Curasight

Curasight is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that emerged in 2013 from over a decade of dedicated research in PET imaging at the University of Copenhagen and Rigshospitalet, Denmark's national university hospital. The company was established by Professor Andreas Kjaer, a distinguished physician-scientist, alongside researchers Morten Persson, Carsten Haagen Nielsen, and Jacob Madsen. Kjaer, who serves as the Chief Scientific Officer, brings extensive experience in molecular imaging and theranostics, holding positions as a professor and chief physician, and has founded other biotech companies like FluoGuide and Minerva Imaging. His academic and entrepreneurial background in medical technology is foundational to Curasight's direction. Ulrich Krasilnikoff, with a background in engineering, finance, and private equity, joined as CEO and CFO in 2016, guiding the company's business development and financial strategy.

The company's core focus is its proprietary uPAR theranostics platform, which combines advanced diagnostics with targeted therapy for various cancers. This platform targets the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), a biomarker expressed in many types of cancer cells but not in healthy tissue, indicating cancer aggressiveness. The platform consists of two main components: uTRACE® for diagnostics and uTREAT® for therapy. uTRACE® is a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging agent that visualizes and assesses the aggressiveness of uPAR-expressing tumors, aiming to provide a more precise diagnosis than traditional methods. uTREAT® is a targeted radioligand therapy that uses the same peptide as uTRACE® but is armed with a radioactive isotope to deliver radiation directly to cancer cells, thereby minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This integrated "Theranostics" approach allows for personalized treatment, as uTRACE® scans can predict exactly where the uTREAT® therapy will be effective.

Curasight's business model revolves around the clinical development of its uPAR platform and forging strategic partnerships with larger pharmaceutical and biotech firms to navigate late-stage trials and commercialization. A prime example is the exclusive global licensing and collaboration agreement with Curium, a leader in radiopharmaceuticals, for the development and commercialization of uTRACE® for prostate cancer. Under this agreement, Curasight is responsible for development through regulatory approval, while Curium will handle manufacturing and global sales, with Curasight eligible for milestone payments and royalties. The company is also actively developing its platform for other indications, including brain, head and neck, and neuroendocrine tumors. Curasight was listed on the Spotlight Stock Market in October 2020 and continues to fund its clinical trials and development through financing rounds and partnerships.

Keywords: theranostics, radiopharmaceuticals, PET imaging, uPAR biomarker, targeted radionuclide therapy, cancer diagnostics, oncology, uTRACE, uTREAT, clinical-stage biotech, Andreas Kjaer, radioligand therapy, prostate cancer, glioblastoma, molecular imaging, nuclear medicine, peptide-based therapy, personalized medicine, cancer treatment, clinical trials