SAN DIEGO– Medicines Discovery Catapult (MDC) and Crown Bioscience announced a strategic global collaboration Thursday to accelerate the development of radiopharmaceuticals through an integrated translational biology platform.
Radiopharmaceuticals, which combine radioisotopes with targeting molecules, represent one of the fastest-growing areas in oncology research. They can deliver therapeutic radiation directly to tumors with fewer side effects than traditional treatments, while also serving as imaging tracers that improve diagnostic accuracy.
The alliance brings together MDC’s expertise in radiochemistry, high-resolution imaging, mass spectrometry, and multi-omic tissue analysis with Crown Bioscience’s global capabilities in preclinical oncology models. By integrating these platforms, the two organizations aim to reduce risk in clinical development and support drug developers in preparing robust Investigational New Drug submissions.
“MDC operates an advanced preclinical drug discovery facility, including world-class radiochemistry capabilities and a translational suite of imaging technologies, to support the growing demand for novel radiopharmaceuticals,” said Dr. Francesca Sadler, Chief Commercial Officer at MDC. “Our partnership with Crown Bioscience means MDC can expand its current end-to-end translational biology offering even further. Combining the expertise of our two organizations provides a comprehensive platform for drug innovators developing radiopharmaceuticals, helping to accelerate the progress of these novel medicines that have the potential to transform patient outcomes.”
John Gu, CEO of Crown Bioscience, added: “Advanced radiopharmaceuticals are poised to redefine how we treat cancer, but their successful development requires translational platforms that are both scientifically rigorous and clinically relevant. By combining MDC’s radiochemistry and imaging capabilities with Crown Bioscience’s preclinical oncology expertise, we are creating a truly integrated solution for innovators in this field. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to accelerating the delivery of next-generation targeted therapies to patients worldwide.”
The partnership will enable drug developers to conduct comparator studies against approved standards of care, generate higher-quality translational data, and pursue precision medicine strategies more effectively. Both organizations emphasized that the integrated workflow will not only streamline preclinical development but also give global life sciences companies greater confidence in regulatory submissions.
MDC, a U.K.-based national life sciences service, specializes in translating scientific discovery into commercial impact. Crown Bioscience, headquartered in San Diego, is a global contract research organization providing preclinical and translational platforms in oncology and immuno-oncology.
