancer care, particularly with the development of FPI-2265 for prostate cancer treatment. This acquisition provides an opportunity to accelerate the development of next-generation radioconjugates.
John Valliant, CEO of Fusion, highlighted the strategic alignment of both companies and the opportunity to leverage Fusion’s expertise in radioconjugates with AstraZeneca’s leadership in small molecules and biologics engineering. The acquisition builds upon their existing collaboration and aims to advance the development of novel radioconjugates to improve patient outcomes.
Radioconjugates combine targeted delivery with potent medical radioisotopes, offering a more precise mechanism for cancer cell killing while minimizing toxicity to healthy cells. FPI-2265, an actinium-225 based PSMA-targeting RC for mCRPC, holds promise for more effective cancer treatment with reduced side effects.
Fusion will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of AstraZeneca, maintaining its operations in Canada and the US.