Molecular Partners Forms Scientific Advisory Board to Accelerate Development of Targeted Radiotherapeutics

Rhea-AI Summary

Molecular Partners (SIX/NASDAQ: MOLN) formed a Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) for its radiopharmaceutical program, chaired by Prof. Ken Herrmann, M.D., to guide transition from early clinical validation to strategic development decisions.

The SAB includes James Cook, Jason Lewis, Ph.D., and Michael Morris, M.D., and will advise on candidate development, platform expansion (additional isotopes and targeting), and clinical strategy. The company's lead Radio-DARPin MP0712 is a 212Pb-based DLL3-targeting candidate (co-developed with Orano Med) with first human images presented recently and plans for phase 1 initiation. A second program, MP0726, targets mesothelin for cancers including ovarian cancer. The release emphasizes Radio-DARPins as vectors to deliver alpha-emitting isotopes selectively to tumors.

Positive

• SAB chaired by globally recognized nuclear medicine expert Ken Herrmann
• Lead program MP0712 uses 212Pb targeting DLL3
• MP0712 co-developed with strategic partner Orano Med
• First human images of MP0712 presented recently

Negative

• Programs remain in early clinical validation, not yet pivotal
• No efficacy or quantitative clinical readouts disclosed in this announcement

Key Figures

Phase 1 initiation Phase 1 Planned initiation for MP0712 following early clinical validation

Radioisotope 212Pb Radio-DARPin MP0712 uses 212Pb for targeted radiotherapy

Tumor target DLL3 MP0712 targets DLL3 in small cell lung and other cancers

Tumor target MSLN MP0726 targets mesothelin (MSLN) across several high-need cancers

Experience More than two decades Ken Herrmann’s experience in nuclear medicine

Acquisition year 2017 Advanced Accelerator Applications acquired by Novartis in 2017

Market Reality Check

$4.48 Last Close

Volume Volume 1,568 vs 20-day average 5,625 (relative volume 0.28 ahead of this news). low

Technical Shares at $4.28, trading above 200-day MA of $3.99 before the announcement.

Peers on Argus 1 Down

Peers in Biotechnology showed mixed moves, from -0.46% (INO) to +8.42% (ACTU). With MOLN down 0.6% pre‑news and no broad peer alignment, trading appeared stock-specific rather than sector-driven.

Historical Context

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Nov 12	Clinical imaging data	Positive	+2.5%	New human imaging and mechanism data for MP0712 with IND filed.
Nov 03	Preclinical data	Positive	+12.4%	Preclinical proof-of-concept for CD3 Switch-DARPin showing selective cytotoxicity.
Nov 03	Clinical trial update	Positive	+12.4%	Updated Phase 1/2a MP0533 AML data with acceptable safety and activity.
Oct 30	Earnings and pipeline	Neutral	-3.6%	Q3 2025 results, cash runway to 2028, and MP0712 Phase 1 timeline.
Aug 25	Earnings update	Negative	-7.7%	H1 2025 results with losses and workforce reduction despite pipeline progress.

Pattern Detected

News-driven moves have largely aligned with event tone, with positive R&D updates often followed by price gains and earnings/financial updates sometimes pressuring shares.

Recent Company History

Over the last six months, Molecular Partners has highlighted steady progress across its DARPin pipeline. Updates included new human imaging and mechanism data for MP0712 on Nov 12, 2025 and multiple positive preclinical and early clinical readouts presented at major conferences like SITC and ASH. Earnings releases on Oct 30 and Aug 25, 2025 emphasized cash runway into 2028 but also detailed losses and restructuring. Today’s formation of a radiopharmaceutical-focused SAB fits a pattern of building infrastructure around the Radio-DARPin strategy.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights Molecular Partners’ push to professionalize and accelerate its Radio-DARPin strategy. Establishing a radiopharmaceutical-focused SAB chaired by an expert with more than two decades of nuclear medicine experience complements earlier progress on MP0712 and MP0726. Historical filings underscore ongoing losses and reliance on clinical success. Investors may watch for concrete Phase 1 initiation of MP0712, advancement of MP0726, and further data demonstrating safety, targeting precision, and competitive differentiation.

