# Novartis' new experimental actinium-based drug shows promise against prostate cancer.

*biotech · news · 2026-05-31 · The Economic Times*

## Key points

- Novartis' experimental actinium-based drug reduced PSA by half in 52.5% of prior Pluvicto patients.
- Response rates exceeded 85% in prostate cancer patients with no prior Pluvicto treatment.
- The new drug uses actinium-225, an alpha emitter, unlike Pluvicto's lutetium-177 beta emitter.
- Novartis signed a long-term actinium supply agreement with Niowave to address future isotope needs.

Synopsis Novartis' new experimental actinium-based drug shows promise against prostate cancer. Early data on Sunday revealed anti-tumour activity, even in patients who previously received Novartis' Pluvicto. Response rates were higher in patients without prior Pluvicto treatment. Larger trials are planned to assess side effects. Novartis is increasing its focus on radioligand therapies. Listen to this article in summarized format Loading... × Novartis said on Sunday that early data from its experimental actinium-based drug showed signs of anti-tumour activity against prostate cancer, including in patients previously treated with its older drug Pluvicto. Data from a 101-patient ‌study showed that ⁠52.5% ⁠of those previously treated with Pluvicto saw levels of prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, fall by at least half when treated ​with the actinium-based drug. Elevated PSA level is a common marker for prostate cancer. Response rates were higher in ​prostate cancer patients who had not received Pluvicto. More than 85% of patients in the trial who had no prior treatment and 58.8% of those who received chemotherapy first had PSA levels ​fall by half, according to data presented at the American ⁠Society of ‌Clinical Oncology meeting in Chicago. Also Read: Molecule glue drugs shake up cancer care, draw big money TD Cowen analysts said the early data suggest ​clear efficacy, but cautioned ​that managing side effects, particularly high rates of dry mouth and severe ⁠anemia, will be crucial. Live Events Novartis Chief Medical Officer Shreeram Aradhye said larger trials will be needed to fully assess the severity and reversibility of those side effects, especially if the drug is used in earlier lines of treatment. The Swiss drugmaker is deepening its bet on radioligand therapies that deliver radiation directly to cancer cells, and is moving ahead with two late-stage studies of the experimental drug. Radioligand therapies now account for nearly 40% of Novartis' cancer R&D investments, Aradhye said. Also Read: Wockhardt secures US FDA approval for antibiotic Zaynich The company already sells Pluvicto and ‌Lutathera, which brought in a combined $2.8 billion last year. Radiopharma is a fast-growing area of cancer treatment. Eli Lilly, Bristol Myers Squibb, Bayer and AstraZeneca have all acquired radio-drug developers in recent years. The therapies link ⁠a radioactive isotope to a molecule designed to seek out cancer-cell targets. While Pluvicto uses lutetium-177, a beta-emitting isotope, the experimental drug uses actinium-225, an alpha emitter. "The difference is that much higher ​amounts of energy (are) delivered across a much smaller distance, and the potential for greater efficacy," Aradhye said. Some analysts have warned that the current actinium-225 supply is insufficient for growing clinical demand, though newer production efforts could ease constraints. Aradhye said Novartis is already planning around future isotope needs. In February, the company entered into a long-term supply agreement for actinium with U.S.-based medical isotope producer Niowave. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (Catch all the Business News, Breaking News and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online. ...moreless (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (Catch all the Business News, Breaking News and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online. ...moreless

**Companies:** Novartis
**Countries:** Switzerland, United States

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