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Lu-177 PSMA-617

Radboud University Medical Center · Phase 3 active Small molecule

Lu-177 PSMA-617 is a Radioligand therapy Small molecule drug developed by Radboud University Medical Center. It is currently in Phase 3 development for Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) with PSMA expression. Also known as: Lutetium-177 Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen.

Lu-177 PSMA-617 is a radioligand that binds to prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on cancer cells and delivers targeted radiation to kill them.

Lu-177 PSMA-617 is a radioligand that binds to prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on cancer cells and delivers targeted radiation to kill them. Used for Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) with PSMA expression.

Likelihood of approval
61.3% vs 58.3% industry baseline
If approved by FDA: likely 2028–2030
Steps remaining: NDA/BLA submission
Confidence: High
Why this estimate
  • Baseline phase 3 → approval rate +58.3pp
    Industry-wide phase 3 drugs reach approval ~58.3% of the time (BIO/Informa 2023 industry benchmark across all therapeutic areas).
  • Oncology Phase 3 boost +3.0pp
    Oncology Phase 3 trials have higher approval rates (~61%) than the cross-industry average due to clearer endpoints and FDA oncology pathway.
Predicted approval windows by jurisdiction (conditional on FDA approval)
Regulator Country Likely year Lag vs FDA
FDA US 2028–2030
EMA EU 2029–2031 +0.7 yr
MHRA GB 2029–2031 +0.7 yr
Health Canada CA 2029–2032 +0.9 yr
TGA AU 2029–2032 +1.2 yr
PMDA JP 2029–2032 +1.5 yr
NMPA CN 2030–2033 +2.3 yr
MFDS KR 2029–2032 +1.4 yr
CDSCO IN 2029–2033 +1.8 yr
ANVISA BR 2030–2033 +2.3 yr

Hover any row for the lag rationale. Lag estimates are reduced when the drug has FDA Breakthrough or EMA PRIME designation (sponsors file globally in parallel).

Estimate based on the BIO/Informa industry phase transition rates plus per-drug modifiers for therapeutic area, sponsor type, FDA designations, mechanism, and trial design. Per-jurisdiction lags from Tufts CSDD international approval studies. Not investment, clinical or regulatory advice. Methodology: /methodology#likelihood.

At a glance

Generic nameLu-177 PSMA-617
Also known asLutetium-177 Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen
SponsorRadboud University Medical Center
Drug classRadioligand therapy
TargetPSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaOncology
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

Lu-177 PSMA-617 consists of lutetium-177, a beta-emitting radioisotope, conjugated to a small molecule ligand that specifically targets PSMA, a cell-surface antigen highly expressed on prostate cancer cells. Once bound to PSMA-expressing tumors, the radioisotope delivers localized radiation that damages cancer cell DNA, leading to cell death. This approach enables targeted radiotherapy with reduced systemic toxicity compared to conventional chemotherapy.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

Frequently asked questions about Lu-177 PSMA-617

What is Lu-177 PSMA-617?

Lu-177 PSMA-617 is a Radioligand therapy drug developed by Radboud University Medical Center, indicated for Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) with PSMA expression.

How does Lu-177 PSMA-617 work?

Lu-177 PSMA-617 is a radioligand that binds to prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on cancer cells and delivers targeted radiation to kill them.

What is Lu-177 PSMA-617 used for?

Lu-177 PSMA-617 is indicated for Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) with PSMA expression.

Who makes Lu-177 PSMA-617?

Lu-177 PSMA-617 is developed by Radboud University Medical Center (see full Radboud University Medical Center pipeline at /company/radboud-university-medical-center).

Is Lu-177 PSMA-617 also known as anything else?

Lu-177 PSMA-617 is also known as Lutetium-177 Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen.

What drug class is Lu-177 PSMA-617 in?

Lu-177 PSMA-617 belongs to the Radioligand therapy class. See all Radioligand therapy drugs at /class/radioligand-therapy.

What development phase is Lu-177 PSMA-617 in?

Lu-177 PSMA-617 is in Phase 3.

What are the side effects of Lu-177 PSMA-617?

Common side effects of Lu-177 PSMA-617 include Hematologic toxicity (anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia), Xerostomia (dry mouth), Nausea, Fatigue, Kidney toxicity.

What does Lu-177 PSMA-617 target?

Lu-177 PSMA-617 targets PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen) and is a Radioligand therapy.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing