BOSTON, MA, June 18, 2026
Curium™ has secured a significant legal and commercial milestone after prevailing in a patent dispute brought by Novartis subsidiary Advanced Accelerator Applications (AAA), a decision that could accelerate patient access to targeted radioligand therapy for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) across the United States. The ruling by the Delaware U.S. District Court found that all relevant patent claims asserted by Novartis/AAA against Curium’s Lutetium Lu 177 dotatate product were invalid and not infringed, marking a complete legal victory for the company. The decision removes a major obstacle to Curium’s plans to launch and commercialize its radiopharmaceutical therapy in the U.S. market, potentially expanding treatment options for adult patients with somatostatin receptor-positive GEP-NETs, including tumors originating in the foregut, midgut, and hindgut. The outcome is viewed as an important development in the growing field of precision oncology and radiopharmaceutical medicine, where targeted therapies are increasingly transforming cancer treatment paradigms.
Court Ruling Strengthens Curium’s Commercialization Strategy
The Delaware court’s decision represents a pivotal moment for Curium as it seeks to broaden its presence in the rapidly expanding theranostics sector. By invalidating and rejecting the patent claims brought forward by Novartis/AAA, the ruling effectively clears the legal pathway for Curium to advance its commercialization plans for Lutetium Lu 177 dotatate in the United States. The therapy is designed to deliver targeted radiation directly to tumor cells expressing somatostatin receptors, reducing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues while enhancing treatment precision.
Industry observers note that the decision reinforces competition within the radioligand therapy market and may help improve patient access to innovative cancer treatments. The ruling also highlights the increasing importance of intellectual property disputes in shaping the future availability of advanced oncology medicines and radiopharmaceutical therapies.
Expanding Access to Targeted Radioligand Therapies
Advertisement
Curium executives emphasized that the court victory aligns with the company’s long-term mission of expanding access to critical targeted radiopharmaceuticals. Group Chief Executive Officer Renaud Dehareng stated that the company remains focused on building a durable theranostics platform that combines its leadership in diagnostic imaging with advanced therapeutic radioligand technologies. He noted that Curium’s strategy includes maintaining the operational capabilities necessary to reliably serve patients and healthcare providers at scale.
North American Chief Executive Officer Michael Patterson added that the outcome brings the company closer to delivering timely access to innovative treatments for patients, clinicians, and health systems. With increasing demand for personalized cancer therapies, Curium believes its radioligand therapy portfolio can help address significant unmet needs in the neuroendocrine tumor community while supporting broader adoption of precision medicine approaches.
Curium’s Long-Term Commitment to Neuroendocrine Tumor Care
Curium’s latest achievement builds upon more than a century of experience in nuclear medicine and over three decades of dedicated support for the neuroendocrine tumor (NET) community. The company currently supplies diagnostic products used to detect NETs and continues to invest heavily in a pipeline of investigational radiopharmaceutical therapies. The successful resolution of the patent litigation not only strengthens Curium’s commercial position but also underscores its commitment to advancing next-generation oncology solutions.
As the global radioligand therapy market continues to expand, the company is positioning itself as a key player in the development of innovative treatments that integrate diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. The court victory is expected to support Curium’s efforts to bring Lutetium Lu 177 dotatate to U.S. patients, enhancing access to a targeted treatment option that could improve outcomes for individuals living with GEP-NETs while contributing to the ongoing evolution of precision cancer care.
Source: Curium press release
