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Gus Iversen, Editor in Chief | July 17, 2024
Image courtesy of Lantheus (via X)
Lantheus Holdings, a leader in radiopharmaceuticals, has acquired Meilleur Technologies, and with it, worldwide exclusive rights to NAV-4694, a next-generation ß amyloid PET imaging agent. NAV-4694, also known as F18-flutafuranol, is currently in Phase 3 development and is utilized in various investigational therapeutic trials.
This acquisition enhances Lantheus' Alzheimer’s disease diagnostic capabilities, complementing its existing portfolio, including the F18-labeled PET imaging agent MK-6240, which targets tau tangles. This move aligns with the recently updated guidelines from the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association, which recommend using amyloid- and tau-PET imaging to diagnose and assess Alzheimer’s disease severity.
“This acquisition solidifies our commitment to neurology, specifically for Alzheimer’s disease management, and reinforces our radiopharmaceutical leadership,” said Brian Markison, CEO of Lantheus. “With MK-6240 and NAV-4694, we can provide important insights for guiding and assessing novel Alzheimer’s treatments.”
Lantheus will make an upfront payment, along with potential additional development, commercial milestone payments, and royalty payments for research revenue and commercial sales. The structured stock purchase agreement includes provisions for the sellers to provide transition and clinical development services post-transaction.
Late last year, Meilleur Technologies
entered a manufacturing agreement with PharmaLogic for production of NAV4694.
“We are excited by the potential of NAV-4694 for earlier identification of Alzheimer’s patients, empowering clinicians to select suitable candidates for timely therapeutic interventions,” said Rick Hiatt, CEO of Meilleur Technologies. “Lantheus’ expertise in radiopharmaceutical diagnostics and operational scale makes them ideal to advance this late-stage biomarker through pivotal trials and commercialization.”
Headquartered in Massachusetts with offices in Canada and Sweden, Lantheus has been a leader in radiopharmaceutical solutions for over 65 years.
Chestnut Partners Inc. served as the exclusive financial advisor to Meilleur Technologies, while Goodwin Procter LLP acted as their legal advisor. Foley Hoag LLP provided legal advice to Lantheus for the transaction.
