Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited announces the spin-off of Rhine Pharma, a wholly-owned subsidiary with the mission of expanding global access to innovative radiopharmaceuticals for cancer imaging and treatment. Rhine Pharma's focus will be on utilizing generator-produced isotopes, technetium-99m (99mTc) and rhenium-188 (188Re), to address unmet medical needs worldwide.

Rhine Pharma was established following a successful collaboration between Telix and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) to develop a PSMA-targeting small molecule labeled with either 99mTc for SPECT imaging or 188Re for radioligand therapy. This effort resulted in RHN001, a potential next-generation theranostic compound. Rhine Pharma will now advance RHN001 into a Phase I/IIa clinical study (the 'RHINO Trial') to assess its safety and efficacy in patients with advanced prostate cancer.

The use of generator-produced isotopes, such as 99mTc and 188Re, provides a differentiated solution for regions with limited radiopharmaceutical infrastructure or dispersed populations. 99mTc supports imaging via widely available SPECT scanners, while 188Re’s high-energy beta emission offers a therapeutic approach, potentially simplifying workflows in busy treatment centers due to its short half-life.

Richard Valeix, Chief Executive Officer, Therapeutics, Telix, stated, "Rhine Pharma addresses a significant challenge in accessing radiopharmaceuticals for cancer treatment in underserved regions. Using generators for isotope production could simplify logistics and reduce costs, offering a powerful new approach to cancer care for more patients around the world."

Christian Behrenbruch, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer, Telix, added, "Spinning off Rhine Pharma aligns with Telix’s commitment to increasing access to innovative treatments. This collaboration-driven initiative showcases our ability to translate scientific innovation into clinical applications and provides Rhine Pharma with the focus needed to succeed."

The RHINO Trial has received regulatory approval in South Africa and will be conducted in collaboration with the Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) at the University of Pretoria.

Professor Mike Sathekge, CEO and President of NuMeRI, commented, "NuMeRI is excited to partner with Rhine Pharma in advancing nuclear medicine research. Through collaborative innovation, we can bring precision medicine to more people, regardless of geographic or economic barriers."