Telix Spins Off Rhine Pharma to Expand Global Cancer Care
Telix Pharmaceuticals has launched Rhine Pharma, a subsidiary set to revolutionise the accessibility of advanced cancer treatment and imaging worldwide. This initiative follows a successful partnership with Heidelberg University Hospital and leverages the sophisticated radioisotope technology to craft solutions for complex health challenges.
As a global entity with its roots in Melbourne, Australia, Telix boasts a strong presence on the Australian Securities Exchange. Their star product, Gallium-68 gozetotide injection, known commercially as Illuccix®, has received regulatory nods in the US, Australia, and Canada, among others beckoning through the pipeline.
Unlocking new medical frontiers
Central to Rhine Pharma's mission is improving access to two pivotal cancer-fighting isotopes: technetium-99m and rhenium-188. These substances are not just chemical elements, they represent hope and innovation in cancer imaging and treatment. Technetium-99m is primarily used for imaging, helping doctors see what’s hidden to the naked eye, while Rhenium-188 can be used in treatment, attacking cancer cells directly.
The excitement gets into high gear with the development of RHN001, a novel molecule engineered to target PSMA, a protein commonly found in prostate cancer cells. This molecule is versatile—it can be tagged with technetium-99m for imaging or rhenium-188 for treatment, evidencing the dual diagnostic and therapeutic abilities known in the medical field as theranostics. The molecule is currently undergoing a Phase I/IIa clinical trial aptly named the RHINO Trial, to evaluate its safety and effectiveness in treating advanced prostate cancer.
Transforming cancer treatment accessibility
A standout feature of Rhine Pharma's approach is their use of on-site generators to produce isotopes right where they are needed. This technology could be life-changing in regions with sparse radiopharmaceutical infrastructure or sprawling, underserved populations. Unlike other radioisotopes requiring complex, centralised production facilities, these generators promote a simpler, local production approach, potentially decreasing costs and easing logistical challenges.
"Rhine Pharma is an example of identifying an access-to-medicine challenge and then working to fix it,” shared Richard Valeix, CEO of Therapeutics at Telix. "Using generators for production could reduce costs and simplify the supply chain. It means the combination of 188Re and 99mTc has potential for addressing unmet needs in cancer treatment for more people, in more countries."
A collaboration that breeds innovation across healthcare
The formation of Rhine Pharma is a testament to Telix's dedication towards fostering innovation and enhancing the reach of crucial medical treatments.
"This is an exciting story of collaborative innovation aligned with our values... Spinning off Rhine Pharma makes room in our pipeline for future opportunities and gives Rhine Pharma the focus it needs to succeed," Christian Behrenbruch, Managing Director and Group CEO of Telix.
Rhine Pharma isn’t working in isolation. It garners robust support from a network of outstanding scientific advisors and operates in close quarters with the Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure at the University of Pretoria, marking a significant attempt to push the boundaries in nuclear medicine and cancer research.
Advancing under the oversight of Professor Mike Sathekge, the RHINO Trial embodies the aspirations of precision medicine, aiming to extend its benefits to more corners of the globe, particularly where resources are limited.
Despite being a subsidiary, Rhine Pharma is poised for eventual independence as it achieves essential milestones, driven by the shared goal of leveraging the unique properties of 99mTc and 188Re to widen the global reach of its novel cancer treatment solutions.
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