Alpha-9 Oncology, a clinical-stage radiotherapeutic company, has initiated dosing in a Phase 1 study evaluating A9-3408, a novel Actinium-225-based radiotherapeutic targeting the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) for treating melanoma. This multi-center, open-label trial will assess the safety, dosimetry, and dose escalation of A9-3408 in patients with MC1R-positive melanoma who have progressed on standard therapies.
The study builds on the company’s prior progress with A9-3202, a Gallium-68-based imaging agent introduced last year to assess MC1R expression and select suitable patients for the A9-3408 therapeutic trial.
Paul Blanchfield, Chief Executive Officer of Alpha-9 Oncology, stated that dosing the first patient with the MC1R radiotherapeutic marks a significant milestone and validates the company’s internal research and development platform. He expressed optimism about advancing additional therapeutics through clinical development to provide new treatment options for cancer patients.
Robert Meehan, M.D., recently appointed Chief Medical Officer at Alpha-9 Oncology, highlighted MC1R as a promising target due to its high expression in melanoma and limited presence in healthy tissues. He noted that despite progress in immunotherapy, there remains a critical need for new treatments for patients who have progressed on standard care. In the A9-3202 imaging study, 92% of patients showed strong MC1R expression following immunotherapy progression, underscoring the potential of this program.
Dr. Meehan brings extensive experience in biopharma and biotechnology, with a background in hematology and oncology and expertise in all phases of drug development. Prior to joining Alpha-9, he held senior clinical leadership roles at Dragonfly Therapeutics, Moderna, and the National Cancer Institute.
Alpha-9’s platform focuses on designing molecules that optimize binders, linkers, and chelators to enhance tumor uptake and retention of radiotherapeutics while minimizing off-target effects. The advancement of the MC1R program exemplifies the company’s ability to develop targeted, precision oncology treatments.
Alpha-9 Oncology is dedicated to developing a pipeline of novel radiotherapeutics that selectively deliver tumor-killing radiation with limited off-target effects, aiming to improve outcomes for cancer patients.
For more information, visit www.a9oncology.com.
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