Item 1. Business
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
Description of Our Business
Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Actinium” or the “Company”)
develops targeted radiotherapies intended to meaningfully improve survival for patients with relapsed or refractory cancer who have failed
existing therapies. Our vision is to build a specialty, hospital-focused, radiotherapeutics company that develops and markets medicines
for patients who are treated primarily in large quaternary care hospitals and their catchment areas. We are deploying our technology platform,
which we believe to be industry-leading, and intellectual property, with over 230 issued and pending patents worldwide, to develop ARCs,
or Antibody Radiation Conjugates, and next-generation radiotherapies against validated cancer targets.
Pipeline Highlights
We intend to leverage the
clinical data of our lead product candidates, Iomab-B and Actimab-A, to potentially improve outcomes in patients with relapsed or refractory
acute myeloid leukemia (“r/r AML”) by launching two radiotherapy drugs over the next several years to address the significant
unmet need for better outcomes from treatment with therapeutics or from undergoing a bone marrow transplant (“BMT”).
We also intend to further advance Iomab-B beyond acute myeloid leukemia
(“AML”), based on promising data as a disease control and conditioning agent for various other blood cancers. Based on early
clinical trial results, we are also working on a next-generation conditioning program, Iomab-ACT, for rapidly growing cell and gene therapies.
Our Next Generation ARC Pipeline
AML is an aggressive, heterogeneous disease that is difficult to treat.
Over 50% of AML patients develop relapsed or refractory disease within one year of being afflicted and have an extremely poor prognosis
and dismal survival. Currently, a BMT is regarded as being able to provide the best treatment outcome and is the only curative regimen
available for AML patients, however, access is limited to less than 20% of all AML patients, as patients must be fit enough to withstand
the challenges associated with this treatment. The majority of AML patients are considered not transplantable in routine clinical practice
as they are not fit enough to withstand the rigors of the patient journey, which includes therapy to attain a remission, conditioning
regimens to destroy diseased marrow, the challenge of the transplant itself or post-transplant complications.
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Our Iomab-B and Actimab-A product candidates have the potential to
fill the major unmet medical needs in r/r AML in a complementary fashion as they are directed at different parts of the patient journey.
Iomab-B, an ARC that is comprised of the anti-CD45 apamistamab and the radioisotope iodine-131 (“I-131”), is being developed
as a targeted bridging therapy candidate that we believe could provide both disease control and conditioning in one agent. We believe
the results from our Phase 3 Study of Iomab-B in Elderly Relapsed or Refractor AML “SIERRA trial” demonstrate the possibility
for unprecedented access to a BMT and improved survival in unfit patients who are currently not considered transplantable in routine clinical
practice. We are developing Actimab-A, an ARC comprised of the anti-CD33 lintuzumab and the radioisotope actinium-225 (“Ac-225”),
as a targeted therapy candidate for fit patients. Actimab-A has demonstrated an extension in survival in a proof-of-concept study and
is poised for advanced development and program expansion in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute (“NCI”). Together,
we believe these two product candidates could provide us the opportunity to transform the treatment of AML, especially in the relapsed
and refractory segment which represents over 50% of AML patients.
Iomab-B was evaluated in
the randomized SIERRA trial and met the primary endpoint of durable Complete Remission (“dCR”) with a high degree of
statistical significance (p<0.0001). In February 2023, we announced full SIERRA trial results, demonstrating unprecedented
transplant access and improved outcomes in patients with r/r AML, with double 1-year and median overall survival (“OS”)
compared to control-arm patients. These data were presented at the 2023 Tandem Meetings aka the Transplantation & Cellular
Therapy (“TCT”) Meetings of the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (“ASTCT”) and the
Center for International Blood & Marrow Transplant Research (“CIBMTR”). We believe these results from the SIERRA
trial may provide the opportunity, if we are able to obtain U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) approval, to
establish Iomab-B as a potential new standard of care.
The results from the SIERRA trial have been and are expected to be
presented at the most prestigious and high-impact bone marrow transplant and hematology medical conferences, nuclear medicine conferences
and nursing congresses. This wide exposure is helping broaden the awareness of Iomab-B among members of these relevant medical and scientific
communities as we and our partner Immedica Pharma AB (“Immedica”) prepare for potential commercialization in the US and European,
Middle East and North Africa (“EUMENA”) region subject to FDA and marketing authorization application (“MAA”)
approvals, respectively. Including TCT, the SIERRA Phase 3 results have now been highlighted in oral presentations at several U.S. and
European bone marrow transplant, hematology, nuclear medicine and nursing conferences attended by key Iomab-B stakeholders, including
bone marrow transplant physicians, hematologists and nuclear medicine physicians.
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Iomab-B SIERRA trial d ata
presentations include:
● European
Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (“EBMT”) Annual Meeting, 2023 and
2024
● Oncology
Nursing Society (“ONS”) 48 th Annual Congress, April 2023
● European
Hematology Association (“EHA”) 2023 Hybrid Congress, June 2023
● Society
for Nuclear Medicine and Molecule Imaging (“SNMMI”) Annual Meeting, June 2023
● European
Association of Nuclear Medicine (“EANM”) 2023 Congress, September 2023
● Society
of Hematologic Oncology (“SOHO”) 2023 Annual Meeting, September 2023
● 65 th
Annual American Society of Hematology (“ASH”) Meeting & Exposition,
December 2023
● 2023
and 2024 Tandem Meetings | Transplantation & Cellular Therapy Meetings of ASTCT and CIBMTR
We believe that the medical
and scientific communities present at these events took note of the positive SIERRA clinical trial results and their potential positive
impact in treating elderly r/r AML patients, the safety and tolerability of Iomab-B and the successful administration of Iomab-B infusions
at various BMT centers, which was done without increasing radiation exposure risks to treating nursing staff. The SIERRA results were
awarded the Henry N. Wagner, Jr., Abstract of the Year award at SNMMI, representing the top selection out of more than 1,500 abstracts
accepted for presentation, which we believe highlights the recognition by the nuclear medicine community.
Iomab-B SIERRA trial data
presented in an oral presentation at ASH in December 2023 detailed survival outcomes of patients with a TP53 mutation enrolled in the
SIERRA trial, highlighting improved survival in patients who received Iomab-B. A total of 37 patients (24.2%) enrolled in the SIERRA trial
had a TP53 mutation with 17 patients randomized to the Iomab-B arm and 20 patients randomized to the control arm of the study. Median
OS for TP53 negative patients receiving Iomab-B was 6.37 months and 5.72 months for TP53 positive patients. In the control arm (including
crossover patients), the median OS for TP53 positive patients was 2.96 months. Iomab-B was shown to significantly improve outcomes in
TP53 positive patients (initial randomization and crossover patients) with a median OS of 5.49 months versus 1.66 months in patients that
did not receive Iomab-B (hazard ratio 0.23, p-value=0.0002). These results for patients with a TP53 mutation were also accepted for oral
presentation at the EBMT 50 th Annual Meeting in Glasgow, UK to be held on April 14 through April 17, 2024. Most recently, at
the 2024 Tandem Meetings held from February 21 through February 24, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas, five abstracts were accepted for two
oral presentations and three poster presentations. Two posters detailed results and findings from the SIERRA trial of Iomab-B, including
outcomes in patients with a TP53 mutation and dosimetry details and another poster for a Phase 1 study demonstrating safety and lymphodepletion
from Iomab-ACT conditioning with CD19 CAR-T therapy. In an oral presentation, data from the SIERRA trial highlighted the outcomes and
safety of Iomab-B in patients 65 years and older that were similar to what we presented for the overall SIERRA population, and the second
oral presentation highlighted unprecedented BMT engraftment in patients receiving a therapeutic dose of Iomab-B, and demonstration of
successful donor chimerism was presented. The data presented from the SIERRA trial highlight the opportunity for Iomab-B to provide better
access and outcomes in these hard-to-treat sub-groups, including patients with a TP53 mutation and those 65 years of age and older.
We continue to advance our efforts
to file our Biologics License Application (“BLA”) for Iomab-B to the FDA and support Immedica, our EUMENA commercial partner,
with the MAA for Iomab-B with the European Medicines Agency (“EMA”). We conducted a successful meeting with the FDA where
we received positive feedback regarding our Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (“CMC”) package for Iomab-B and have been
assigned a BLA number. We have also submitted a meeting request with the FDA to continue to discuss the clinical and non-clinical sections
of our BLA package prior to submitting our BLA filing and expect to hold this meeting in the second quarter of 2024. As part of the MAA
filing process, Immedica has conducted meetings to review the SIERRA trial clinical and CMC data with its rapporteur and co-rapporteur,
representatives of EU member states designated to lead the evaluation of an MAA application, and following those meetings Immedica is
proceeding with its MAA filing for Iomab-B. Based on our current assumptions, we believe we may be able to receive regulatory approval
for Iomab-B in 2025. We are committed to working to bring Iomab-B to patients globally, as there are a significant number of patients
with r/r AML globally. Europe represents a large commercial market opportunity with approximately twice as many transplants performed
compared to the United States. We also plan to seek approvals in Canada, Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region following U.S. or EU
approval, either ourselves or in collaboration with potential future partners.
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We are also working on a next-generation
conditioning program, Iomab-ACT, for the rapidly growing cell and gene therapy market. We have a National Institutes of Health (“NIH”)-funded
ongoing proof-of-concept study with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (“MSKCC”) using single agent Iomab-ACT as conditioning
in place of traditional fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (“Flu/Cy”) to achieve improved lymphodepletion prior to CD19 CAR-T
treatment in patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (“ALL”) or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
(“DLBCL”). The consistent CD45 expression on select immune and hematopoietic cells leads to potent lymphodepletion and
reduced cytokine release syndrome (“CRS”) and immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome (“ICANS”)
with a single dose administered in an outpatient setting. The NIH grant was recently extended to fund the ongoing clinical trial with
MSKCC. In March 2024, we announced a new clinical trial that will study Iomab-ACT as targeted conditioning prior to patients receiving
an FDA approved commercial CAR-T therapy. This trial will be conducted at the University of Texas Southwestern and will start recruiting
patients following FDA review and clearance of the study. To our knowledge, this is the first time a targeted radiotherapy conditioning
regimen will be used prior to a commercial CAR-T therapy.
We have an industry-leading
clinical development program investigating Actimab-A, a CD33 targeting ARC conjugated to the potent alpha radiation emitting isotope Ac-225,
that has been studied in approximately 150 patients treated over six clinical trials. The potent linear energy transfer emitted by Ac-225
has no known resistance mechanism. Actimab-A is being developed in combination with other regimens, including chemotherapies and targeted
agents utilizing its potential mechanistic synergies. We are attempting to leverage the mutation-agnostic ability of Ac-225 to establish
Actimab-A as a backbone therapy in AML, an extremely heterogenous and radiosensitive disease.
We believe our Actimab-A +
CLAG-M therapeutic combination trial results in r/r AML validate this approach. Phase 1 results from the Actimab-A + CLAG-M combination
trial showed high response rates and minimal residual disease (“MRD”) negativity, translating to a survival benefit in patients
who are typically expected to live two to four months. On September 6, 2023, updated data from the Actimab-A + CLAG-M combination trial
was presented at SOHO where 1-year OS for patients with prior venetoclax treatment was 46% and 48% in all patients receiving Actimab-A
+ CLAG-M treatment. In patients who received a transplant, the median OS was 24 months or more.
In 2023, we announced the
NCI Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (“CRADA”) to develop Actimab-A for the treatment of patients with AML and
other hematologic malignancies. The NCI will serve as the regulatory sponsor for any clinical trials mutually approved by both parties
to study Actimab-A, and the CRADA will provide extensive support for and accelerate the development of Actimab-A alone or in combination
with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted agents and other novel combinations. The CRADA studies will be overseen by the NCI in collaboration
with Actinium’s clinical development team, where Actinium has the right to review and approve all protocols and has full rights
to all data. The NCI CRADA provides for Actinium to supply Actimab-A and for NCI to cover all clinical trial execution and development
expenses. The NCI CRADA is anticipated to have a material balance sheet sparing impact over the next several years. We expect the NCI
to initiate further development of Actimab-A in combination with CLAG-M and other targeted agents to broaden the scope of its development
in r/r AML.