Key Terms

radiotherapeutics medical

"Forms Scientific Advisory Board to Accelerate Development of Targeted Radiotherapeutics"

Radiotherapeutics are medical treatments that use tiny amounts of radioactive material to directly damage and kill diseased cells, most often cancer, by delivering radiation precisely to a tumor rather than the whole body. Investors care because these products combine drug development, specialized manufacturing and strict regulation—so clinical trial results, approval decisions, supply reliability and reimbursement determine commercial potential much like a new, precision tool transforming how a common problem is fixed.

radiopharmaceuticals medical

"formation of a Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) for its radiopharmaceuticals, chaired by"

Radiopharmaceuticals are medicines that carry tiny amounts of radioactive material to help doctors see or treat disease inside the body, acting like a tracer dye for imaging or a microscopic guided missile for targeted therapy. They matter to investors because their safety, regulatory approval, production complexity, short shelf life and hospital reimbursement determine how quickly they can reach patients and generate revenue, affecting a company’s sales potential and risk profile.

nuclear medicine medical

"expert in the field of nuclear medicine with more than two decades of experience"

Nuclear medicine uses very small amounts of radioactive substances to create images of the body or deliver targeted treatments; think of it like a tracer dye that lights up organs on a scan or a guided missile that seeks out and treats diseased tissue. It matters to investors because technological advances, regulatory approvals, and clinical adoption directly affect sales of specialized drugs, imaging equipment, and hospital services, influencing revenue, growth prospects, and regulatory risk for healthcare companies.

theranostics medical

"a globally recognized expert in theranostics and nuclear medicine, with extensive"

Theranostics combines a medical test with a targeted treatment so the same approach both finds disease and delivers therapy—like a guided missile that first locates a target then destroys it. For investors, it matters because pairing diagnosis and therapy can speed identification of patients who will benefit, reduce wasted treatments, create dual revenue streams (tests plus drugs), and alter regulatory and reimbursement dynamics that affect commercial potential.

Radio-DARPin medical

"Molecular Partners’ Radio-DARPins have the potential to unlock targeted"

A radio-darpin is a small, engineered protein that is chemically attached to a tiny radioactive atom and designed to find and stick to a specific molecule on cells, such as a tumor marker. Think of it as a guided homing beacon that either lights up a disease location for imaging or delivers a focused dose of radiation. Investors care because radio-darpins can speed diagnosis, enable more precise treatments, and, if clinically successful, create commercial opportunities or regulatory milestones that drive company value.

alpha-emitting isotopes medical

"vectors to precisely deliver potent alpha-emitting isotopes in cancer patients"

Alpha-emitting isotopes are unstable atomic forms that release high-energy, heavy particles called alpha particles; imagine tiny, powerful bullets that travel only a short distance before stopping. They matter to investors because these isotopes are used in targeted cancer therapies and diagnostic tools, so their availability, regulatory approval, manufacturing complexity, safety handling and cost can directly affect the commercial prospects and value of companies involved.

mesothelin (MSLN) medical

"MP0726, targeting mesothelin (MSLN), a tumor target overexpressed across"

mesothelin (MSLN) is a protein present on the surface of certain normal and many cancer cells; think of it like a name tag that helps identify specific tumors. Investors watch it because it can be used both as a diagnostic marker and as a target for therapies — promising clinical results or regulatory approval can boost a drug developer’s value, while setbacks or safety concerns can materially affect pipeline prospects and company valuation.

neuroendocrine cancers medical

"DLL3 for the treatment of small cell lung cancer and other neuroendocrine cancers"

Neuroendocrine cancers are tumors that arise from cells that behave like both nerve cells and hormone-producing cells, often found in organs such as the gut, pancreas, or lungs. They matter to investors because they can be slow-growing or aggressive, require specialized diagnostics and treatments, and create distinct markets for drugs, diagnostics, and device makers; clinical trial results, approvals, or changes in treatment standards can strongly affect company value.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

• Chaired by globally renowned nuclear medicine expert Prof. Ken Herrmann, M.D.
  
  
• Other Board members James Cook, Jason Lewis, Ph.D., and Michael Morris, M.D. bring significant clinical and industry expertise, supporting transition from early clinical validation to strategic development
  
  

ZURICH-SCHLIEREN, Switzerland and CONCORD, Mass., Dec. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Molecular Partners AG (SIX: MOLN; NASDAQ: MOLN), a clinical-stage biotech company developing a new class of custom-built protein drugs known as DARPin therapeutics (“Molecular Partners” or the “Company”), today announced the formation of a Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) for its radiopharmaceuticals, chaired by Prof. Ken Herrmann, M.D., a globally renowned expert in the field of nuclear medicine with more than two decades of experience.

