The Pharmaletter

Aktis Oncology

A clinical-stage biotechnology company based in the Boston, Massachusetts area. The company is developing targeted radiopharmaceuticals for solid tumors and runs clinical development through multi-site trial networks.

Founding and History

Aktis Oncology was founded in 2020 to build a pipeline of targeted alpha radiopharmaceuticals. In October 2024, the company announced a $175 million Series B financing to advance its pipeline. In December 2025, Aktis filed for a U.S. initial public offering, and in January 2026 it disclosed an upsized IPO plan with Eli Lilly participating as an anchor investor.

Therapy Areas and Focus

Aktis focuses on oncology, specifically prevalent solid tumors where targeted delivery of an alpha-emitting radioisotope is intended to provide tumor-directed cytotoxicity. Current programs are positioned for indications that include urothelial carcinoma and multiple additional Nectin-4 or B7-H3–expressing tumor types.

Technology Platforms and Modalities

Aktis develops miniprotein radioconjugates designed to deliver actinium-225 (Ac-225), an alpha-emitting radioisotope, to tumor-associated targets. The platform emphasis is on:

target-binding miniproteins engineered for selective tumor delivery
radioconjugate design intended to balance potency, tumor uptake, and off-tissue exposure
patient selection and dosimetry to support radiopharmaceutical development in solid tumors

Key Personnel

Matthew Roden, PhD serves as President and Chief Executive Officer.

Strategic Partnerships

Aktis has disclosed a 2024 partnership with Eli Lilly to develop tumor-targeting radiopharmaceuticals, alongside Lilly’s equity participation. The company has also established supply-chain planning typical for alpha-radiotherapy development, including radioisotope supply arrangements.

FAQ Section

Aktis is developing targeted alpha radiopharmaceuticals using a miniprotein radioconjugate platform designed to deliver Ac-225 to tumor-associated targets in solid tumors.

Aktis is oncology-focused, targeting solid tumors selected on the basis of target expression (for example Nectin-4 and B7-H3 expression) and clinical need.

AKY-1189 is a Nectin-4–targeted miniprotein radioconjugate designed to deliver Ac-225. It is in a multi-site Phase Ib study in Nectin-4–expressing solid tumors, with development including locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma and additional solid tumor settings (including breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and cervical cancer).
AKY-2519 is a B7-H3 (CD276)–targeted miniprotein radioconjugate designed to deliver Ac-225. It is in IND-enabling studies, with stated interest in prostate, lung, and other solid tumors.
The company also lists additional undisclosed programs.

In December 2025, Aktis filed for a U.S. IPO. In January 2026, the company disclosed an upsized IPO plan with Eli Lilly as an anchor investor. Earlier, in October 2024, Aktis announced a $175 million Series B financing to advance its radiopharmaceutical pipeline.

Aktis has presented preclinical and translational work for AKY-1189, including development and dosimetry-related analyses, and has an ongoing Phase Ib study. Public updates to date emphasize trial initiation and scientific/technical readiness rather than mature clinical efficacy readouts.

Near-term milestones center on execution of the ongoing Phase Ib study for AKY-1189 and transition of AKY-2519 from IND-enabling work into clinical testing. As a radiopharmaceutical developer, key milestones also include dosimetry characterization and dose-optimization work to support later-stage study design.

Aktis is led by a CEO with experience spanning biopharma leadership and capital markets, supported by a team structured to advance radiopharmaceutical discovery, CMC, clinical development, and operational execution in multi-site oncology trials.

Want to Update your Company's Profile?