[Edaily Reporter NA EUN-KYUNG ] D&D Pharmatech Inc.(347850)is making a direct investment of approximately 10 billion won in its U.S. affiliate, Z-Alpha Holdings. This investment by the parent company is separate from the stake it already held through its existing U.S. subsidiary and signifies an expansion of investment in the development of next-generation radiopharmaceutical anticancer drugs. A global pharmaceutical company has also joined this investment as a strategic investor.

D&D Pharmatech Inc. announced on the 12th that its board of directors had decided to acquire 4,299,965 new shares issued by Z-Alpha for approximately 10 billion won.

G-Alpha is a U.S. biotech company developing targeted alpha radiopharmaceuticals using the radioactive isotope “astatine-211” (At-211). Global healthcare investment firms Obimed and Tyveon Capital are major shareholders.

The collaboration between D&D Pharmatech Inc. and Z-Alpha began in 2022. At that time, D&D Pharmatech Inc. participated in the establishment of a joint venture by contributing, as an in-kind investment, the alpha radiopharmaceutical development assets held by its U.S. subsidiary, Neuraly. Subsequently, through additional share exchanges and other transactions, D&D Pharmatech Inc. secured its position as Z-Alpha’s third-largest shareholder, and Lee Seul-ki, CEO of D&D Pharmatech Inc., now serves on Z-Alpha’s board of directors.

This time, in addition to existing shareholders—ObiMed, Tyvern Capital, and D&D Pharmatech Inc.—a global pharmaceutical company participated as a new strategic investor. D&D Pharmatech Inc. assessed that the global pharmaceutical company’s investment demonstrates interest in G-Alpha’s technological capabilities and business potential. However, the name of the pharmaceutical company and the investment amount were not disclosed.

The targeted alpha therapy being developed by G-Alpha involves attaching a radioactive isotope to a substance that recognizes cancer cells, thereby delivering radiation to the tumor. Alpha particles have a short range within tissue but deliver high energy, making this treatment method a subject of research for its ability to attack cancer cells while minimizing the impact on surrounding healthy tissue.

In particular, astatine-211 is an alpha-emitting isotope with a half-life of approximately 7.2 hours. However, given its short half-life, securing production facilities and establishing a rapid supply system are considered key challenges in the commercialization process.

G-Alpha plans to allocate the funds secured through this investment to the development of multiple astatine-211-based anticancer drug candidates. The company is conducting R&D with the goal of entering clinical trials in 2027.

D&D Pharmatech Inc. is focusing not only on its existing new drug development business for obesity and metabolic diseases but also on the growth potential in the radiopharmaceutical sector through investments in affiliated companies. The company plans to use this direct investment as an opportunity to strengthen its collaboration with Z-Alpha and to translate future candidate drug development achievements into enhanced corporate value.

Lee Seul-ki, CEO of D&D Pharmatech Inc., stated, “I believe that the participation of a global pharmaceutical company in this investment in particular serves as recognition of both the potential of astatine-211 therapeutics and the competitiveness of Z-Alpha, a leader in this field.” She added, “While our existing stake is held by our U.S. subsidiary, D&D Pharmatech Inc. participated directly in this investment to maximize its expected returns.”