Our Phase 1 data showed the
combination of Actimab-A + venetoclax was well-tolerated with responses, including a CR and a partial response in early dose-escalation
cohorts. Additionally, at SOHO, we presented the first-ever preclinical data demonstrating the potential synergy of Actimab-A with FLT3
(Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3) inhibitors gilteritinib and midostaurin. FLT3 is one of the most commonly mutated genes in AML and is associated
with aggressive disease with poor outcomes. Actimab-A was shown to have single-agent activity against FLT3 mutant AML cell lines, supporting
its mutation-agnostic mechanism, and enhanced the anti-leukemic activity of the FLT3 inhibition in vitro.
CD33-expressing myeloid derived
suppressor cells, (“MDSCs”), are present within the tumor microenvironment and exert immunosuppressive effects. In April 2023,
we presented preclinical data at the Association for Cancer Research (“AACR”) Annual Meeting that depicted Actimab-A’s
role in the tumor microenvironment to overcome immunosuppression driven by MDSCs. We believe that our findings show that Actimab-A has
the potential to selectively deplete MDSCs in lung, colorectal and other cancers. Actimab-A also demonstrated statistically significant
depletion of human MDSCs compared to Mylotarg, a CD33-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (“ADC”) in colorectal cancer (p<0.01),
highlighting the potent cytotoxicity and potential therapeutic benefit of radiotherapy compared to naked antibodies or ADCs. Actimab-A
demonstrates the advantages of ARCs over ADCs by using the power of radiation, against which cells have no known resistance or repair
mechanism. Radiation can cause double stranded breaks in DNA, which lead to cancer cell death. At the Society of Immunotherapy of Cancer
(“SITC”) 38 th Annual Meeting on November 4, 2023, data was presented highlighting Actimab-A’s unique
ability to target and deplete MDSCs and restore T-cell proliferation and effector response. SPECT/CT imaging confirmed uptake of Actimab-A
in a humanized non-small cell lung cancer model, indicating enrichment of CD33+ MDSCs in the tumor microenvironment. We believe that the
data continues to support our objective to demonstrate the potential for Actimab-A to be a backbone therapy to broadly improve antitumor
activity of immunotherapies and other targeted therapeutic modalities.
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To realize the broader development potential for Actimab-A, we are
exploring its role as a maintenance therapy for various indications through our research and development (“R&D”) efforts. Despite advances in therapeutics, a major
concern remains, with relapse risk greater than 50% for adults with high-risk AML. The goal of maintenance therapy is to improve overall
survival and eradicate MRD. Having demonstrated 72% MRD negativity rate in r/r AML patients who received Actimab-A + CLAG-M and achieved
CR/CRi (Complete Remission with incomplete count recovery), we aim to develop a treatment strategy in the maintenance setting utilizing
Actimab-A alone or in various combinations.
Our ARC product
candidates are intended to combine the targeting ability of monoclonal antibodies (“mAb”) with the cell-killing ability
of radioisotopes. Our ARC product candidates target antigens that are expressed on certain cancer cell types and are able to
destroy cellular DNA and kill these cells with the energy that they emit. We are deploying our technology platform, which we believe to be industry-leading,
and intellectual property, with over 230 issued patents and pending patent applications worldwide, to develop ARCs and
next-generation targeted radiotherapies that we intend to be ideally suited for particular disease indications and patient populations. We are
working on several preclinical programs that include novel approaches to validated cancer targets, as well as novel targets that
show immense potential for radiotherapeutic approaches. We have several ongoing programs in solid tumors at the pre-clinical stage
with investigational new drug (“IND”) enabling studies underway. Our research collaborations with large pharmaceutical
and biotech companies such as Astellas Pharma Inc. (“Astellas”), AVEO Oncology/LG Chem (“LG Chem”), and
EpicentRx, Inc. (“EpicentRx”) established our work with immunotherapies and in solid tumors in 2023 and years prior.
Preclinical pharmacology studies with our targeted radiotherapeutics directed at validated cancer targets have shown strong
improvement in tumor growth inhibition in various preclinical tumor models, prompting our efforts in multiple solid tumor
programs.
At year-end 2023, we had approximately $76.7 million of cash on hand. As
of March 27, 2024, our unaudited cash on hand of $84.3 million is expected to fund operations into the second half of 2026, which we believe
will provide a path for Actinium to potentially achieve regulatory approvals for Iomab-B in the U.S., EUMENA, and other regions, advance
Actimab-A through multiple trials in front-line and r/r AML settings to realize our vision. In addition, we expect to continue to advance
Iomab-ACT for cell and gene therapy conditioning, advance key R&D solid tumor programs and realize the value of our Ac-225 manufacturing
technology and know-how.
Market Opportunity
The market opportunity for
Iomab-B and Actimab-A, as depicted in the diagram below, exists for AML therapies and for cellular therapy conditioning in various blood
cancers. We believe that Iomab-B and Actimab-A can fill the major unmet medical needs in r/r AML in a complementary fashion as they are
utilized in different parts of the patient treatment journey. Today, less than 20% of all AML patients and less than 5% of r/r AML patients
are able to access a BMT, currently the only potentially curative option. Most patients receiving BMT are fit, in remission and able to
withstand the challenges associated with this treatment, leaving the large majority of AML patients ineligible for transplant. This provides
an opportunity for Iomab-B, which has demonstrated the ability to enable unfit patients to benefit from a BMT.
The incidence of AML is
approximately 21,000 patients per year, with a prevalence of approximately 70,000 in the U.S., (approximately 27,500 new patients
per year in Europe) and the disease has an outsized economic impact relative to its population size. In a retrospective analysis of
commercial payer data published in the Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy, total mean episode costs for patients with
r/r AML were approximately $439 thousand, with hospitalization as the largest contributor to cost. Over 50% of patients diagnosed
with AML will develop relapsed or refractory disease, with a median age of 68 years at diagnosis. In the U.S., Iomab-B can
potentially expand the market from the approximately 400 r/r AML patients who are transplanted currently to approximately 8,000
unfit patients that could be eligible for transplant. Despite 11 new approved therapies since 2017, no significant advancements have
been made toward a cure and there is an important unmet medical need for better therapeutics, which provides the opportunity for
Actimab-A. Using Actimab-A in combination with chemotherapy or a targeted therapy, we have the potential opportunity to treat both
newly diagnosed or r/r AML patients, with the potential addressable population comparable to the prevalence of patients with
AML.
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In the U.S. and the five largest countries in Western Europe (France, Germany,
Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, which we refer to as “EU5”), we believe there is the potential market opportunity to
address more than 85 thousand r/r AML patients, as shown above. Globally, the number of BMTs performed has doubled in the last 10 years,
with an estimated ~70 thousand allogeneic BMTs performed annually. Europe represents 40% of BMTs, the largest share of any continent globally.
Similar to the U.S., we believe the EUMENA market opportunity for Iomab-B has favorable commercial dynamics where the majority of the
estimated7,200 BMTs performed in AML patients (approximately twice the number of BMTs performed in the U.S.) are concentrated in major
centers that treat the majority of patients in each country and region.
Iomab-B has also demonstrated the ability to improve BMT access with extended survival and potentially curative outcomes in several
other hematological diseases outside of AML. Several clinical trials in over 300 patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (“MDS”),
acute lymphocytic leukemia (“ALL”), Hodgkin’s lymphoma (“HL”), Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (“NHL”)
and multiple myeloma (“MM”) have demonstrated the same value proposition as in AML. This data provides a potential opportunity
to expand the market for Iomab-B beyond AML via label expansion. In the U.S., there are approximately 185,000 patients diagnosed annually
with blood cancers (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma) that are treatable with BMT, of which, approximately 20,000 are transplanted,
leaving greater than 165,000 patients who could potentially benefit from transplant. These patients do not receive a BMT today primarily
because they are unfit with active disease and are not considered eligible, as they cannot tolerate the rigors of therapy required to
induce a remission and the conditioning agents required to ablate the marrow prior to a BMT.
Beyond BMT, the opportunity exists for better conditioning in other areas
of cellular therapy, such as CAR-T as well as gene therapies. The pipeline of CAR-T and gene therapies has rapidly expanded, with the
addressable patient population expected to nearly double and reach approximately 93,000 patients in the U.S. by 2030 based on the current
pipeline of therapies. The CAR-T market size in terms of revenue is estimated to grow at a CAGR of approximately 11% over the next 5 plus
years. Currently, there are six CAR T-cell therapies approved by the FDA that are used to treat patients with lymphomas, leukemia and
multiple myeloma, which collectively had total sales over $3.5 billion in 2023. The addressable market for Iomab-ACT is in line with the
patient population for cellular therapy as all patients receive conditioning of some type prior to these treatments. We will continue
to develop Iomab-ACT, our next-generation conditioning program for rapidly growing cell and gene therapies based on early promising results,
ultimately with the value proposition of improving overall access and outcomes for patients who need cellular or gene therapies. We believe
an opportunity exists for Iomab-ACT to potentially generate significant revenue, if it can provide one or more clinical benefits related
to lower CRS, less neurotoxicity, longer duration of response or a higher overall success rate of cellular therapy due to benefits of
targeted conditioning.
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Our Strategy
Actinium’s strategy is to build a fully integrated, specialty
radiotherapeutics company focused on the top 100 cancer hospitals, using the power of our platform to deliver new treatment options for
patient populations living with high unmet medical needs in hematology and oncology. We believe our focus on relapsed or refractory disease
in cancer indications with high unmet medical need, with limited or no competition, and where the primary delivery of care occurs in large
comprehensive cancer care centers, is the appropriate strategy for our company. We believe that the cell-killing power of linear energy
transfer delivered via radiotherapeutics is unmatched by other technologies and we believe relapsed/refractory disease is an area where
radiotherapeutics can succeed over other approaches. However, radiotherapeutics must be delivered on a just-in-time basis, and commercial
and supply chain barriers are higher than with other types of medicines. The validity of our approach is demonstrated by our product development
strategy as well as the commercial and operating model that we are building for our lead ARC product candidates, Iomab-B and Actimab-A.
We intend to transform the
treatment of AML with our Iomab-B and Actimab-A product candidates, each of which has demonstrated extension of survival in the most difficult-to-treat
patients who are typically expected to survive for two to four months. The r/r AML segment comprises over 50% of all AML patients. Actimab-A,
a therapeutic agent, and Iomab-B for induction and conditioning, can be used in a complementary fashion as depicted in the diagram below.
Based on the clinical evidence with these product candidates, we intend to develop and commercialize these two radiotherapy drugs, starting
with Iomab-B and followed by Actimab-A, if approved, with the goal of improving survival in patients with r/r AML.
Iomab-B and Actimab-A have the potential to significantly improve
r/r AML outcomes in a complementary manner
We believe the operating model required to achieve our vision is attractive
for several reasons, including the concentrated point of care; the top 50 transplant centers account for approximately 75% of BMTs and
the top 100 hospitals treat over 50% of r/r AML patients. Further, there is significant overlap in the healthcare providers and ecosystem
required to diagnose, treat and care for r/r AML patients within these hospitals, which we believe will enable us to deploy a relatively
small commercial organization and operate an appropriately sized supply chain.
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Our product pipeline is targeting
a broader opportunity in conditioning via label expansion of Iomab-B into BMT for other blood cancers and with Iomab-ACT, our next generation
conditioning program for rapidly growing cell and gene therapies. Further, our solid tumor programs are initially directed at r/r cancers,
a stage of disease where treatment is again concentrated in large hospitals, which account for a significant portion of patients. We believe
our strategy will enable us to build a successful company with high operating efficiencies and is feasible to achieve without requiring
a commercial partner.
