Clarivate Plc, a global leader in transformative intelligence, has released its latest Companies to Watch report, titled Radioligand Innovators Ushering in a New Era of Precision Oncology. This report identifies pioneering companies advancing radioligand therapies (RLTs)—a rapidly emerging class of targeted cancer treatments that blend nuclear medicine with biotechnology to deliver highly precise and effective cancer care.
RLTs are reshaping the oncology landscape by offering a unique mechanism: tumor-seeking molecules are linked to radioactive isotopes that deliver localized radiation directly to cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. This innovation holds particular promise for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers, as RLTs offer a personalized approach that leverages each tumor’s biological makeup. As investment, clinical research, and regulatory momentum gather pace, RLTs are poised to become a cornerstone of precision oncology.
“Radioligand therapies are rapidly evolving from promising concepts to mainstream solutions in cancer treatment,” said Michael Ward, Global Head of Thought Leadership, Life Sciences & Healthcare at Clarivate. “This report highlights companies that are pushing scientific and clinical boundaries, and signals a shift in how cancer is approached and treated.”
David Bejker, CEO of Affibody, one of the companies featured in the report, emphasized, “RLTs are helping realize the true potential of precision medicine—customizing treatment to a patient’s specific tumor biology. This targeted radiation approach is minimizing harm to healthy tissue while opening new pathways in cancer care.”
The report profiles several key players:
Affibody is developing next-generation biopharmaceuticals using its proprietary Affibody® molecules, with a focus on oncology and immunology.
Alpha-9 Oncology is advancing a pipeline of highly targeted radiopharmaceuticals using expertise in modifying small molecules and peptides.
Ariceum Therapeutics is developing radiopharmaceutical theranostic pairs for tumors with high somatostatin receptor expression.
Convergent Therapeutics is progressing CONV01-α for PSMA-positive prostate cancer using radioantibody technology.
Perspective Therapeutics applies a theranostic model using proprietary chelators and alpha-emitting isotopes.
PRECIRIX® is innovating radiopharmaceuticals with camelid single-domain antibodies for FAP-positive tumors.
The report also explores market dynamics, including recent high-profile acquisitions like Bristol Myers Squibb's $4.1 billion purchase of RayzeBio and AstraZeneca's $2.4 billion deal for Fusion Pharmaceuticals. With blockbuster treatments like Novartis’ PLUVICTO® and LUTATHERA® paving the way, the global radiopharmaceutical market is projected to exceed $13 billion within the next decade—an opportunity these innovators are well-positioned to lead.