German radiation and medical technology specialist Eckert & Ziegler (E&Z) recently released a statement that caused a small increase in their stock price.

Before delving into the details of the announcement, let me introduce you to the relatively unknown German middle-market company in this „Schlussgong“ column:

Eckert & Ziegler: The radiation and medical technology specialists Eckert & Ziegler is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of radioactive components for medical, scientific, and measurement purposes. The company primarily focuses on the development of radiation technologies for use as cancer and heart treatments, as well as for nuclear medicine imaging.

Their main customers are international medical device manufacturers and clinics. The group is responsible for the development, testing, production, and market launch of new, low-radioactive products on behalf of medical device manufacturers. In addition to medical components, Eckert & Ziegler AG also offers radioactive radiation sources for use in specialized measuring devices or for scientific applications worldwide.

Eckert & Ziegler and ARTBIO collaborate Now, onto the previously mentioned announcement: Eckert & Ziegler and ARTBIO, a US biotechnology company specializing in the development of a new class of alpha-radioligand therapies (ARTs), have entered into a strategic manufacturing and supply agreement.

The partnership aims to accelerate the development of alpha-radioligand therapies based on lead-212, starting with the clinical development of ARTBIO’s main product AB001 for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Both companies will initially focus on the American market and utilize Eckert & Ziegler’s facilities in Boston. The expansion of activities worldwide will be considered at a later stage.

For further explanation: The radioisotope lead-212 is an alpha emitter that is used as an active ingredient in cancer treatment. As part of a radiopharmaceutical product, the radioisotope enables precise treatment of tumor cells while minimizing damage to adjacent healthy tissue.

With numerous ongoing studies, compounds labeled with Pb-212 are currently one of the most promising therapeutic approaches in nuclear medicine. E&Z CEO Harald Hasselmann commented on the collaboration as follows: „We are looking forward to working with ARTBIO on this forward-looking project.“

In the fall of 2023, the E&Z share was trading at under 30 euros. Today, it is trading at over 41.50 euros, representing a gain of almost 40% in a manageable period of time. However, the stock still has plenty of room to rise until it reaches its 2021 highs.