Radiopharmaceutical therapy startup develops precision cancer treatments to target tumor cells with radioactive compounds by 2026
Key Takeaways
- Actithera raises $76 million in Series A funding to advance its radiopharmaceutical cancer drug pipeline targeting fibroblast activation proteins, with clinical development planned for 2026.
- Radiopharmaceutical market projected to reach $14.4 billion by 2034 as companies develop precision therapies that deliver tumor-killing radiation directly to cancer cells.
- FAP-targeting approach offers cross-fire effect by eliminating cancer-associated fibroblasts and breaking down barriers to immune and therapeutic penetration in tumor microenvironments.
Introduction
Actithera secures nearly $76 million in Series A venture financing to advance its radiopharmaceutical cancer drug pipeline, marking a significant milestone for the Oslo and Cambridge-based company. The oversubscribed funding round attracts leading investors including M Ventures, Hadean Ventures, Sofinnova Partners, and 4BIO Capital, signaling strong market confidence in the radiopharmaceutical sector.
The investment enables Actithera to accelerate clinical development of its lead candidate targeting fibroblast activation proteins (FAP). This financing arrives as the radiopharmaceutical therapy market experiences rapid growth, driven by the success of treatments like Novartis’ Pluvicto, which generated over $1.3 billion in 2025.
Key Developments
The Series A round was co-led by 4BIO Capital, with participation from Bioqube Ventures, Innovestor’s Life Science Fund, Investinor, Surveyor Capital, and founding investor Arkin Bio Ventures II. Therese Liechtenstein, incoming board member and investment director at 4BIO, joins the company’s board as part of the investment.
Actithera’s technology centers on small-molecule radioligands designed to bind tightly and remain longer in tumors. The company’s approach involves attaching radioisotopes to targeting compounds through specially engineered linker molecules, delivering tumor-killing radiation directly to cancer cells.
The funds will support advancement of Actithera’s lead FAP-targeting candidate and pipeline expansion. Clinical development is scheduled to begin in 2026 across multiple cancer indications, though specific targets remain undisclosed.
Market Impact
The radiopharmaceutical therapy market is projected to reach $14.4 billion by 2034, reflecting growing investor and pharmaceutical industry interest in precision oncology treatments. The sector has gained significant momentum following the commercial success of existing radiopharmaceuticals.
Novartis’ prostate cancer treatment Pluvicto demonstrates the market potential for effective radiopharmaceuticals, generating substantial revenue and validating the therapeutic approach. This success attracts competitors including Actithera, Novartis, and Ratio Therapeutics to target similar protein pathways.
The oversubscribed nature of Actithera’s Series A round indicates strong demand for investment opportunities in radiopharmaceutical startups, particularly those addressing critical unmet needs in tumor-targeted therapy delivery.
Strategic Insights
Actithera’s focus on fibroblast activation protein represents a strategic approach to addressing tumor microenvironment barriers. FAP is expressed in cells forming connective tissue and plays a crucial role in tumor growth across various cancer types.
The company’s dual strategy of advancing a lead candidate while building a broader pipeline follows established biotech practices to mitigate risk and maximize long-term value. This approach allows for multiple shots at clinical success while leveraging a common technological platform.
Developing radiopharmaceuticals presents significant challenges, including complex manufacturing requirements and logistical considerations due to the decaying nature of isotopes. Companies must establish dedicated production facilities and manage supply chain complexities to ensure treatment availability.
Expert Opinions and Data
Andreas Goutopoulos, Actithera’s founder with over 25 years of industry experience, leads the company’s chemistry-driven precision approach to radioligand therapies. According to BioPharma Dive, Goutopoulos emphasizes the cross-fire effect achieved by eliminating cancer-associated fibroblasts and nearby tumor cells.
Roger Franklin, partner at Hadean Ventures, describes Actithera as “one of the most thoughtfully constructed radiopharma platforms we’ve seen, combining smart molecular design with a deep understanding of tumor biology and clinical need.” This assessment reflects investor confidence in the company’s scientific approach.
The company’s proprietary platform combines rational drug design with radiochemistry to create novel small molecule radioligands. These efforts have produced a FAP-directed development candidate with what the company describes as an optimal pharmacokinetic profile and tumor specificity.
Conclusion
Actithera’s substantial Series A funding positions the company to advance its radiopharmaceutical platform through clinical development, addressing critical challenges in tumor-targeted therapy delivery. The investment reflects broader industry momentum toward precision oncology treatments that leverage tumor-specific markers and biology.
The company’s focus on improving tumor retention while ensuring rapid systemic clearance addresses key limitations in current radiopharmaceutical therapies. Success in clinical trials could establish Actithera as a significant player in the expanding radiopharmaceutical market, with potential applications across multiple cancer indications.
