How Novartis got ahead on ‘incredible’ cancer breakthrough, The Swiss pharma group has become a pioneer in a new type of targeted radiotherapy
--> FT Article
Read Across Nanobiotix : From the article I shared, Novartis is pioneering radioligand therapies — targeted radioactive drugs that deliver radiation inside cancer cells instead of externally. While the mechanisms differ (nanoparticles vs. radioligands), both aim to make radiation more precise and effective while sparing healthy tissue
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Here are some groups “similar” to Nanobiotix in this space:
- Novartis – Leader in radioligand therapies with Lutathera (GI cancers) and Pluvicto (prostate cancer).
- Lilly, AstraZeneca, Sanofi – Recently acquired start-ups in radioligand therapy, trying to catch up with Novartis.
- Smaller biotechs – Many start-ups are emerging in Europe and the US, focusing on radioligand chemistry and isotope supply (e.g., actinium, lutetium).
- Other nanoparticle/radiotherapy enhancers – Companies like Blue Earth Therapeutics or Fusion Pharmaceuticals are also advancing radiopharmaceuticals.
Difference vs. Nanobiotix:
- Nanobiotix uses nanoparticles that are injected directly into tumors, boosting standard radiotherapy locally.
- Novartis and peers use radioligands, systemic drugs carrying radioactive isotopes directly to cancer cells.
--> Both represent the broader “next-gen radiation oncology” trend: making radiotherapy highly targeted, effective, and safer.