Our strategic priorities are to:
●
Establish Iomab-B as the standard of care to improve BMT access and survival outcomes in r/r AML patients who are currently not considered transplantable in routine clinical practice: With the SIERRA results demonstrating unprecedented access to BMT,
Iomab-B is being developed to address the high unmet need in conditioning for potentially curative BMT, where the majority of patients
are treated in a concentrated number of leading centers globally. In the U.S. and EU5, we believe there is the potential market opportunity
to address more than 85 thousand r/r AML patients, as shown above. Europe represents 40% of BMTs globally. We intend to leverage our operating
track record at key cancer centers to build an organization that can effectively commercialize Iomab-B. By virtue of the SIERRA trial,
we have established operations at 24 leading BMT centers in the U.S. (22) and Canada (2) that represent about 30% of transplant volume
and have strong working partnerships with Key Opinion Leaders (“KOLs”) and their teams. The SIERRA results demonstrating unprecedented
access to BMT and outcomes, along with our commitment to operational excellence provide a strong foundation for our commercial team in
the U.S. Similar to the U.S. market, we believe the EUMENA market opportunity for Iomab-B has favorable commercial dynamics where the
majority of BMTs performed in AML patients (twice the number performed in the U.S.) are concentrated in major centers that treat the majority
of patients in each country and region.
●
Advance Actimab-A in combinations as a backbone therapy for r/r AML: We intend to progress late-stage development of Actimab-A to leverage its mutation-agnostic mechanism of action (“MOA”) and exploit synergies in combination with other treatments to develop it as an AML backbone therapy. This approach is validated by proof-of-concept data from our Actimab-A + CLAG-M combination trial in r/r AML, which included 57% of patients who had failed venetoclax and are expected to live two to four months on average. The results demonstrated high response rates overall and in these venetoclax failed patients’ median OS was 59% at one year and 32% at two years. Our collaboration with the NCI under the CRADA could provide broad support for late-stage development of Actimab-A + CLAG-M and also other clinical trials to broaden use of Actimab-A. Actimab-A, if approved, would enable us to launch a second product that is complementary to Iomab-B and fulfill our ambition of transforming the treatment outcomes of r/r AML and expand our commercial footprint into the remaining top 100 cancer care centers outside of the leading BMT hospitals.
●
Expand the Iomab-B label and revenue stream via life cycle management: We intend to leverage data from several clinical trials that demonstrate the ability of Iomab-B to improve BMT access and outcomes in five additional hematologic indications. These data in MDS, ALL, HL, NHL and MM provide the foundation to expand the label for Iomab-B and increase its market potential. In AML, we would seek label expansion into haploidentical transplants, earlier lines of treatment and younger patients below the age of 55, the cutoff in the SIERRA trial. As much as possible, we would seek to use investigator sponsored trials as the primary strategy for label expansion in order to maximize capital utilization.
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●
Further expand our conditioning franchise by developing Iomab-ACT for cell and gene therapies: We plan to develop Iomab-ACT to be used for either lymphodepletion or reduced intensity conditioning prior to CAR-T and gene therapies. Similar to BMT, access and outcomes of patients who might benefit from these therapies is currently limited by sub-optimal chemotherapy-based conditioning agents. The number of patients potentially eligible for Iomab-ACT is growing with increased availability of commercial cell and gene therapy products, as well as the expanding number of indications. We are studying Iomab-ACT in conditioning prior to CAR-T cellular therapy via a NIH grant that was recently extended to the Phase 2 portion to fund the ongoing clinical trial with MSKCC. In October 2023, we announced the extension of a NIH Small Business Technology Transfer grant to support the clinical collaboration with MSKCC. In March 2024, we announced a new clinical trial that will study Iomab-ACT as targeted conditioning prior to patients receiving an FDA-approved commercial CAR-T therapy. This trial is expected to be conducted at the University of Texas Southwestern and expected to start recruiting patients following FDA review and clearance of the study.
●
Leverage our R&D capabilities and technological
prowess to advance our solid tumor directed ARC programs and partnerships: Our preclinical programs include novel approaches to validated cancer
targets, as well as novel targets that we believe to show immense potential for radiotherapeutic approaches. We intend to continue to
direct our R&D effort to advance our solid tumor directed ARC programs into the clinic and support life cycle management for Iomab-B
and Actimab-A. Results from our preclinical pharmacology studies with our targeted ARCs have led to multiple solid tumor programs in the
preclinical stage with IND enabling studies underway. We currently believe that Actinium’s ARCs are less likely than small molecules
to face pricing pressure and negotiation, given that small molecules are subject to price negotiations under the Inflation Reduction Act
(“IRA”) seven years after approval compared to eleven years for a biologic, with negotiated pricing taking effect two years
after selection. While generic versions of certain radiopharmaceuticals utilizing peptides have been submitted to the FDA via the Abbreviated
New Drug Application (“ANDA”) pathway, ARCs fall under biologics and therefore only the biosimilar approach pertains to ARCs
filed under 351(k) BLA pathway. The regulatory pathway for biosimilars is much more comprehensive than the pathway for generics, and it
has not been proven that biosimilars are interchangeable with the innovator’s ARCs.
Our R&D capabilities in developing ARCs and next-generation targeted
radiotherapies are reflected in our worldwide patent portfolio of over 230 issued and pending patents. The subject matter covered in this
portfolio includes ARC compositions of matter, radiopharmaceutical formulations and manufacturing, methods of treatment and administration,
and novel bifunctional chelators (linkers), as well as several aspects of manufacturing Ac-225 using a cyclotron among other subject matter.
In keeping with our strategic vision over the next several years, we
plan to first focus on ensuring an Iomab-B approval and successful launch into core BMT centers in the U.S. and working with our partner
Immedica to support its commercial success. We intend to expand the Iomab-B label and its revenue stream while progressing the development
of Actimab-A by leveraging the NCI CRADA. We will endeavor to progress the development of Iomab-ACT to proof-of-concept and explore potential
partnerships as a means to achieve commercialization. Our solid tumor programs are expected to progress toward the clinic as we continue
to build out our commercial footprint into the top 100 hospitals, which we hope will position us to develop our ARCs in line with our
vision. With commercial dynamics aligning favorably for a successful Iomab-B launch and with late-stage development of Actimab-A planned
in collaboration with the NCI, we plan to deliver on our mission to transform the treatment of AML and patient outcomes, and create a
highly differentiated, specialty radiotherapeutics company focused on the top 100 large hospitals.
Our ARC Pipeline
We have strategically focused
our development efforts in areas where there is a significant unmet medical need. Our novel Antibody Radiation Conjugates or ARCs have
the potential to positively impact the outcomes of people living with hard-to-treat diseases such as r/r AML and we are developing both
therapeutic and induction/conditioning agents for this purpose. Outside of AML, our ARC pipeline development offers the opportunity to
enhance the value proposition of cell and gene therapies with our clinical stage targeted conditioning programs.
9
AML Focused ARC Programs – Iomab-B
and Actimab-A
Our ARC product candidates,
Iomab-B and Actimab-A, are focused on addressing the major unmet medical needs in r/r AML in a complementary manner and are directed at
different parts of the patient journey.
Iomab-B – Targeted ARC for Induction
and Conditioning. A potential new standard of care enabling a curative BMT in currently non-transplantable r/r AML patients with poor
survival prognosis
Opportunity to Change the Current Paradigm
for Accessing a BMT and Improving Outcomes
The current approach in preparing
patients for a BMT is to first induce a remission with therapeutic agents to reduce the disease burden and then suppress or destroy the
patient’s immune system, including the diseased bone marrow, with conditioning regimens prior to transplanting the healthy donor
hematopoietic stem cells, which are expected to restore normal bone marrow function following engraftment. As this approach requires patients
to withstand multiple challenges from non-targeted therapies, which include chemotherapy agents and/or total body irradiation that are
highly toxic, BMT is typically limited to FIT patients. Iomab-B is a targeted therapy that provides both disease control (induction) and
conditioning in one agent and is well-tolerated even by UNFIT patients who typically are not transplanted in routine practice today. The
SIERRA trial was designed to demonstrate that UNFIT patients with active disease could be administered Iomab-B and proceed directly to
a BMT without the need for inducing a remission and that this approach could result in improved survival and curative outcomes. As seen
by the positive results of the SIERRA trial detailed below, Iomab-B represents an exciting new potential paradigm in the management of
AML patients and establishes a potential new standard of care especially for UNFIT patients in the relapsed or refractory setting.
A trial conducted in Germany
from 2015 to 2022 explored outcomes in patients proceeding to BMT but enrolled r/r AML patients FIT to tolerate sequential conditioning,
an intensive, salvage chemotherapy-based regimen. Scheitleg et al. presented their findings at ASH in December 2022 titled , In Patients
with Relapsed/Refractory AML Sequential Conditioning and Immediate Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (allo-HCT) Results in Similar
Overall and Leukemia-Free Survival Compared to Intensive Remission Induction Chemotherapy Followed By Allo-HCT: Results from the Randomized
Phase III ASAP Trial or (the “ASAP trial”). The ASAP trial sought to demonstrate non-inferiority between two non-novel
approaches and found that outcomes similar to those of current practice could be achieved without first getting a patient into remission
before taking them to BMT by giving them sequential conditioning or treating them twice with non-targeted chemotherapy agents that are
typically used in this setting.
10
The ASAP approach is limited to only FIT patients as the UNFIT patients
treated in SIERRA could not tolerate ASAP’s highly toxic sequential conditioning approach. However, we believe the ASAP trial results
support the use of Iomab-B, which is intended to enable patients with active r/r AML to proceed directly to BMT, without first achieving
CR with salvage induction chemotherapy. By doing so, we seek to reduce the amount and severity of toxicities, allowing patients to receive
their BMT in better physical condition, reducing the need for in-patient hospital admissions, providing a pharmacoeconomic benefit, increasing
access to potentially curative BMT and improve patient outcomes. We believe the SIERRA trial results therefore can change the paradigm
in transplant because non-transplantable patients in routine clinical practice can benefit from a transplant with Iomab-B and could have
superior outcomes. While both approaches in these trials support increased access to BMT, only Iomab-B is applicable to the UNFIT patients
who comprise approximately 80% of r/r AML patients and can potentially expand the market for transplant. To avoid confusion between the
potential of the approaches used in the ASAP and SIERRA trials, important distinctions between these trials are depicted in the graphic
below.
Schetelig et al. Results from the Randomized
Phase III ASAP Trial. ASH 2022
Pivotal Phase 3 SIERRA Trial for Iomab-B ( 131 Iodine-apamistamab)
The SIERRA trial was designed
to demonstrate the ability of Iomab-B to overcome challenges related to patient access to curative BMT. Unfortunately, approximately 30%
of patients with AML have primary refractory disease while approximately 50% relapse quickly after achieving initial remission. Getting
these patients with primary r/r AML into remission is very challenging due to characteristics such as age, comorbidities, and disease
features such as high-risk mutations that contribute to lack of response to salvage therapies and limit treatment options.
Patients must be able to overcome several challenges related to curative
BMT. The first access challenge is that the patient needs to be in complete remission prior to BMT. The current clinical practice is not
to transplant patients with active AML as outcomes are poor due to high relapse rates. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (“NCCN”)
guidelines also recommend treatment to achieve remission prior to transplant in patients with relapsed AML. The second challenge to access
is tolerance to current conditioning regimens. For older patients, myeloablative regimens are not an option due to intense toxicity and
mortality. The third challenge is the ability to achieve post-BMT remission and successful engraftment. Inadequate conditioning can lead
to graft failure, which is associated with very high mortality. Patients who fail to achieve a CR post-transplant have extremely poor
outcomes and a survival of a few weeks. The fourth challenge relates to BMT tolerability and post-BMT complications. The conditioning
and immunosuppressive regimens given to these patients put them at high risk for infectious complications and toxicity. In the SIERRA
trial, Iomab-B addressed all four of these challenges. Access to BMT is improved as CR is not needed pre-BMT, given effective disease
control and targeted myeloablation. With better post-BMT engraftment, CR and lower complications, the SIERRA trial also addressed the
challenges related to improved outcomes through Iomab-B.