"Molecular Partners’ Radio-DARPins have the potential to unlock targeted radiopharmaceuticals against a broad spectrum of tumor targets. These represent ideal vectors to precisely deliver potent alpha-emitting isotopes in cancer patients. In particular, I am excited by the first human images of MP0712 presented last month and look forward to phase 1 initiation. I am honored to Chair this Scientific Advisory Board and to collaborate with this esteemed group of experts, as we work to develop therapies that can redefine patient care,” said Ken Herrmann, M.D., Chair of the Molecular Partners SAB.

"The precision radiopharmaceuticals being developed from our Radio-DARPin platform are showing considerable promise, including encouraging early clinical signs from our lead Radio-DARPin candidate MP0712. Ken Herrmann’s expertise in nuclear medicine and his vision for the field make him the ideal leader for our Scientific Advisory Board, where he will be joined by a group of distinguished experts. This group will guide our transition from early clinical validation to strategic clinical development decisions that realize the full potential of our platform. Together, we aim to accelerate the development of our Radio-DARPin candidates and bring improved treatment options to patients in need,” said Patrick Amstutz, Ph.D., CEO of Molecular Partners.

Ken Herrmann is Chair of the Department of Nuclear Medicine at University Hospital Essen, Germany, and a globally recognized expert in theranostics and nuclear medicine, with extensive experience in clinical development and translational research. He previously acted as Adjunct Professor at the Ahmanson Translational Imaging Division of the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), California, USA, and served as Chair of the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM) Oncology & Theranostics Committee. Ken Herrmann completed his residency in nuclear medicine at the Technische Universität München, Germany, and holds an executive MBA from the University of Zürich, Switzerland.

Ken Herrmann’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping Molecular Partners’ strategic direction, particularly as the company transitions from early clinical validation to pivotal development decisions.

The SAB also includes:

• radiopharmaceutical industry executive James Cook, previously founder and CEO of Evergreen Theragnostics (sold to Lantheus in 2025) and U.S. Chief Operating Officer at Advanced Accelerator Applications (acquired by Novartis in 2017), where his team commercially launched Lutathera and Netspot;
• radiochemist Prof. Jason Lewis, Ph.D., the Emily Tow Chair in Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and a Deputy Director of the Sloan Kettering Institute (SKI); and
• medical oncologist and nuclear medicine specialist Prof. Michael Morris, M.D., Steven A. Greenberg Chair in Prostate Cancer Research and Prostate Cancer Section Head at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
  
  

The SAB will provide critical input on candidate development and guiding the transition from early clinical validation to late-stage trials, on platform expansion, such as exploring additional isotopes and novel targeting mechanisms, and cross-disciplinary innovation, leveraging the members’ diverse expertise to refine and challenge the company’s scientific and clinical strategies.

Molecular Partners’ Radio-DARPins represent ideal vectors for efficient delivery of potent alpha-emitting isotopes to tumor lesions and have the potential to unlock targeted radiopharmaceuticals across a broad range of tumor targets. The Company’s lead program MP0712 is a ²¹²Pb-based Radio-DARPin candidate targeting DLL3 for the treatment of small cell lung cancer and other neuroendocrine cancers, co-developed with strategic partner Orano Med. The second RDT program slated for clinical development is MP0726, targeting mesothelin (MSLN), a tumor target overexpressed across several cancers with high unmet need, such as ovarian cancer. The Company’s proprietary technology continues to produce promising Radio-DARPins against new targets, addressing the key challenges of targeted radiotherapy by balancing precise delivery of a potent radioactive payload to the tumor while sparing healthy tissues.

