Novartis' experimental actinium-based radiopharma drug showed 52.5% of patients previously treated with Pluvicto saw prostate-specific antigen levels fall by at least half, while more than 85% of patients with no prior treatment had prostate-specific antigen levels fall by half. Data was presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in Chicago on May 31, 2026. Pluvicto and Lutathera brought in combined $2.8 billion in 2025. Novartis entered long-term supply agreement with Niowave in February 2026.
Actinium-based drug trial results
- ▪Data on Novartis' experimental actinium-based drug was presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in Chicago on May 31, 2026
- ▪More than 85% of prostate cancer patients in the Novartis actinium-based drug trial who had no prior treatment had prostate-specific antigen levels fall by half
- ▪A 101-patient study of Novartis' experimental actinium-based drug showed that 52.5% of patients previously treated with Pluvicto saw prostate-specific antigen levels fall by at least half
Side effect concerns
- ▪Novartis Chief Medical Officer Shreeram Aradhye said larger trials will be needed to fully assess the severity and reversibility of side effects from the actinium-based drug, especially if the drug is used in earlier lines of treatment
- ▪TD Cowen analysts said the early data on Novartis' actinium-based drug suggest clear efficacy but cautioned that managing side effects, particularly high rates of dry mouth and severe anemia, will be crucial
Radioligand therapy strategy
- ▪Novartis' experimental actinium-based drug uses actinium-225, an alpha emitter, while Pluvicto uses lutetium-177, a beta-emitting isotope
- ▪Novartis is moving ahead with two late-stage studies of the experimental actinium-based drug
- ▪Radioligand therapies account for nearly 40% of Novartis' cancer research and development investments as of May 31, 2026
- ▪Novartis' Pluvicto and Lutathera brought in a combined $2.8 billion in 2025
Actinium-225 supply challenges
- ▪Novartis entered into a long-term supply agreement for actinium with U.S.-based medical isotope producer Niowave in February 2026
- ▪Some analysts have warned that the current actinium-225 supply is insufficient for growing clinical demand, though newer production efforts could ease constraints
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