11
We believe the SIERRA results presented in the late-breaker session at
the 2023 Tandem Meetings, support Iomab-B’s value proposition of enabling both improved access and outcomes of a BMT, thereby providing
a curative option for r/r AML patients, a segment that represents approximately 50% of all AML patients and the majority not transplanted
today. The design of the SIERRA trial is provided in the figure below.
SIERRA: A Novel, Pivotal Phase 3 Study
of Iomab-B in r/r AML
The pivotal Phase 3 SIERRA trial was a 153-patient, randomized, multi-center,
controlled trial of Iomab-B in patients aged 55 and above with active r/r AML, who were heavily pre-treated and had high-risk characteristics.
Patients enrolled had blast counts of 5% or greater in the marrow or circulating blasts suggestive of active AML. In this study, Iomab-B
was compared to the control arm that allowed physician’s choice of over 20 available agents, including chemotherapies and/or targeted
therapies such as venetoclax (BCL-2 inhibitor), FLT3 inhibitors, IDH inhibitors and Mylotarg, reflecting current best-treatment practices
attempting to get patients to CR. The control arm included recently approved AML therapies that were added to the SIERRA protocol as they
became available. The crossover arm was designed in SIERRA for an equipoise that offered Iomab-B to patients failing to achieve a CR on
the control arm with an intent to rescue them by taking them to transplant. Of note, SIERRA had highly restrictive optionality for post-transplant
maintenance. Patients with active, r/r AML are not considered eligible for BMT with current approaches and the SIERRA trial was the only
randomized Phase 3 trial to offer BMT as a treatment option for this patient population. These patients would not be offered BMT in standard
practice and therefore have dismal survival outcomes of two to three months. The primary endpoint of the SIERRA trial was dCR of 6-months
and the secondary endpoints are OS and Event-Free Survival (“EFS”). The comparison of OS in subjects randomized to the control
arm who crossed over to receive Iomab-B versus all others in the control group was an exploratory efficacy endpoint.
12
As seen in the graphic below,
the primary endpoint of 6-month dCR was met with a high degree of statistical significance (p<0.0001). 75% of patients (44/59) receiving
Iomab-B achieved an initial remission 30 days after their BMT compared to 6.3% of patients (4/64) in the control arm. 22% of the patients
receiving Iomab-B maintained dCR lasting 6-months or more despite limited optionality for post-transplant maintenance, while none of the
patients on the control arm achieved dCR. The current standard practice is to administer post-transplant maintenance therapy to reduce
chances of relapse. The results presented below are on a per protocol basis, which means that only data that was in strict adherence to
the protocol without any deviations was considered for the analysis. It is important to note that the p-value of the primary endpoint
in the Intent-to-Treat (“ITT”) analysis was <0.0001, the same as the per protocol analysis.
SIERRA Results: Iomab-B Meets Primary Endpoint
with High Significance (p<0.0001)
As demonstrated in the OS
graph below, patients who achieved 6-month dCR had 92.3% 1-year survival and 59.9% 2-year survival. Median OS had not been reached in
these patients. It is worth noting that two years in CR is a significant milestone in this patient population, highly indicative of long-term
survival and a possible curative outcome.
Overall Survival for Patients who Achieved
6-month dCR with Iomab-B
OS was one of the secondary
endpoints of the study. The Kaplan-Meier plot in the inset of the graph below shows ITT OS results between the Iomab-B arm and the control
arm. Due to the crossover design, ITT analysis of OS was confounded by the early crossover of patients (within 28 days) from the control
arm to the Iomab-B arm (57.1%). The effective rescue of these crossover patients by Iomab-B led to an outsized contribution of the Iomab-B
effect on control arm patients. As a result, median OS in the Iomab-B arm was similar to that in the control arm and this secondary endpoint
was not met in the ITT analysis.
13
In order to isolate the true
impact of Iomab-B on OS, one of the exploratory efficacy endpoints was the comparison of OS in subjects randomized to the control arm
who crossed over to receive Iomab-B versus all others in the control arm, as well as the control arm patients who did not crossover versus
the Iomab-B arm. The Kaplan-Meier plot of OS in the graphic below shows that this exploratory analysis demonstrated the clear benefit
of Iomab-B over the control arm. The median OS for the Iomab-B group was 6.4 months which was double the 3.2 months for the non-crossover
patients in the control arm. Patients who crossed over from the control arm to receive Iomab-B had a median OS of 7.1 months demonstrating
further the ability of Iomab-B to treat patients who are non-treatable by conventional means.
A similar pattern favoring
the Iomab-B group was seen across the pre-defined subgroups, where 1-year OS for Iomab-B was 26.1% compared with 13.1% for the non-crossover
control arm. The 1-year OS for patients in the crossover arm was 35.8%. This clearly demonstrates the OS benefit of Iomab-B over the control
arm and two to three-fold improvement in survival outcomes possible with its use.
Kaplan-Meier Plot of Overall Survival ‒
Iomab-B, Crossover, and Non-Crossover Control Arm
Iomab-B produced a significant and clinically meaningful improvement
in the secondary endpoint of EFS, with a 78% reduction in the probability of an event (Hazard Ratio=0.22, p<0.0001 for both per protocol
and ITT basis). EFS at 6 months for the Iomab-B arm was 28% compared to 0.2% for the control arm. In the SIERRA trial, an event is defined
as one of the following: a patient not achieving CR/CRp (Complete Remission with partial hematologic recovery) or crossing over, patient
not receiving BMT, or a patient relapse or death.
14
In the figure below
comparing EFS with Iomab-B versus the control arm, the initial vertical drop in the curve in the Iomab-B arm represents those
patients who did not achieve a remission after Iomab-B or those who did not proceed to transplant, while the initial vertical drop
in the curve in the control arm mainly represents patients who did not achieve a remission with salvage therapy and either crossed
over to Iomab-B or went on to best supportive care.
Event-Free Survival with Iomab-B Versus Control
Arm
The table below shows relevant adverse events in transplanted Iomab-B
patients. In these patients, incidence of sepsis was four times lower in the Iomab-B arm than the control arm (6.1% vs. 28.6%). In addition,
rates of other treatment-related adverse events were lower in favor of Iomab-B, including febrile neutropenia (43.9% vs. 50.0%), mucositis
(15.2% vs. 21.4%) and acute graft versus host disease (“GVHD”) (26.1% vs. 35.7%).
Grade ≥3 Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events
in Transplanted Patients Through Day 100 Post-HCT
15
With current treatment practice,
patients who have r/r AML with active disease, utilizing current conditioning agents have poor outcomes and very low survival rates. Using
an Iomab-B led regimen, an unprecedented number of patients were able to access transplant and were able to do so with active disease,
eliminating the need for achieving a CR in order to transplant the patient. Thus, patients are also able to access BMT faster with Iomab-B,
in less than half the time compared to conventional care. Iomab-B represents a new paradigm with the potential to establish
a new standard of care in r/r AML setting, making it possible for most patients to get to a successful transplant with Iomab-B, with a
portion of these patients having a long-term survival benefit. As shown below, with an Iomab-B led regimen, the majority of patients who
are non-transplantable in routine clinical practice can be successfully transplanted, administering myeloablative radiation with reduced
intensity conditioning tolerability to ultimately achieve transformative survival outcome, changing the treatment paradigm for r/r AML
patients.
Iomab-B – New Paradigm to Upend BMT
Access and Improve r/r AML Outcomes
At the 2024 Tandem Meetings,
Iomab-B SIERRA trial data in an oral presentation detailed survival outcomes of patients with a TP53 mutation enrolled in the SIERRA
trial, highlighting improved survival in patients who received Iomab-B. A total of 37 patients (24.2%) enrolled on the SIERRA trial had
a TP53 mutation with 17 patients randomized to the Iomab-B arm and 20 patients randomized to the control arm of the study. Median OS
for TP53 negative patients receiving Iomab-B was 6.37 months and 5.72 months for TP53 positive patients. In the control arm (including
crossover patients), the median OS for TP53 positive patients was 2.96 months. Iomab-B was shown to significantly improve outcomes in
TP53 positive patients (initial randomization and crossover patients) with a median OS of 5.49 months versus 1.66 months in patients
that did not receive Iomab-B (hazard ratio 0.23, p-value=0.0002). These results for patients with a TP53 mutation were also accepted
for oral presentation at the EBMT 50 th Annual Meeting in Glasgow, UK to be held on April 14 through April 17, 2024. In a second
oral presentation, data from the SIERRA trial highlighted the outcomes and safety of Iomab-B in patients 65 years and older that were
similar to what we presented for the overall SIERRA population. The data presented from the SIERRA trial highlight the opportunity for
Iomab-B to provide better access and outcomes in these hard-to-treat sub-groups, including patients with a TP53 mutation and those 65
years of age and older.
Future Development and Life Cycle Management
for Iomab-B
The results of the Pivotal
Phase 3 SIERRA trial validate the value proposition of Iomab-B, and we believe it could establish unprecedented access to transplant (currently
the only curative option) with better safety and tolerability and improved outcomes, all of which could potentially make Iomab-B the new
standard of care for patients with r/r AML.
We plan to commercialize
Iomab-B in the U.S. The commercial opportunity is supported by favorable dynamics, summarized by the “Three Ps and Two Cs”:
●
Patients : With its promising profile, Iomab-B provides the opportunity for unprecedented BMT access and better outcomes for patients, with favorable safety and tolerability
●
Physicians : Our goal is to help physicians make BMT an option for a vast majority of r/r AML patients who currently are unable to access transplant without disruption to current practice. Patients are able to return to their referring physicians for post-BMT follow-up, and long-term care
16
●
Payers : Iomab-B potentially unlocks value through getting patients safely to effective, potentially curative transplants, with improved outcomes and a manageable safety and tolerability profile
●
Competition : While there have been multiple new product approvals in AML over the last several years, they primarily focus on addressing genetic mutations, with limited competition in conditioning to increase access to BMT. We do not see direct or indirect visible competition for Iomab-B in the 5-to-10-year horizon to impair the commercial success of Iomab-B.
●
Concentrated Call Points : The commercialization for Iomab-B will benefit from a concentrated market. The top 50 centers perform 75% of BMTs and tend to be concentrated in metropolitan areas. These factors allow for commercialization delivered by a focused 35–50-person commercial organization.
We believe the favorable commercial
dynamics for Iomab-B in the U.S. are further supported by the foundation of core competencies, developed during the successful execution
of the SIERRA trial at leading high-volume BMT centers. We established and actively managed an end-to-end supply chain, never missing
a patient dose, and were able to treat 60% more patients than expected due to the high number of crossover patients. We focused on operational
excellence at the point of care, working in partnership with leading KOLs and their teams to successfully execute SIERRA at a wide array
of centers. As a result, we have broad reach across leading BMT centers that account for 30% of BMT volume, which speaks to the concentration
of the BMT market. The positive SIERRA results of unprecedented access and outcomes along with our commitment to operational excellence
provide a strong foundation for our commercial team.
