After the resounding success of PYLARIFY, a leading prostate-specific membrane antigen PET imaging agent, precision medicine specialist Lantheus has translated its expertise into the field of neurology. Specifically targeting Alzheimer’s disease with a line of radiodiagnostics that could provide a much-needed breakthrough for this unmet medical need, Lantheus is on course to transform the future of radiopharmaceuticals.
Tell us about Lantheus and its purpose
Lantheus is a leading radiopharmaceutical-focused company committed to advancing precision medicine through next-generation radiodiagnostics, targeted radiotherapeutics and radiotheranostic pairs. We develop tools that enable healthcare providers to ‘Find, Fight and Follow disease’, with the goal of improving patient outcomes, particularly in areas of high unmet medical need such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Our purpose is grounded in harnessing the power of radiopharmaceutical science to transform how diseases are diagnosed, treated and monitored.
As a leader in radiopharmaceuticals, how has Lantheus distinguished itself from competitors?
We have established ourselves as a leader in radiodiagnostics by delivering innovative imaging agents and maintaining a deep understanding of clinical and market needs. What truly sets us apart is our nearly 70-year legacy in delivering precision diag-nostic tools with a proven track record in regulatory and commercial excellence, seen most recently with the success of PYLARIFY (piflufolastat F 18), our leading prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron-emission tomography (PET) imaging agent. Additionally, we focus on building complementary portfolios, such as our AD pipeline, which combines microtubule-associated protein tau and beta-amyloid imaging agents to better support patient management. Our approach is science-driven but market aware, giving us an edge as demand grows for more-personalized, targeted care.
After focusing on cardiology and oncology, why is Lantheus now targeting neurology/AD?
Expanding into neurology, and specifically AD, was a strategic decision rooted in both scientific opportunity and market need. AD is one of the most significant public-health challenges of our time, with over 7 million Americans currently affected—and that number is expected to rise sharply. The neurology space is seeing a wave of new treatment options, which creates a greater need for high-quality diagnostic tools that can inform and personalize care. With our strength in radiopharmaceutical development and regulatory expertise, we see an opportunity to bring much-needed innovation to this underserved area and meaningfully contribute to improving patient outcomes.
Following two acquisitions this year, what does Lantheus look for in an acquisition target and are more on the way?
Acquisitions are a key pillar of our long-term growth strategy. We look for companies that bring differentiated science, complementary platforms or assets that can accelerate our expansion into high-impact therapeutic areas. A strong strategic fit—whether through pipeline synergies, commercial adjacency or scientific innovation—is essential. Our recent acquisitions reflect this disciplined approach, enabling us to deepen our presence in neurology and oncology, enhance our development capabilities and drive long-term value. While we continue to explore a range of growth opportunities, acquisitions will remain a central lever as we scale our impact and deliver on our purpose.
Where do you see Lantheus a year from now and what are you most excited about?
We’re energized by the momentum across our existing and newly expanded neurology and oncology portfolios, as well as our four near-term product launches. With the recent acquisition of Life Molecular Imaging (LMI), we now have a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved radiodiagnostic for AD, establishing a commercial neurology franchise that positions us to lead in this critical space. This platform not only strengthens our diagnostic capabilities but also provides a launchpad for late-stage investigational assets like MK-6240 (florquinitau), our tau-targeting PET imaging agent, which we anticipate filing with the FDA in the near term.
NAV-4694 (flutafuranol), our beta-amyloid-imaging agent, is also progressing through late-stage development, offering a complementary diagnostic tool that could further differentiate our AD portfolio. Together, these programs underscore our ambition to become the leader in AD radiodiagnostics.
We’re also continuing to expand our oncology pipeline while driving adoption of our current portfolio across key markets. Recently, we acquired Octevy, a registrational-stage diagnostic PET-imaging agent for use in localization of somatostatin receptor (SSTR)-positive neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). We’re excited about its potential theranostic pairing with PNT2003, an SSTR-targeted radiotherapeutic, pending abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) approval for gastroenteropancreatic (GEP)-NETs. With a growing global footprint and a sharpened focus on innovation, we’re confident that the next year will be transformative for Lantheus—and for the patients and providers we serve.
How is Lantheus powering the future of radiopharmaceuticals?
Our leadership stems from a combination of scientific expertise, proven execution and a clear strategic vision. We’ve demonstrated success in bringing innovative radiodiagnostic products to market at scale—as with PYLARIFY—and we are applying that experience to AD and beyond. In therapeutics, we think our diagnostics heritage gives us the unique ability to leverage the power of diagnostics to de-risk therapeutic radioligand development and improve therapeutic index, positioning us to drive increased value from precision medicine. With a robust development pipeline, a track record of strong partnerships and an unwavering focus on improving patient outcomes, Lantheus is uniquely poised to shape the next era of radiopharmaceutical innovation.