Debiopharm International SA and the Paul Scherrer Institute announce a licensing agreement for the development of a novel targeted radiotherapeutic product in Oncology

Lausanne, Villigen, Switzerland (ots) - Debiopharm International
SA (Debiopharm), a Swiss-based biopharmaceutical company and the Paul
Scherrer Institute (PSI), the largest research institute for natural
and engineering sciences in Switzerland, today announced a
collaboration to pursue the development of a radioconjugated
minigastrin analogue (Debio 1124) for cancer patients.

Debio 1124 is a new-generation peptide analogue of minigastrin,
coupled to the isotope 177Lutetium. It belongs to the emerging class
of Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapies and has been designed to
selectively radiate tumor cells expressing the Cholecystokinin B
Receptor (CCK2R). The compound can also be used as a sensitive
diagnostic tool so that an initial imaging step allows the selection
of patients who are most likely to benefit from this innovative
treatment. Debio 1124 is currently being developed in advanced
Medullary Thyroid Cancer and will be further investigated in other
tumor types expressing CCK2R.

"Molecular-targeted radiotherapy has proven to be an efficient way to
direct the tumoricidal effects of radiation while minimizing the
potential damage of healthy tissues. We look forward to exploring the
potential of this innovative product in the clinic and to providing
new treatment options to well defined patient groups".
Dr Carlos Chanquia, Medical Director, Debiopharm International

"PSI has once more fulfilled its societal mission with the transfer
of Debio 1124 into direction of market maturity and which will
hopefully contribute to improve treatment outcome of cancer patients
in the future. We are proud that we will proceed with this mission in
cooperation with a Swiss based pharmaceutical company such as
Debiopharm".
Dr Martin Béhé, Group Head, Center of radiopharmaceutical sciences,
PSI

About the Paul Scherrer Institute

The PSI develops, builds and operates large, complex research
facilities and makes them available to the national and international
research community. The institute's own key research priorities are
in the fields of matter and materials, energy and environment and
human health. PSI is committed to the training of future generations
PSI is part of the ETH Domain, with the other members being the two
Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology, ETH Zurich and EPFL Lausanne.
www.psi.ch

About Debiopharm International SA

Part of Debiopharm Group(TM), Debiopharm International SA focuses
on the development of prescription drugs that target unmet medical
needs. The company in-licenses and develops promising drug
candidates. The products are commercialized by pharmaceutical
out-licensing partners to reach out to the largest number of patients
worldwide. www.debiopharm.com

Originaltext: Debiopharm International SA
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Pressekontakt:
Debiopharm International SA Contact
Christelle von Büren
Communication Coordinator
[e-mail]
Tel: [phone]

PSI Contact
Dagmar Baroke Head of Communications
[e-mail]
Tel:[phone]