New JNM publication strengthens the scientific foundation for AKIR001

Akiram Therapeutics, a Swedish biotech company specializing in molecular radiotherapy, announces that new preclinical data on its lead candidate AKIR001 have been published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine. The results demonstrate selective tumor uptake, clear antitumor effects, and favorable tolerability in preclinical pancreatic cancer models, further strengthening the scientific foundation for AKIR001.

The article [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-AKIR001 for CD44v6-Positive Pancreatic Cancer: Preclinical Efficacy and Combination Strategies presents new preclinical data for AKIR001 in models of pancreatic cancer, one of the most aggressive cancer types with a significant unmet medical need. The findings demonstrate dose-dependent tumor growth inhibition and support the effective targeting of CD44v6 with molecular radiotherapy in CD44v6-positive tumors.

The lead candidate is currently undergoing Phase I clinical evaluation at Karolinska University Hospital.

The publication has also been highlighted by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) through its official channels. The recognition reflects the growing interest in targeted radiopharmaceuticals and CD44v6 as a therapeutic target in difficult-to-treat cancers.

“The study provides additional scientific support for AKIR001 and reinforces the preclinical foundation of our CD44v6-targeted strategy in molecular radiotherapy. The recognition by SNMMI also reflects the growing interest in targeted radiopharmaceuticals and CD44v6 as a therapeutic target,” says Marika Nestor, CEO of Akiram Therapeutics.

About the Phase I trial
The ongoing Phase I clinical trial at Karolinska University Hospital enrolls patients with CD44v6-positive solid tumors who currently lack available treatment options. The trial evaluates safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics.
The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06639191.

About AKIR001
¹⁷⁷Lu-AKIR001 is a CD44v6-targeted drug candidate for molecular radiotherapy developed by Akiram Therapeutics. Preclinical studies have demonstrated high tumor specificity, favorable tolerability, and clear antitumor effects in CD44v6-positive tumor models.

Reference
Gustafsson A et al. [177Lu]Lu-AKIR001 for CD44v6-Positive Pancreatic Cancer: Preclinical Efficacy and Combination Strategies. Journal of Nuclear Medicine (2026).
DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.125.271705
Full text: https://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/early/2026/04/22/jnumed.125.271705

For more information, please contact:
Marika Nestor, CEO
Email: marika.nestor@akiramtherapeutics.com

About Akiram Therapeutics
Akiram Therapeutics is a Swedish clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative targeted radiation therapy for cancer. The therapy is based on a proprietary antibody targeting the cancer marker CD44v6, linked to a radiation component. The drug candidate has demonstrated promising preclinical results in cancer types where effective treatments are currently lacking, and the company sees potential to achieve first-in-class status and orphan drug designation. Akiram is dedicated to advancing research in molecular radiotherapy, with a focus on head and neck cancer, lung cancer, and aggressive thyroid cancer. Headquartered in Uppsala, Sweden, the team comprises experts in radiation research, precision oncology, and drug development. For more information, visit Akiram’s website and follow the company on LinkedIn.