Aktis Oncology Secures $1.1 Bn Collaboration Deal with Lilly

The agreement focuses on developing targeted radiopharmaceuticals to treat various solid tumors, utilizing Aktis Oncology's miniprotein technology platform.

Boston-based Aktis Oncology, a biotechnology company, has entered into a significant multi-target discovery collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) worth over $1.1 billion. 

The agreement focuses on developing targeted radiopharmaceuticals to treat various solid tumors, utilizing Aktis Oncology's miniprotein technology platform.

Under this agreement, Lilly has committed to an upfront cash payment of $60 million to Aktis Oncology, alongside an equity investment. 

In addition, Aktis Oncology will receive up to $1.1 billion in potential milestone payments. These milestones span the preclinical, clinical, regulatory, and commercialization stages, supplemented by tiered royalties.

What Does the Partnership Entail?

In exchange, Lilly will secure global rights to develop both therapeutic and diagnostic radiopharmaceutical products discovered by Aktis Oncology. The collaboration will focus on a set of defined targets chosen by Lilly.

Highlighting the significance of the partnership, Matthew Roden, president and CEO, Aktis Oncology, said, "Our strategic collaboration with Lilly leverages Aktis’ unique miniprotein radiopharmaceutical platform capabilities to address novel targets while delivering a safe and effective clinical profile. We are pleased to partner with Lilly to increase the number of patients that can derive meaningful clinical benefit from targeted radiopharmaceuticals."

This collaboration further aims to merge Aktis Oncology’s specialized radiopharmaceutical platform with Lilly’s extensive experience in oncology drug development and commercialization. 

Both companies aim to create new and differentiated treatments for multiple types of solid tumors.

Sharing insights, Jacob Van Naarden, president of Lilly, said, "This collaboration with Aktis Oncology builds upon our growing radiopharmaceutical capabilities and provides access to an exciting and innovative technology for creating important and differentiated radiopharmaceuticals. We look forward to collaborating with Aktis and utilizing this emerging modality to bring forward meaningful new therapies for people with cancer."

Aktis’ Portfolio

Aktis Oncology, founded by MPM Capital, has developed a program targeting Nectin-4, a tumor-associated antigen found in urothelial and other cancers. 

This initiative aligns with Lilly's previous investments in the radiopharmaceutical sector. Last December, Lilly acquired POINT Biopharma Global in a deal valued at approximately $1.4 billion.

The collaboration aligns with Lilly’s goal to expand its radiopharmaceutical capabilities and develop advanced treatments for cancer patients.