- MP0726, a Radio-DARPin candidate targeting mesothelin (MSLN) and intended for the treatment of ovarian cancer, is nominated for development under strategic partnership with Orano Med
- Promising tumor accumulation and attractive biodistribution shown in vivo, selective binding to membrane-bound MSLN with positive tumor to kidney ratio
ZURICH-SCHLIEREN, Switzerland and CONCORD, Mass., June 22, 2025 – Molecular Partners, a biotech firm pioneering a new class of protein drugs, has announced a strategic move in the fight against ovarian cancer. In partnership with Orano Med, the company is advancing its Radio-DARPin candidate, MP0726, targeting mesothelin (MSLN), a protein overexpressed in certain cancers.
The development comes as Molecular Partners prepares to present compelling preclinical data at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) in New Orleans. The presentation will spotlight MP0726’s ability to bind selectively to MSLN, a promising target given its elevated levels in tumor cells and lower presence in healthy tissues.
Early in vivo studies have been encouraging. The data demonstrate favorable biodistribution, with substantial accumulation of the Radio-DARPin in MSLN-positive tumors while sparing other organs. Impressively, tumor accumulation reached up to 34% at 24 hours post-injection, resulting in a tumor-to-kidney ratio of up to 4.5. This profile is particularly significant for radiopharmaceutical therapies.
“Our second Radio-DARPin program is advancing into development, thanks to an effective partnership with Orano Med,” stated Dr. Patrick Amstutz, CEO of Molecular Partners. “The preclinical data offers unique insights into targeting MSLN with MP0726.”
The Radio-DARPin platform, combining the precise targeting capabilities of DARPins with the therapeutic potential of 212Pb, aims to overcome limitations in radioligand therapy. The goal is to effectively deliver radioactive payloads to solid tumors. Molecular Partners and Orano Med are co-developing targeted alpha radio-therapeutics against multiple targets, including MSLN and Delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3).
This latest advancement follows the promising trajectory of previously initiated programs such as MP0712, which is on track to dose its first patient in a Phase 1 study in the second half of 2025.
Presentation Details:
Preclinical characterization of a Lead-212 Radio-DARPin Therapeutic to selectively target membrane-bound mesothelin in solid tumors
Date & Time: June 24, 2025; 2:50-3:00 pm CST
Session: SS38 Radiopharmaceutical Oncology – Preclinical and Early Phase (2:30-3:45 pm CST)
About 212Pb-based Radio-DARPins
Molecular Partners’ Radio-DARPin platform is designed to offer a specialized delivery system for radioactive payloads, integrating the targeting prowess of DARPins with the therapeutic precision of 212Pb.
Specifically designed for solid tumors, DARPins provide increased efficacy and specificity, addressing some limitations of traditional radioligand therapy. Molecular Partners and Orano Med are pushing forward with targeted alpha radio-therapeutics against multiple targets, including the tumor-associated protein Delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3) and mesothelin (MSLN).
About Molecular Partners AG
Molecular Partners is a clinical-stage biotech company focusing on DARPin therapeutics. With oncology as its main focus, the company has created multiple programs in clinical and preclinical development stages.
About Orano Med
Orano Med creates targeted therapies against cancer. Its most advanced asset for GEP-NETs tumors received Breakthrough Designation from the FDA in 2024.
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