In April 2022, Actinium exclusively
licensed the EUMENA commercial rights for Iomab-B to Immedica, an independent pharmaceutical company headquartered in Sweden. Immedica
is solely responsible for the commercialization of the product. Immedica has significant know-how and experience in commercializing niche
and specialty care products across Europe and the Middle East, with extensive regulatory and commercial expertise and capabilities. Actinium
will continue to be responsible for certain clinical development activities and Iomab-B manufacturing and will retain commercialization
rights in the U.S. and rest of the world. Currently, there are an estimated ~7,200 BMTs for AML in EUMENA, two times that of the U.S.,
performed in a concentrated number of centers. The incidence rate of AML in Europe is 3.7 per 100,000, or approximately 27,500 new patients
per year. Iomab-B has been granted Orphan Drug Designation by the EMA and has received positive Scientific Advice from EMA prior to the
start of the SIERRA trial. Immedica has had rapporteur and co-rapporteur meetings to discuss the SIERRA trial clinical and CMC data, and
based on these meetings is proceeding with its MAA filing for Iomab-B.
Background on Iomab-B
Iomab-B is a first-in-class
ARC consisting of apamistamab, an anti-CD45 mouse antibody conjugated to radioactive I-131 designed to deliver targeted myeloablative
radiation to malignant and hematopoietic cells prior to allogeneic BMT. CD45 is uniquely expressed on blood cancer, immune and bone marrow
stem cells at high levels. Targeting CD45 enables delivery of high radiation doses directly to the bone marrow, with a median of 16 gray
and as high as 44.6 gray in the SIERRA trial, while minimizing radiation exposure to vital organs such as lungs, heart and gastrointestinal
tract, thereby producing myeloablative outcomes with an overall better safety profile and the tolerability of a reduced intensity regimen.
I-131 is a beta- and gamma-emitting radioisotope that works on the cell surface and does not need to be internalized. Developed at the
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (“FHCRC”), Iomab-B has been studied in multiple disease indications including leukemias,
lymphomas, MDS, and MM. Over 300 patients received Iomab-B through prior studies, demonstrating the potential for unprecedented access
to BMT, improved survival and tolerability, and we intend to use these data as we plan for label expansion of Iomab-B. Iomab-B has been
granted Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA and has patent protection into 2037.
Actimab-A – CD33 targeting ARC –
mutation agnostic mechanism of action has potential as combination backbone therapy in highly radiosensitive, mutation rich AML
Our Actimab-A ( 225 Ac-lintuzumab
satetraxetan) program is focused on developing combinations with other AML treatment regimens with mechanistic synergies to establish
Actimab-A as a backbone therapy, using the mutation-agnostic mechanism of action of Actimab-A. There is no known resistance mechanism
to targeted ARCs, making Actimab-A a candidate for a variety of combinations. The scientific rationale is to use CLAG-M, a powerful chemotherapy
regimen routinely used to treat patients with r/r AML, and then use Actimab-A for its precision-targeting ability that produces double-strand-DNA
breaks that lead to cancer cell death to clear out residual disease. Actimab-A has demonstrated clinically significant survival benefit
in a proof-of-concept study and is poised for advanced development in collaboration with the NCI. We expect the NCI to initiate further
development of Actimab-A in combination with CLAG-M and other targeted agents to broaden the scope of its development in r/r AML.
17
Actimab-A + CLAG-M Phase 1 Study Results
In collaboration with the
Medical College of Wisconsin, the Actimab-A + CLAG-M Phase 1 trial was conducted in r/r AML patients fit for intensive therapy. These
patients had a median age of 63, failed two or more lines of therapy, which includes 57% having received prior treatment with venetoclax,
a BCL-2 inhibitor. 67% of these patients had adverse cytogenetics, 52% had a TP53 mutation, and 57% had a prior BMT. Median OS is typically
two to four months for this patient population, with a median OS of less than 3 months for patients who relapsed following venetoclax
and a median OS less than 2 months for those with a TP53 mutation.
In this difficult-to-treat
r/r AML population, the results demonstrate its potential. We reported 1-year survival of 53% and 2-year survival of 32%, which are as
much as double what can be expected with currently available therapies. The trial showed an Overall Response Rate (“ORR”)
of 65% across all dose cohorts, 52% complete remission rate, and a 75% MRD negativity rate. As highlighted in the figure below, the results
are encouraging and show that the high rates of responses and MRD negativity are translating to a meaningful survival benefit in these
difficult-to-treat patients, who would otherwise have dismal outcomes.
Actimab-A + CLAG-M –Response and Survival
Benefit in r/r AML
Actimab-A + CLAG-M Compared to CLAG-M Alone
in r/r AML
Efficacy of CLAG-M has been
reported in older studies (Halpern and Walter. CLAG-M with dose-escalated mitoxantrone for adults with acute myeloid leukemia. Oncotarget
2018 and Mushtaq et al. Comparison of Salvage Chemotherapy Regimens in Relapsed/Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia. ASH 2018) in patients
with r/r AML, however, almost all of these studies were conducted in the pre-targeted therapy era, where no patients enrolled had prior
venetoclax-based therapy, thus efficacy data of CLAG-M in the current era, in patients exposed to prior venetoclax, or with other high-risk
features, is limited. When combined with Actimab-A, the combination has demonstrated a clinically significant survival benefit in a proof-of-concept
study irrespective of prior targeted treatment. R/R AML after failing venetoclax-based therapy is associated with dismal survival outcomes,
with a median OS of less than 3 months. In comparison, the combination trial of Actimab-A + CLAG-M led to 1-year survival of 59% and 2-year
survival of 32% in patients who failed prior venetoclax-based therapy, which compares favorably to the traditional outcomes in these patients.
On September 6, 2023, updated data from the Actimab-A + CLAG-M combination trial was presented at SOHO where 1-year OS for patients with
prior venetoclax treatment was 46% and 48% in all patients receiving Actimab-A + CLAG-M treatment. In patients who received a transplant,
the median OS was 24 months or more.
18
Actimab-A + venetoclax Phase 1/2 Study Results
We are conducting a Phase 1/2 multi-center trial combining Actimab-A
+ venetoclax in both fit and unfit patients 18 years and older with r/r AML led by UCLA Medical Center. Data from our Actimab-A + venetoclax
combination trial was presented at the 2022 ASH Annual Meeting. We have demonstrated preclinically that combinations of Actimab-A and
venetoclax have mechanistic synergies. Overexpression of MCL-1, an anti-apoptotic protein, is associated with resistance to venetoclax
in AML. Actimab-A kills tumors cells with DNA double-strand breaks and downregulates MCL-1, which can (re-)sensitize AML cells or reduce
tumor resistance to venetoclax. The Actimab-A + venetoclax combination has been well tolerated with responses, including a CR and a partial
response in early dose escalation cohorts. Based on the acceptable safety of Actimab-A in combination with venetoclax, we are investigating
various approaches to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of Actimab-A in combination with venetoclax and HMA in newly diagnosed
AML patients.
Further Development for Actimab-A
In February 2023, we announced
that we entered into a CRADA with the NCI, part of the NIH, to develop Actimab-A for the treatment of patients with AML and other hematologic
malignancies. The NCI will serve as the regulatory sponsor for any clinical trials mutually approved by both parties to study Actimab-A,
and the CRADA is expected to provide support for the development of Actimab-A alone or in combination with chemotherapy, immunotherapy,
targeted agents and other novel combinations. The CRADA studies will be overseen by the NCI in collaboration with Actinium’s clinical
development team, where Actinium has the right to review and approve all protocols and has full rights to all data. This broad collaboration
may accelerate our Actimab-A development efforts with access to NCI’s vast network of over 2,000 clinical trial sites and its Myelomatch
program. We expect the NCI to initiate further development of Actimab-A in combination with CLAG-M and other targeted agents to broaden
the scope of its development in r/r AML. To realize the broader development potential for Actimab-A, we are also examining the role of
Actimab-A as a maintenance therapy for various indications through our R&D efforts.
We are exploring the broader opportunity with our Actimab-A program
and the potential use of Actimab-A in solid tumor indications through our R&D efforts. CD33-expressing MDSCs are present within the
tumor microenvironment and exert immunosuppressive effects, and we believe that Actimab-A can play an important role in the tumor microenvironment
by depleting MDSCs in a targeted manner. In April 2023, we presented data at the AACR Annual Meeting that we believe support the potential
role of Actimab-A to overcome immunosuppression by MDSCs in the tumor microenvironment. We believe our preclinical findings show promise
with regard to Actimab-A’s ability to selectively deplete CD33-expressing MDSCs in both lung, colorectal, and other cancers, which
we intend to explore further via clinical development. Actimab-A also demonstrated statistically significant depletion of human MDSCs
compared to Mylotarg, a CD33-targeted ADC in colorectal cancer (p<0.01), highlighting the powerful cytotoxicity and potential therapeutic
benefit of radiotherapy compared to naked antibodies or ADCs. Actimab-A demonstrates the advantages of ARCs over ADCs by utilizing the
power of radiation, against which cells have no known resistance or repair mechanism. Radiation can cause double stranded breaks in DNA
which lead to cancer cell death. MDSCs are ubiquitous across multiple cancer indications and with the substantial number of immunotherapies
in development or currently in clinical use, we believe our data may support the potential for Actimab-A, if ultimately approved for commercialization
for such indication, to be a backbone therapy that could broadly improve antitumor activity of immunotherapies such as checkpoint inhibitors
and T and NK cell therapies and other therapeutic modalities in multiple solid tumor indications. Additional preclinical data evaluating
Actimab-A for the targeting of MDSCs was presented at the SITC 38 th Annual Meeting on November 4, 2023, highlighting Actimab-A’s
ability to target and deplete MDSCs and restore T cell proliferation and effector response. SPECT/CT imaging confirmed uptake of Actimab-A
in a humanized non-small cell lung cancer model, indicating enrichment of CD33+ MDSCs in the tumor microenvironment. SPECT/CT imaging
confirmed uptake of Actimab-A in a humanized non-small cell lung cancer model, indicating enrichment of CD33+ MDSCs in the tumor microenvironment.
19
Background on Actimab-A
Actimab-A, an ARC comprised of the anti-CD33 antibody linked to the
potent alpha-emitting radioisotope Ac-225. Actimab-A targets CD33, which is expressed in virtually all malignant cells in patients with
AML regardless of cytogenetics or mutations and enables potent alpha radiation to be directed against radiosensitive AML cells. These
cells have no known resistance or repair mechanisms when hit with the alpha particles from the Ac-225 isotope payload, which cause double
stranded DNA breaks. We believe Actimab-A is the first radiotherapeutic for r/r AML and has the unique value proposition of broad applicability,
a differentiated mechanism of action, and targeted precision that is well-tolerated with minimal non-hematologic toxicity. Our CD33 development
program is driven by data obtained from approximately 150 AML patients in six trials and demonstrated single agent activity with high
response rates. A combination strategy was considered appropriate given the changing treatment landscape of AML; hence, based on presumed
mechanistic synergies, an investigator-initiated trial of Actimab-A + CLAG-M and a company-sponsored Actimab-A + venetoclax were developed
and patients were enrolled into these studies.
Conditioning Focused Programs
Iomab-B
We will further expand the
ARC pipeline with our Iomab-B franchise by focusing on lifecycle management for label enhancement and indication expansion. Iomab-B data
in five additional hematologic indications (i.e., MDS, ALL, HL, NHL, and MM) provide the foundation to explore indication expansion opportunities
to increase the total addressable market for Iomab-B. Across early trials at the FHCRC, Iomab-B demonstrated similar improved access to
BMT and outcomes. We will leverage these data with strong results from the pivotal Phase 3 SIERRA trial to execute a comprehensive life
cycle management strategy to further expand Iomab-B’s role in a variety of malignant and non-malignant hematological disorders.
We will continue to develop the Iomab-B franchise to potentially address a broader market opportunity to address the over 165,000 patients
diagnosed with cancers (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma), who could potentially benefit from transplant, but are unable to access
one today.
