Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that it has successfully completed the first module of its previously announced research and option agreement with Astellas Pharma Inc. Within the collaboration, the company is using its Actinium Warhead Enabling (AWE) Platform to conjugate and label select Astellas targeting agents with the potent actinium-225 (Ac-225) payload. This collaboration represents Actinium and Astellas' shared commitment to employ cutting-edge technology in the research of new drug candidates for patients. Actinium Warhead Enabling Platform Technology: The Actinium Warhead Enabling (AWE) Program has at its centerpiece the AWE Platform Technology.

The Company's proprietary AWE Platform Technology is supported by intellectual property and know-how that enables the creation of Actinium-225 (Ac-225) Radio-Conjugates (ARCs) wherein a biomolecular targeting agent is stably labeled with the powerful Ac-225 payload to enhance targeted cell killing. The AWE Platform is protected by intellectual property covering the use of the "gold standard" chelator DOTA, and any conceivable derivative thereof. Additionally, Actinium holds intellectual property protection covering methods of chelation or labeling of the targeting agent with Ac-225, including newer next-generation methodologies for chelation of Ac-225.

The AWE Program is structured to provide the opportunity for partners or collaborators to derive maximum value from a collaboration by leveraging Actinium's extensive technical know-how, access to its ARC drug development infrastructure and to its underlying AWE Platform Technology. The AWE Program provides a partner or collaborator with access to Actinium's knowledge bank and infrastructure allowing collaborators to benefit from accelerated development timelines for its ARCs.