About Molecular Partners AG 
Molecular Partners AG (SIX: MOLN, NASDAQ: MOLN) is a clinical-stage biotech company pioneering the design and development of DARPin therapeutics for medical challenges other drug modalities cannot readily address. The Company has programs in various stages of pre-clinical and clinical development, with oncology as its main focus. Molecular Partners leverages the advantages of DARPins to provide unique solutions to patients through its proprietary programs as well as through partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies. Molecular Partners was founded in 2004 and has offices in both Zurich, Switzerland and Concord, MA, USA. For more information, visit www.molecularpartners.com and find us on LinkedIn and Twitter / X @MolecularPrtnrs

For further details, please contact:
Seth Lewis, SVP Investor Relations & Strategy
Concord, Massachusetts, U.S.
seth.lewis@molecularpartners.com
Tel: +1 781 420 2361

Laura Jeanbart, PhD, Head of Portfolio Management & Communications
Zurich-Schlieren, Switzerland
laura.jeanbart@molecularpartners.com
Tel: +41 44 575 19 35

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 
Any statements contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including without limitation: implied and express statements regarding the clinical development of Molecular Partners’ current or future product candidates; expectations regarding timing for reporting data from ongoing clinical trials or the initiation of future clinical trials; the potential therapeutic and clinical benefits of Molecular Partners’ product candidates and its RDT and Switch-DARPin platforms; the selection and development of future programs; Molecular Partners’ collaboration with Orano Med including the benefits and results that may be achieved through the collaboration; and Molecular Partners’ expected business and financial outlook, including anticipated expenses and cash utilization for 2025 and its expectation of its current cash runway. These statements may be identified by words such as “aim”, "anticipate”, “expect”, “guidance”, “intend”, “outlook”, “plan”, “potential”, “will” and similar expressions, and are based on Molecular Partners’ current beliefs and expectations. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such statements. Some of the key factors that could cause actual results to differ from Molecular Partners’ expectations include its plans to develop and potentially commercialize its product candidates; Molecular Partners’ reliance on third party partners and collaborators over which it may not always have full control; Molecular Partners’ ongoing and planned clinical trials and preclinical studies for its product candidates, including the timing of such trials and studies; the risk that the results of preclinical studies and clinical trials may not be predictive of future results in connection with future clinical trials; the timing of and Molecular Partners’ ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approvals for its product candidates; the extent of clinical trials potentially required for Molecular Partners’ product candidates; the clinical utility and ability to achieve market acceptance of Molecular Partners’ product candidates; the potential that Molecular Partners’ product candidates may exhibit serious adverse, undesirable or unacceptable side effects; the impact of any health pandemic, macroeconomic factors and other global events on Molecular Partners’ preclinical studies, clinical trials or operations, or the operations of third parties on which it relies; Molecular Partners’ plans and development of any new indications for its product candidates; Molecular Partners’ commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy; Molecular Partners’ intellectual property position; Molecular Partners’ ability to identify and in-license additional product candidates; unanticipated factors in addition to the foregoing that may cause Molecular Partners’ actual results to differ from its financial and business projections and guidance; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in Molecular Partners’ Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 and other filings Molecular Partners makes with the SEC from time to time. These documents are available on the Investors page of Molecular Partners’ website at www.molecularpartners.com. In addition, this press release contains information relating to interim data as of the relevant data cutoff date, results of which may differ from topline results that may be obtained in the future. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are based on information available to Molecular Partners as of the date of this release, and Molecular Partners assumes no obligation to, and does not intend to, update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

FAQ

Who chairs Molecular Partners' new Scientific Advisory Board for radiopharmaceuticals (MOLN)?

Prof. Ken Herrmann, M.D., Chair of the Department of Nuclear Medicine at University Hospital Essen, chairs the SAB.

What is MP0712 and what isotope does MP0712 use (MOLN)?

MP0712 is a DLL3-targeting Radio-DARPin that uses the 212Pb isotope for targeted alpha therapy.

Has Molecular Partners (MOLN) reported human data for MP0712 and what is next?

The company presented first human images of MP0712 and is planning phase 1 initiation.

Who are the other members of the Molecular Partners radiopharmaceutical SAB (MOLN)?

SAB members include industry executive James Cook, radiochemist Prof. Jason Lewis, Ph.D., and Prof. Michael Morris, M.D.

What is MP0726 and which tumor target does it address (MOLN)?

MP0726 is a Radio-DARPin program targeting mesothelin, relevant to cancers such as ovarian cancer.

Will the SAB influence Molecular Partners' clinical development path for Radio-DARPins (MOLN)?

Yes; the SAB will advise on candidate development, platform expansion, isotope selection, and late-stage clinical decisions.