Archeus Technologies, a University of Wisconsin spin-out company, announced that the first patient has been dosed in a Phase 1 clinical trial at UW Health evaluating ARC-706, a radiopharmaceutical therapy, and its companion diagnostic ARC-166. These two compounds work with Archeus’ NM600 platform, designed to target and treat certain difficult-to-treat metastatic cancers.

The science behind this has been years in the making and reflects work across UW oncology, radiology and medical physics research labs, backed by nearly $20 million in NIH funding.

Zachary Morris, MD, PhD

“By using imaging to guide therapy and selectively deliver radiation to tumors, this trial is designed to optimize treatment selection and potentially improve responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients who currently face limited options,” said Zachary Morris, MD, PhD, chief medical officer of Archeus and chair and Paul Harari associate professor of human oncology at UW School of Medicine and Public Health.

The Isthmus Project made an early-stage investment in Archeus in 2023, recognizing the promise in NM600 and a clear path from university research toward patient care. Seeing that investment now lead to a Phase 1 trial is exactly the kind of work the Isthmus Project is committed to support.

“Seeing NM600 move from academic discovery into a Phase 1 clinical trial reinforces our commitment to building systemic support for innovation. It demonstrates how commercialization can succeed when academia, clinical care and industry align to improve outcomes for patients,” said Elizabeth Hagerman, PhD, chief innovation officer at UW Health and executive director of the Isthmus Project.

Read the full announcement from Archeus: Archeus Technologies Doses First Patient in Phase 1 Study of ARC-706 and Companion Diagnostic ARC-166 for Metastatic Cancer