Iomab-ACT
Iomab-ACT is our next generation
ARC comprised of apamistamab, the same anti-CD45 antibody as Iomab-B, but utilizes lower, nonmyeloablative levels of I-131 to achieve
lymphodepletion for cellular therapies such as CAR-T or reduced intensity conditioning for gene therapies. We intend to continue to develop
the Iomab-ACT program designed specifically for use prior to CAR-T and gene therapies, ultimately with a value proposition of improving
overall access and outcomes for patients who need cellular or gene therapies.
Preclinical data showed a
single, low-dose of Iomab-ACT demonstrated lymphodepletion and as CD45 positive immune cells are implicated in major CAR-T side effects,
i.e., CRS and ICANS, Iomab-ACT has the potential to be developed as a conditioning agent for CAR-T therapies. CRS and ICANS remain two
most common toxicities of CAR-T therapies with severe cases (>Grade 3) seen in >20% of patients and fatality rates between 0-10%.
Due to its effect on host monocytes/macrophages, we believe conditioning with Iomab-ACT will potentially reduce the incidence of CRS and
ICANS.
Unlike chemotherapy, Iomab-ACT
is targeted in nature, and we expect it to potentially promote improved CAR-T cell expansion, resulting in responses that are higher and
more durable. We believe our Iomab-ACT program is highly differentiated when compared to Flu/Cy or other chemotherapy-based regimens that
are used as standard practice today for lymphodepletion prior to cell therapy.
We are studying Iomab-ACT in collaboration with MSKCC, for conditioning
prior to CAR-T therapy for patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (“B-ALL”) or DLBCL. This
study funded by a NIH grant is the first study of its kind to use an ARC, or radiotherapeutic-based conditioning regimen, with CAR-T therapy.
In October 2023, we announced the extension of a NIH Small Business Technology Transfer grant to support the clinical collaboration with
MSKCC. Most recently, at the 2024 Tandem Meetings, we presented results from the ongoing phase 1 trial. No patients (0/4) developed ICANS
of any grade, a major safety measure of the study, as ICANS is observed in 25% or more of patients with r/r B-ALL and DLBCL treated with
various CAR T-cell products and negligible incidence of CRS. Iomab-ACT demonstrated transient depletion of peripheral blood lymphocytes
and monocytes. Persistence of CAR T-cells up to 8 weeks and minimal non-hematologic toxicities have been observed to date.
In March 2024, we announced a clinical trial to study Iomab-ACT with an
FDA approved commercial CAR T-cell therapy, which will be led by investigators at the University of Texas Southwestern. To our knowledge
this will be the first trial to study a targeted radiotherapy conditioning agent with a commercial CAR-T therapy. UT Southwestern expects
to start recruiting patients following FDA review and clearance of the study. Currently, there are six CAR-T therapies approved to treat
patients with leukemias, lymphomas and multiple myeloma that had combined annual sales of over $3.5 billion in 2023. Given the robust
clinical data that exists with commercial CAR-T therapies, we believe this trial may demonstrate Iomab-ACT’s potential to improve
outcomes over current chemotherapy conditioning regiments we are seeking to replace. We believe an opportunity exists for Iomab-ACT to
potentially generate significant revenue, if it can provide one or more clinical benefits related to lower CRS, less neurotoxicity, longer
duration of response or a higher overall success rate of cellular therapy due to benefits of targeted conditioning.
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R&D and Preclinical ARC Programs
Our R&D capabilities have the potential to yield differentiated,
high-value ARC programs that demonstrate our experience across multiple validated cancer targets and isotopes and cover broad areas of
focus leveraging our clinical development experience across hematology, targeted conditioning, solid tumors, and next generation radiotherapies.
We develop ARC product candidates that target antigens that are expressed on certain cancer cell types and are able to destroy cellular
DNA and kill these cells with the energy that they emit. The efficacy of ARCs does not require internalization and stable linkers minimize
off-target toxicity of the payload.
Our R&D programs inform
the advancement of our Iomab-B, Actimab-A, and Iomab-ACT clinical programs. We have utilized our technology platform to develop our clinical
portfolio in hematology – Iomab-B and Actimab-A, in conditioning for transplant and as a therapeutic, respectively. Our differentiated
R&D efforts are further exemplified by our next-generation Iomab-ACT conditioning program for rapidly growing cell and gene therapies.
Our platform has been used to develop a pipeline of novel radiotherapeutic assets to drive company growth. We are working on several preclinical
programs which include novel approaches to validated cancer targets, as well as novel targets that we believe to show immense potential
for radiotherapeutic approaches. Preclinical pharmacology studies with our targeted radiotherapeutics, such as HER2, CD33 and CD38, have
shown strong improvement in tumor growth inhibition in various preclinical tumor models. These results have prompted our R&D team
to spearhead efforts in multiple solid tumor programs in the preclinical stage with IND enabling studies underway. Leveraging Actinium’s
platform and expertise in developing ARCs, we are exploring how nanobodies, single chain variable fragment (“scFv”), and other
related modalities can be combined with novel linkers and radioisotopes to enhance delivery to solid tumors.
We currently believe that Actinium’s ARCs are less likely than small
molecules to face pricing pressure and negotiation from IRA, given that small molecules are at risk for pricing negotiations seven years
after approval compared to eleven years for biologics with negotiated prices taking effect two years after selection. Further, a drug
or biological product that has an orphan drug designation, which Iomab-B and Actimab-A both have, for only one rare disease or condition
will be excluded from the IRA's price negotiations requirements until such time the biological products has designations for more
than one rare disease or condition, or if is approved for an indication that is not within that single designated rare disease or condition,
unless such additional designation or such disqualifying approvals are withdrawn by the time CMS evaluates the drug for selection for
negotiation. In addition, regulatory barriers for a generic ARC are much higher than for small molecule radioligands such as those under
development or approved, namely, Pluvicto ® , Lutathera ® , and Xofigo ® . While generic versions
of certain radiopharmaceuticals utilizing peptides, which are considered small molecules, have been submitted to the FDA via the ANDA
pathway, ARCs fall under biologics. For this reason, only the biosimilar approach pertains to ARCs filed under 351(k) BLA pathway. The
regulatory pathway for biosimilar is much more comprehensive than the pathway for generics, and it has not been proven that biosimilars
are interchangeable with the innovator’s ARCs. In addition, we are not aware of any regulations that would require us to provide
Iomab-B or Actimab-A, including their respective mAbs, apamistamab and lintuzumab, to any third party or potential competitor.
We seek to expand our capabilities
and technologies across therapeutic modalities, linker technologies and in vivo cancer models, and build visibility through presentations
at key conferences and publications in journals of high impact. Our R&D efforts are centered on the advancement of our key ARC programs
with a robust “fast-to-clinic” approach. Underpinning our development programs is our expanded patent portfolio of over 230
issued patents and pending patent applications worldwide.
Our Platform Technology
Our proprietary technology
platform is built on the core competency to produce targeted radiotherapeutics, and coupled with our know-how and IP, establishes our
company in the development of isotope-agnostic, multi-targeted product candidates that have the potential to address the treatment of
hard-to-treat diseases. In our clinical and preclinical programs, we have utilized multiple isotopes including Ac-225, I-131 and Lu-177
directed at multiple targets in oncology and hematology such as CD45, CD33, CD38, HER2, among others. Our targeted radiotherapies combine
the cell-killing ability of radiation via a radioisotope payload with a targeting agent, such as a monoclonal antibody.
With our in-depth, long-term experience in clinical development of
Ac-225 based radiopharmaceuticals, we have developed an end-to-end technology solution for producing Ac-225 that has demonstrated radiochemical
and radionuclidic purity identical to current gold standard methods. This patented technology has been used to produce Ac-225 in a cyclotron
that is essentially identical to that derived from a Th-229 generator and has the potential to be a lower-cost, commercially scalable
higher-yielding approach. Using the cyclotron-produced Ac-225 technology allows for large commercial scale production with estimated cost
of goods sold including capital expenditures and operational costs for a single cyclotron facility of between $650 and $1,000 per mCi,
which is between 10 to 20 times less expensive than the price of currently available Ac-225 material.
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Our extensive know-how related
to this production technology is supported by five issued patents in the U.S. and 49 patents internationally and covers:
● End-to-end
solution including processing and recycling of Radium-226 starting material
● Production
of up to 100 mCi of Ac-225 per production cycle
● Utilization of a medium energy cyclotron
● Expected
cost 10 to 20 times lower than currently available material
● Radiochemical
purity > 99%
● Radioisotopic
purity 99.8% with no long-lived contaminants and <0.001% Ac-227
With our Ac-2225 based Actimab-A program and the rapidly increasing
number of Ac-225 based programs in development, we believe that we are well positioned to leverage this technology to produce Ac-225 to
address the growing clinical demand.
Manufacturing and Supply Chain
Actinium has established significant
manufacturing and supply chain expertise due to the unique manufacturing and distribution requirements of radiotherapeutics. Due to the
short half-life of radioisotopes, the finished drug product is shipped “hot” and must be administered within days. Actinium
has established core competencies in the process of manufacturing radiotherapeutics, coordinating with the hospital’s care team,
and delivering “just-in-time” doses. We have delivered over 500 doses for 18 clinical trials at 45 large cancer hospitals
and have never missed a dose.
Isotope supply is critical
for the manufacturing of radiotherapeutics, and we have engaged several sources for the procurement of alpha (e.g., Ac-225) and beta (e.g.,
I-131 and Lu-177) emitters. We also have multiple isotope supply agreements and qualified vendors in place to supply isotopes for commercial
production.
For Iomab-B, we have established an actively managed end-to-end supply
chain that encompasses isotope sourcing through drug administration at the point of care. Our end-to-end supply chain did not miss a patient
dose in our international, 24-site SIERRA Phase 3 clinical trial including 40 additional patients that crossed over from the control arm
to receive Iomab-B. We believe we have a thorough understanding and working knowledge of the intricacies required to manufacture and distribute
radiotherapies. Through our clinical experience with Iomab-B and Actimab-A, we have developed a wealth of proprietary knowledge to enable
coordination between Actinium and all key stakeholders including, but not limited to hematologists/oncologists, infusion center and in
patient rooms, nuclear medicine and radiology, hot labs and radio-pharmacies, and radiation safety committees, among others. We have scaled
up and have commercially viable manufacturing operations in place to support U.S. and international commercial sales.
Actinium has commercial agreements
with Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (“CDMOs”) with significant experience in mAb and final radio-labeled
drug products. The CDMO we have selected to manufacture the finished drug product to support our commercial activity has been previously
inspected by the FDA and EMA. Our finished drug product CDMO is centrally located in the U.S. and has significant experience in the international
supply of radiotherapies. We have scaled deliberately for manufacturing flexibility and are currently qualifying additional CDMOs
to ensure readily available drug product upon FDA approval and the ability to ramp up rapidly to meet commercial demand.
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Intellectual Property
Our proprietary technology
platform is supported by IP, know-how and trade secrets that cover the generation, development, methods of use and manufacture of targeted
radiotherapies and their select components. Our IP covers various methods of use in multiple diseases, including indication, dose and
scheduling, radionuclide warhead, and therapeutic combinations.
As of March 2024, our patent
portfolio is comprised of over 230 issued patents and pending patent applications worldwide, which we believe constitutes a valuable business
asset. Our IP includes 47 patent families, including key patents that relate primarily to our radiotherapeutic candidates. Our patent
portfolio includes 15 issued patents and 52 pending patent applications in the U.S., and 166 that are issued or pending internationally.
The effective lives of the issued patents in our portfolio, or patents that may issue from the pending applications in our portfolio,
ranges from expirations between 2024 and 2043.
For our Iomab-B product candidate,
we have four issued patents in the U.S. and issued patents in Canada, Europe and Japan that relate to the composition. The basic patent
terms of these patents expire in 2036 and 2037. Related patent applications are also currently pending in the U.S. and internationally.
In addition, we own both U.S. and international pending patent applications that relate to the use of Iomab-B or Iomab-ACT in the treatment
of cancers and non-malignant conditions.
