Vect-Horus, a producer of vectors for the delivery of therapeutic imaging agents, has teamed up with RadioMedix in the development of theranostic agents for the diagnosis and treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) of the brain.

Signing a letter of intent for their agreement, the two plan to utilize Vect-Horus’ VECTrans technology as the basis for the radio-theranostic agents.

“Our plan is to utilize VECTrans technology to initially develop an accurate molecular diagnostic PET/CT probe to precisely map the tumor involvement in the brain. This will significantly improve precision of the surgical resection of the tumor,” said Dr. Ebrahim Delpassand, CEO of RadioMedix, in a statement. “The treatment will then be followed by targeted alpha-emitter or beta-emitter radionuclide therapy using the same technology to eradicate any residual malignant cells at the molecular level.”

A theranostic agent targets the low-density Lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) that the cancer cells of glioblastoma express, an action which improves the blood-brain barrier permeability of the drug and selectively delivers the isotope payload to GBM cancer cells.

The use of these agents is supported by findings of PET imaging and biodistribution studies in human glioblastoma xenograft and orthotopic models, which have detected a significant amount of the agent within tumors when delivered.

The agreement combines the expertise of RadioMedix in developing and conducting preclinical evaluations and clinical trials with radiopharmaceuticals, with the Vect-Horus’ VECTrans technology, which is designed to target tumors.

“We look forward to very compelling outcomes from our co-development project, as we seek to create new technologies for the benefit of cancer patients, by giving doctors and hospitals more imaging and treatment options,” said Dr. Jamal Temsamani, Director of Drug Development of Vect-Horus, in a statement.

Vect-Horus declined to comment.