lutetium-177 AKIR001

lutetium-177 AKIR001 is a targeted radiopharmaceutical developed by Akiram Therapeutics, a spin-off from Karolinska Institutet. It consists of a humanized monoclonal antibody, AKIR001, which specifically binds to CD44 variant 6 (CD44v6), a cell surface glycoprotein overexpressed in various aggressive malignancies. The antibody is conjugated to lutetium-177 ($^{177}$Lu), a radioisotope that emits beta radiation. Upon binding to the target on tumor cells, the drug delivers localized radiation that induces DNA double-strand breaks and apoptosis, while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. It is currently in Phase 1 clinical development for the treatment of advanced CD44v6-positive solid tumors, including anaplastic thyroid cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and non-small cell lung cancer.

Other names

[177Lu]Lu-AKIR001