Our patents also cover key
areas of our business such as manufacturing key components of our product candidate, Actimab-A, including Ac-225 in a cyclotron. We have
expertise in utilizing the alpha emitting isotope Ac-225 including clinical experience in treating approximately 150 patients with our
alpha-emitter-based therapies, “gold standard” linker technology and 5 issued patents in the U.S. and 49 patents internationally
related to the manufacturing of Ac-225 in a cyclotron, which we believe has the potential to produce higher quantities of Ac-225 than
currently utilized methods. In addition, we also own U.S. and international patents and pending patent applications that relate to the
manufacturing of Actimab-A and its use in the treatment of cancers.
Strategic Collaborations and Licensing Agreements
Actinium has established strategic
partnerships to enable our vision of developing novel targeted radiotherapies in blood cancers and solid tumors. As exemplified by our
partnerships, we work with renowned academic and research institutions such as FHCRC, the NCI, NIH and MSKCC. Our collaborations with
large pharmaceutical and biotech companies such as Astellas, LG Chem, and EpicentRx have established our work with immunotherapies and
in solid tumors in 2023 and years prior.
We have collaborations that support the advancement of our ARC pipeline
clinical assets, including Iomab-B, Iomab-ACT and Actimab-A. In June 2012, the Company entered into a license and sponsored research agreement
with FHCRC to build upon previous and ongoing clinical trials with Iomab-B. Developed at FHCRC, a pioneer in the field of BMT, Iomab-B
has been studied in over 400 patients and is supported by data in six disease indications including leukemias, lymphomas and multiple
myeloma. The Company has been granted exclusive rights to the antibody and related master cell bank developed by FHCRC. A milestone
payment of $1 million will be due to FHCRC upon FDA approval of the first drug utilizing the licensed antibody. Upon commercial sale of
the drug, royalty payments of 2% of net sales will be due to FHCRC. In April 2022, Actinium exclusively licensed the EUMENA commercial
rights for Iomab-B to Immedica, an independent pharmaceutical company headquartered in Sweden. Immedica is solely responsible for commercialization
of the product. Immedica has significant know-how and experience in commercializing niche and specialty care products across Europe and
the Middle East, with extensive expertise and capabilities across sales and marketing, market access, regulatory and medical affairs,
drug safety and quality assurance, among others. Actinium received an upfront payment of $35 million USD with the potential for an additional
$417 million USD in regulatory and sales milestones and mid-twenty percent royalties. The market potential is extremely compelling in
the EU, where the potential market is approximately 50% larger than in the U.S. with 15,000 patients with r/r AML and double the number
of BMTs performed than in the U.S. Iomab-B has been granted Orphan Drug Designation by the EMA and has received positive Scientific Advice
from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (“CHMP”) of the EMA.
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In October 2020, we announced
a Small Business Technology Transfer grant from the NIH to support a clinical collaboration with MSKCC to study Iomab-ACT for targeted
conditioning prior to CAR-T cellular therapy. In October 2023, we announced the extension of the grant to support the ongoing clinical
collaboration with MSKCC.
In February 2023, we announced that Actinium entered into a CRADA with
the NCI, part of the NIH, to develop Actimab-A in for the treatment of patients with AML and other hematologic malignancies. The CRADA
provides for the NCI to serve as the regulatory sponsor for any clinical trials mutually approved by both parties to study Actimab-A and
for Actinium to be responsible for supplying Actimab-A to participating clinical sites and providing additional support as needed. The
CRADA is expected to provide broad support for the development of Actimab-A alone or in combination with chemotherapy, immunotherapy,
targeted agents and other novel combinations. The CRADA studies are overseen by NCI in collaboration with Actinium's clinical development
team.
We intend to continue to pursue
selective partnerships with research institutions and biopharmaceutical companies to advance our technology in the solid tumor arena and
continue our progress from the foundation established by our research partnerships through our R&D and preclinical ARC programs.
Competition
The biopharmaceutical industry
is extremely competitive and rapidly evolving, particularly in the field of oncology and hematology drug development. Our competition
is likely to come from larger pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, academia, and other public and private entities that
focus on three broad areas relevant to our pipeline candidates – AML drugs, conditioning agents and radiopharmaceuticals. In addition,
in markets where we are going after a target, companies with research programs and capabilities in our disease area focus may also be
competing with our programs and pipeline.
In AML, the pipeline is crowded
with 100+ programs, however, this includes only a few Phase 3 assets with limited potential that do not represent an imminent, competitive
threat to Iomab-B or Actimab-A. None of the Phase 2 development programs in AML show the promise of producing high rates or duration of
remission, and most patients that relapse tend to have poor survival outcomes. The Phase 2 assets primarily consist of agents targeting
specific AML mutations, immunotherapies, or cell cycle modulators, which largely address finite segments of the population and do not
have the broad potential for utilization like Actimab-A. Early clinical and preclinical stage assets consist of more cell therapy and
immune cell engagers, and the potential success of these modalities in AML remain uncertain. Our strategy is to develop Actimab-A in combination
with other products, and agents in the development pipeline have the potential for synergies in combination with Actimab-A.
In conditioning, agents
currently used for myeloablation prior to a BMT, lymphodepletion prior to CAR-T and other adoptive cell therapies and reduced
intensity conditioning for gene therapy are largely generic, non-targeted chemotherapeutic agents. Jasper Therapeutics and Magenta
Therapeutics ceased development of their antibody and antibody-drug conjugate or ADC conditioning programs for BMT in malignant
diseases. Certain companies such as Vertex Pharmaceuticals (“Vertex”), Gilead Sciences (“Gilead”) and
Allogene Therapeutics (“Allogene") have or continue to explore non-chemotherapy conditioning with ADCs and antibodies for
their in-house, proprietary cellular therapy programs. For example, Vertex in-licensed ADC technology from ImmunoGen Inc.
(acquisition by AbbVie announced in November 2023) and had a collaboration with Molecular Templates, Inc. to develop targeted
conditioning agents, which was subsequently terminated. Allogene is using its own proprietary anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody for use
as a lymphodepletion agent in conjunction with CAR-T therapies. Telix Pharmaceuticals has announced plans for a conditioning program
based on a CD66 radiotherapeutic approach in systemic amyloid light-chain amyloidosis (“SALA”) via an early-stage
investigator-sponsored trial. Molecular Partners is developing a switch-DARPin targeting cKIT×CD16a×CD47 as a
conditioning regiment in AML, but this asset is in early preclinical studies. Without exception, all these companies have either
preclinical or early-stage programs that are, for the most part, solely focused on their proprietary programs. We believe that we
are the only company with a targeted conditioning asset that has completed a Phase 3 trial demonstrating a clinical benefit with the
opportunity to be paradigm-changing.
Several companies are focused on developing radiotherapies, although
most are focused on areas such as PSMA or prostate-specific membrane antigen in prostate cancer, neuroendocrine tumors or fibroblast activation protein
(“FAP”) whereas Actinium is the only mature hematology-focused company. None of these companies compete directly with our
targets or programs. Companies with radiotherapeutics in development include, but not limited to: Abdera Therapeutics, Aktis Oncology,
Alpha-9 Theranostics, Ariceum Therapeutics, ARTbio, Bayer AG, Clarity Pharmaceuticals, Cellectar Biosciences, Convergent Therapeutics,
CuraSight, Curium Pharma, Full-Life Technologies, Fusion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Lantheus Holdings, Inc., Mariana
Oncology (previously, Curie Therapeutics), Molecular Partners, Monopar Therapeutics, Novartis AG, Orano Med, Perspective Therapeutics,
Point Biopharma, Inc. (acquired by Lilly in December 2023), RadioMedix, Inc., Radiopharm Theranostics, Radionetics Oncology, Ratio Therapeutics,
RayzeBio, Inc. (acquisition by Bristol Myers Squibb announced in December 2023), Q BioMed, Inc., Scintomics, Telix, and Y-mAbs Therapeutics,
Inc.
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Government Regulation
Regulatory Compliance
Our research and development activities are all subject to stringent
regulation, primarily by the FDA in the U.S. under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the “FDCA”) and its implementing
regulations, and the Public Health Service Act (“PHSA”) and its implementing regulations, and by comparable authorities under
similar laws and regulations in other countries. This includes research and development, testing, and oversight of suppliers and contract
manufacturers involved in the production of our product candidates we are developing, as well as the design, manufacturing, safety, efficacy,
handling, labeling, storage, record-keeping, advertising, promotion and marketing. If, for any reason, we do not comply with applicable
requirements, such noncompliance can result in adverse consequences, including delays in approval of, or even the refusal to approve product
licenses or other applications, the suspension or termination of clinical investigations, the revocation of approvals previously granted,
as well as fines, criminal prosecution, recall or seizure of products, injunctions against shipping products and suspension of production
and/or refusals of government contracts.
FDA Review Process and Product Approval
Our product candidates are
regulated as biologics and must be approved by the FDA before they may be marketed in the U.S. This process generally involves the following:
● completion
of preclinical studies in accordance with the FDA’s current Good Laboratory Practices (“GLP”) requirements;
● submission
to the FDA of an IND, which must become effective before human clinical trials may begin and must be updated annually;
● approval
by an independent Institutional Review Board (“IRB”) ethics committee at each clinical site before the trial is initiated;
● performance
of adequate and well-controlled clinical trials to establish the safety, purity and potency of the proposed biologic, and its safety
and efficacy for each indication, in accordance with good clinical practice (“GCP”);
● submission
to the FDA of a BLA for a new biologic, after completion of all pivotal clinical trials;
● a
determination by the FDA within 60 days of its receipt of a BLA to file the application for review;
● satisfactory
completion of an FDA pre-approval inspection of the manufacturing facilities to assess compliance with applicable current Good Manufacturing
Practice (“cGMP”) regulations;
● potential
FDA audit of the clinical trial sites that generated the data in support of the BLA; and
● FDA
review and approval of a BLA for a new biologic, prior to any commercial marketing or sale of the product in the U.S.
Clinical trials generally are conducted in three
sequential phases, although they may overlap or be combined.
● Phase
1 studies are designed to evaluate the safety, dosage tolerance, metabolism and pharmacologic actions of the investigational product
in humans, the side effects associated with increasing doses, and if possible, to gain early evidence on effectiveness
● Phase
2 studies are conducted to preliminarily or further evaluate the effectiveness of the investigational product for a particular indication(s)
in patients with the disease or condition under study, to determine dosage tolerance and optimal dosage, and to identify possible adverse
side effects and safety risks associated with the product
● Phase
3 clinical trials generally involve a large number of patients at multiple sites designed to provide the data required to demonstrate
the effectiveness of the product for its intended use, safety and to establish the benefit-risk relationship of the product and provide
an adequate basis for product labeling
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The results of the preclinical
and clinical testing, along with information regarding the manufacturing of the product and proposed product labeling, are evaluated and,
if determined appropriate, submitted to the FDA through a BLA. Once the BLA submission has been accepted for filing, the FDA’s standard
goal is to review applications within ten months of the filing date or, if the application relates to a drug that treats a serious condition
and would provide a significant improvement in safety or effectiveness qualifying for Priority Review, six months from the filing date.
The review process is often significantly extended by FDA requests for additional information or clarification.
The FDA offers certain programs,
such as Breakthrough Designation (“BTD”) and Fast Track designation, designed to expedite the development and review of applications
for products intended for the treatment of a serious or life-threatening disease or condition. For BTD, preliminary clinical evidence
of the product indicates that it may demonstrate substantial improvement over existing therapies on one or more clinically significant
endpoints. The FDA may initiate review of sections of a BLA before the application is complete, and the product may be eligible for accelerated
approval. However, receipt of BTD or Fast Track designation does not ensure that a product will be developed or approved on an expedited
basis, or at all.
