Alpha-9 Oncology has dosed the first patient in its Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating radiotherapeutic compounds targeting gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) across multiple solid tumours, including breast cancer. The study assesses two distinct compounds: Ac-A9-0642, the first actinium-based GRPR-targeting treatment in clinical evaluation, and Lu-A9-0631, a lutetium-based compound with best-in-class potential. The trial will evaluate safety, tolerability and dosing in patients with GRPR-positive advanced or metastatic tumours. Alpha-9 will use its proprietary imaging compound, Ga-A9-6217, for patient selection. Early compassionate use results showed Lu-A9-0631 was well tolerated in individuals with GRPR-positive tumours. GRPR shows high expression in breast cancer and other solid tumours with limited uptake in healthy organs. Data from the study is expected in late 2027.

Alpha-9 Oncology Inc., a clinical stage company, announced a $175 million Series C financing round to advance its pipeline. The round was led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and Ascenta Capital, with participation from new investors including General Catalyst, a16z Bio + Health, and others, alongside existing investors. Shelley Chu from Lightspeed and Evan Rachlin from Ascenta will join the company's Board of Directors.