Akiram Therapeutics initiates Eurostars-funded collaboration to develop next-generation targeted alpha-therapeutics
Akiram Therapeutics, a Swedish biotech company specializing in targeted radiotherapy, today announces the launch of PRE-CISE, a Eurostars-funded research collaboration with Danish PreTT and TetraKit Technologies. The aim of the project is to develop a new generation of targeted alpha-therapeutics by expanding Akiram’s proprietary CD44v6-targeting antibody platform using advanced pre-targeting strategies and radiolabeling chemistry.
The PRE-CISE project combines Akiram’s CD44v6-targeting antibody platform with PreTT’s expertise in pre-targeting technology and TetraKit’s radiolabeling chemistry. Using a two-step approach—where the antibody first binds to the tumor, followed by the separate delivery of a radioactive payload—the collaboration aims to unlock access to alpha-emitting radionuclides that cannot typically be used with conventional antibody-based therapies. This strategy may significantly improve treatment precision while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
“By separating the targeting step from the therapeutic phase, we open up new possibilities for designing more precise and effective cancer treatments,” says Marika Nestor, CEO of Akiram Therapeutics. “This innovative therapeutic modality builds on our CD44v6 platform and represents an opportunity to expand our pipeline beyond beta-emitting radiotherapies.”
“Participating in this project presents a remarkable opportunity to further validate our pretargeting approach, which leverages the targeting properties of antibodies for radioligand therapy. This advancement allows us to broaden the scope of potential treatments for various types of cancer,” says Francesco Sergi-Lindell, CEO of PreTT. “Collaborating with the consortium will enable us to enhance our platform technology, as well as expand our pipeline.”
“This collaboration will enable us to further develop our TetraKit platform and expand its application into new and highly exciting areas,” says Andreas Jensen, CEO of TetraKit Technologies.
The PRE-CISE collaboration is co-funded by the Eurostars program with a total grant of EUR 1 million. Preclinical results are expected in 2026.
About Akiram’s CD44v6 platform and lead candidate
PRE-CISE builds on the CD44v6-targeting platform used in Akiram’s lead candidate, 177Lu-AKIR001, a beta-emitting radiopharmaceutical currently being evaluated in clinical trials.
Developed through antibody phage display and affinity maturation targeting the CD44v6 cancer marker, 177Lu-AKIR001 combines the radiation component lutetium-177 with a targeted molecule. Preclinical studies have demonstrated its potential as a promising, first-in-class radiopharmaceutical therapy for cancers with high CD44v6 expression.
For more information, please contact:
Marika Nestor, CEO
Email: marika.nestor@akiramtherapeutics.com
About Akiram Therapeutics
Akiram Therapeutics is a Swedish biotechnology company in clinical phase developing innovative targeted radiation therapy for cancer, based on a proprietary antibody that targets the cancer marker CD44v6, combined with a radiation component. The treatment has shown promising preclinical results in cancer models where there are currently no effective treatments. The company aims for first-in-class status and orphan drug designation for its candidate, addressing cancers with few therapeutic options. Akiram is focused on advancing molecular radiation therapies for conditions including head and neck cancer, lung cancer, and aggressive thyroid cancer. Headquartered in Uppsala, the team comprises experts in radiation research, precision oncology, and drug development. For more information, visit the company’s website and follow Akiram on LinkedIn.
About PreTT
PreTT is an innovative company based in Copenhagen at the Bioinnovation Institute. PreTT focuses on revolutionizing cancer treatment with its pioneering pretargeted radioligand therapy (RLT) platform. The company aims to address the limitations of traditional radioligand therapies that typically rely on small molecules and peptides. PreTT’s breakthrough pretargeting technology enables the use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in RLT, overcoming challenges such as slow accumulation in tumors and delayed excretion from the body, which can lead to radiotoxicity in healthy tissues. PreTT’s technology has the potential to make a significant impact on cancer treatments, offering a more precise and effective approach compared to conventional therapies. For more information, visit the company’s website and follow PreTT on LinkedIn
About TetraKit Technologies
Tetrakit Technologies is a Danish science-driven biotech startup revolutionizing radiopharmaceutical development. Our proprietary TetraKit Platform simplifies the radiolabeling of any biomolecule with theranostic radionuclides, focusing on alpha therapy (astatine-211), fluorine-18, iodine-131, iodine-123, and even radiometals. We develop TetraKit-based radiopharmaceuticals in-house and through global partnerships. For more information, visit the company’s website and follow Tetrakit Technologies on LinkedIn.