The FDA reviews the BLA to
determine, among other things, whether the proposed product is safe, pure and potent, which includes determining whether it is effective
for its intended use, and whether the product is being manufactured in accordance with cGMP, to assure and preserve the product’s
identity, strength, quality, potency and purity. The FDA may refer an application to an advisory committee for review, evaluation and
recommendation as to whether the application should be approved, and applications for new molecular entities and original BLAs are generally
discussed at advisory committee meetings unless the FDA determines that this type of consultation is not needed under the circumstances.
After the FDA evaluates the
BLA and conducts inspections of manufacturing facilities, it may issue an approval letter or a complete response letter (“CRL”).
An approval letter authorizes commercial marketing of the biologic with specific prescribing information for specific indications. A CRL
indicates that the review cycle of the application is complete, but the FDA cannot grant approval. A CRL may require additional inspections,
and/or other significant, expensive and time-consuming requirements related to clinical trials, preclinical studies or manufacturing.
The FDA could approve the BLA with a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (“REMS”) to mitigate risks, which could include
medication guides, physician communication plans, or elements to assure safe use, such as restricted distribution methods, patient registries
and other risk minimization tools. The FDA also may condition approval on, among other things, changes to proposed labeling, development
of adequate controls and specifications, or a commitment to conduct one or more post-market studies or clinical trials. Such post-market
testing may include Phase 4 clinical trials and surveillance to further assess and monitor the product’s safety and effectiveness
after commercialization.
Post-Approval Requirements
Any products manufactured
or distributed by us or on our behalf pursuant to FDA approvals are subject to continuing regulation by the FDA and certain state agencies,
including requirements for record-keeping, reporting of adverse experiences with the biologic, submitting biological product deviation
reports to notify the FDA of unanticipated changes in distributed products, establishment registration, compliance with cGMP standards,
and certain state licensing requirements.
Additionally, any significant
change in the approved product or in how it is manufactured, including changes in formulation or the site of manufacture, generally require
prior FDA approval. The packaging and labeling of all products developed by us are also subject to FDA approval and ongoing regulation.
Noncompliance with any regulatory requirements can result in, among other things, issuance of warning letters, civil and criminal penalties,
seizures, and injunctive action. Accordingly, manufacturers must continue to maintain compliance with cGMP and other aspects of regulatory
compliance. The commercial distribution of prescription drugs is subject to the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (“DSCSA”),
which regulates the distribution of the products at the federal level and sets certain standards for federal or state registration and
compliance of entities in the supply chain.
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The DSCSA preempts certain
previously enacted state laws and the pedigree requirements of the Prescription Drug Marketing Act (“PDMA”). Trading partners
within the drug supply chain must now ensure certain product tracing requirements are met, and are required to exchange transaction information,
transaction history, and transaction statements. Product identifier information (an aspect of the product tracing scheme) is also now
required. The DSCSA requirements, development of standards, and the system for product tracing have been and will continue to be phased
in over a period of years through 2023. In addition to new legislation, FDA regulations, guidance documents, and policies are often revised
or reinterpreted by the agency in ways that may significantly affect our business and our product candidates.
Orphan Drug Act
We have received Orphan Drug
designation for Iomab-B and Actimab-A for patients with AML. Under the Orphan Drug Act, FDA may grant Orphan Drug designation to drugs
intended to treat a rare disease or condition, which is generally defined as a disease or condition that affects fewer than 200,000 individuals
in the U.S. Orphan Drug designation must be requested before submitting a BLA. In the U.S., Orphan Drug designation entitles a party to
financial incentives such as opportunities for grant funding towards clinical trial costs, tax advantages, and user-fee waivers. Orphan
Drug designation does not convey any advantage in, or shorten the duration of, the regulatory review and approval process. The first BLA
applicant to receive FDA approval for a particular active ingredient to treat a particular disease with FDA Orphan Drug designation is
entitled to a seven-year exclusive marketing period in the U.S. for that product, for that indication. During the seven-year exclusivity
period, FDA may not approve any other applications to market the same drug for the same orphan indication, except in limited circumstances,
such as a showing of clinical superiority to the product with orphan exclusivity or where the manufacturer of the approved product cannot
assure sufficient quantities. As a result, there can be no assurance that our competitors will not receive approval of drugs or biologics
that have a different active ingredient for treatment of the diseases for which our products and product candidates are targeted.
Pediatric Information
Under the Pediatric Research
Equity Act (“PREA”), certain BLAs must contain data to assess the safety and efficacy of the drug or biologic for the claimed
indications in all relevant pediatric subpopulations and to support dosing and administration for each pediatric subpopulation for which
the product is safe and effective. The Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act (“FDASIA”), amended the FDCA
to require that a sponsor who is planning to submit a marketing application for a drug that includes a new active ingredient, new indication,
new dosage form, new dosing regimen or new route of administration submit an initial Pediatric Study Plan (“PSP”) within 60
days of an end of Phase 2 meeting or, if there is no such meeting, as early as practicable before the initiation of the Phase 3 or Phase
2/3 study. The initial PSP must include an outline of the pediatric study or studies that the sponsor plans to conduct or a justification
for not including such detailed information, and any request for a deferral of pediatric assessments or a full or partial waiver. The
FDA may grant deferrals for submission of pediatric data or full or partial waivers. A sponsor can submit amendments to an initial PSP
if changes to the pediatric plan need to be considered based on preclinical data collected, early phase clinical trials as well as other
clinical development programs.
Foreign Regulation
In addition to regulations
in the U.S., we are subject to foreign regulations governing clinical trials and commercial sales and distribution of our product candidates,
and products being marketed outside of the U.S. We must obtain approval by the comparable regulatory authorities of foreign countries
before we can commence clinical trials or marketing of our products in those countries. The approval process varies from country to country,
and the time may be longer or shorter than required by the FDA for BLA licensure. The requirements governing the conduct of clinical trials,
product licensing, pricing and reimbursement vary greatly from country to country. As in the U.S., we are subject to post-approval regulatory
requirements.
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Other Regulatory Considerations
We are also subject to regulation
under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, The Clean
Air Act, and other current and potential future federal, state, or local regulations. Our research and development activities involve
the controlled use of hazardous materials, chemicals, biological materials and various radioactive compounds. We believe that our procedures
comply with the standards prescribed by state and federal regulations; however, the risk of injury or accidental contamination cannot
be completely eliminated. We may also be subject to healthcare regulation and enforcement by the federal government and the states and
foreign governments where we may market our products and product candidates, if approved. These laws and regulations include, without
limitation, state and federal anti-kickback, fraud and abuse, false claims, data privacy and security, aggregate spend reporting, and
product price advertising.
The federal Anti-Kickback
Statute, which prohibits, among other things, persons and entities including pharmaceutical manufacturers from knowingly and willfully
soliciting, receiving, offering or paying remuneration, directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly, in case or in kind, to induce or
reward, or in return for, or either the referral of an individual for, or the purchase, lease or order or recommendation of an item or
service reimbursable, in whole or in part, under a federal healthcare program, such as the Medicare and Medicaid programs. The failure
to meet all of the requirements of a particular applicable statutory exception or regulatory safe harbor does not make the conduct per
se illegal under the federal Anti-Kickback Statute. Instead, the legality of the arrangement will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis
based on a cumulative review of all of its facts and circumstances.
In addition, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, as amended
(“ACA”) codified as law that a claim including items or services resulting from a violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute
constitutes a false or fraudulent claim for purposes of the federal civil False Claims Act (“FCA”). The FCA prohibits individuals
or entities from, among other things, knowingly presenting or causing the presentation of a claims for payment to, or approval by, the
federal government that are false, fictitious or fraudulent, or knowingly making, using or causing to be made or used, a false record
or statement material to a false or fraudulent claim to avoid, decrease or conceal an obligation to pay money to the federal government.
Our activities relating to the reporting of wholesaler or estimated retail prices for products we may commercialize in the future, the
reporting of prices used to calculate Medicaid rebate information and other information affecting federal, state and third-party reimbursement
for products we may commercialize in the future, and the sale and marketing of products we may commercialize in the future, will be subject
to scrutiny under the FCA. State statutes and regulations equivalent or substantially similar to the federal laws may extend to items
and services reimbursed by commercial insurers and/or by patients directly. State law equivalents to the Anti-Kickback Statute and False
Claims Act may not have adopted exceptions and safe harbors available at the federal level and therefore, may implicate a broader range
of activities.
The federal Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) imposes criminal and civil liability for knowingly and willfully executing,
or attempting to execute, a scheme to defraud or obtain, by any means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations or promises, any
money or property owned by, or under the control or custody of, any healthcare benefit program, including private third-party payors,
and knowingly and willfully falsifying, concealing or covering up by trick, scheme or device, a material fact or making any materially
false, fictitious or fraudulent statement in connection with the delivery of or payment for healthcare benefits, items or services. The
federal physician payment transparency requirements, sometimes referred to as the “Physician Payments Sunshine Act,” created
under the ACA, and its implementing regulations, which requires applicable manufacturers of covered drugs, devices, biologics and medical
supplies for which payment is available under Medicare, Medicaid or the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (with certain
exceptions) to annually report to the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”), information related to certain payments
or other transfers of value made or distributed to physicians and teaching hospitals, or to entities or individuals at the request of,
or designated on behalf of, the physicians and teaching hospitals, as well as ownership and investment interests held by physicians and
their immediate family members. Under recent legislation, the Sunshine Act will extend to payments and transfers of value to physician
assistants, nurse practitioners, and other mid-level healthcare providers. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”)
has the potential to impose penalties for violations of the Sunshine Act, depending on the circumstances, and payments reported under
the Sunshine Act also have the potential to draw scrutiny on payments to and relationships with physicians and teaching hospitals, which
may have implications under the Anti-Kickback Statute and other healthcare laws.
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We may also be subject to
data privacy and security regulation by both the federal government and the state governments in which we conduct our business. HIPAA,
as amended by the Health Information Technology and Clinical Health Act of 2009 (“HITECH”) and their respective implementing
regulations, imposes, among other things, obligations, including mandatory contractual terms with respect to safeguarding the privacy,
security and transmission of individually identifiable health information held by certain healthcare providers, health plans and healthcare
clearinghouses, known as covered entities, and business associates. The HHS Office of Civil Rights (“OCR”) has increased its
focus on compliance and continues to train state attorneys general for enforcement purposes. Even where HIPAA does not apply, according
to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), failing to take appropriate steps to keep consumers’ personal information
secure constitutes unfair acts or practices in or affecting commerce in violation of Section 5(a) of the Federal Trade Commission Act
(“FTCA”), 15 U.S. Code §45(a). Medical data is considered sensitive data that merits stronger safeguards. There are numerous
other laws and legislative and regulatory initiatives at the federal and state levels addressing privacy and security concerns, and some
state privacy laws apply in broader circumstances than HIPAA.
We are subject to the U.S.
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), which prohibits corporations and individuals from engaging in certain activities to
obtain or retain business or to influence a person working in an official capacity. Our present and future business has been and will
continue to be subject to various other laws and regulations.
Human Capital
As of March 27, 2024, we had 49 full-time employees, 22 of whom have
Ph.D. or M.D. degrees and 22 of whom are engaged in research and development and clinical development activities. We believe that we have
been successful to date in attracting skilled and experienced personnel despite the competitive hiring marketing in the industry. Our
employees are not covered by a collective bargaining agreement, and we believe that our relationship with our employees is excellent.
We continue to engage external consultants on an as-needed basis to temporarily supplement existing staff.
Corporate Information
We were incorporated under
the laws of the State of Delaware in 2013. Our principal executive offices are located at 100 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017, and our
telephone number is (646) 677-3870. Our website address is www.actiniumpharma.com. The information contained on our website or that can
be accessed through our website is not considered part of this report.
We make available free of
charge through our website our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any such
amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with or furnish such material
to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The SEC maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports,
proxy and information statements and other information regarding companies that file electronically with the SEC.
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