STAT+: Cadre of radiopharmaceuticals experts pushes the bounds in cancer therapy

Allison covers what hot startups are getting up to, and who’s financing them. She is also co-host of the weekly biotech podcast, “The Readout Loud.” You can reach Allison on Signal at AllisonDeAngelis.01.Louise Emmett wants radiopharmaceutical developers to be bolder. Radiopharmaceuticals are a powerful new tool in oncology. She and other experts believe that these 21st-century spins on radiation could destroy cancer cells and help patients live longer. But Emmett, who is a leader in the field and works with global drugmakers including AstraZeneca and Novartis, among others, thinks the pharma industry is scared of their power. More specifically, she and likeminded experts believe the treatments can be dosed more frequently than they are. As this field has grown over the last five years, however, some drug developers have found that their experimental therapies inadvertently affect patients’ kidneys, liver, or bone marrow. Such safety concerns have led at least one company to shut down in recent months and caused headaches at other organizations. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the biotech sector — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe