OncoBeta® has made notable strides in combating non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs), with its therapy, Rhenium-SCT® (skin cancer therapy), which utilises rhenium-188 for targeted, non-invasive treatment. Over the past year, the company has delivered more studies to the growing body of evidence, pursued further regulatory approvals, and focused on patient education, while also raising global awareness, notably during World Skin Cancer Awareness Month in May 2024.
The Growing Burden of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers
NMSCs, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), are the most common types of skin cancer, with over 7.7 million new cases diagnosed annually. The incidence of these cancers is rising due to increased UV exposure, an aging population, and environmental factors. In response, the medical community is keen for more treatment options challenging the standard of care for patients with NMSCs.
OncoBeta has continued to place a strong emphasis on educating patients about available treatment options and empowering those patients to have a more informed conversation with their doctor or skin health specialist – with knowledge about the latest treatment and the physical and psychological challenges of a skin cancer diagnosis.
Shannon D Brown III, Chief Commercial Officer at OncoBeta, stated, “Education is critical for addressing the rising rates of NMSCs globally. Knowing the available treatment options will help alleviate the stress and anxiety surrounding a diagnosis. Therapies such as Rhenium-SCT now allow patients to find additional treatment options that may support their appearance and overall well-being.”
Clinical Trials and Regulatory Approvals
OncoBeta has made significant progress in advancing clinical research to support Rhenium-SCT’s broader adoption. Phase IV clinical studies and long-term follow-up data have reinforced positive results, including complete response, a well tolerated safety profileand favourable cosmetic results. These studies are crucial in continuing to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the treatment for appropriately selected NMSC lesions.
Rhenium-SCT is now approved for use in Spain and United Kingdom, with several new clinics offering the treatment – including: Madrid, Hospital 12 Octubre, Puerta del Sur as well as The London Clinic, Skin 55. Rhenium-SCT is also now available in more clinics throughout Europe, including Winterthur, Bergamo, Graz, and Innsbruck. OncoBeta is also pursuing FDA approval in the United States, which, if successful, will allow the company to offer its therapy to a broader patient base in North America.
Shannon D Brown III, said, “We are pleased to see recent results from the Rostock Study (Tietze, et al. 2023), the EPIC-Skin Study 6-month interim data (Baxi, et al. 2024) as well as the 12-month data presented at EANM, alongside the Bologna Study too. We are focused on patients’ quality of life – and we are very enthusiastic about the growing clinical evidence.”
Expanding Market Reach and Partnerships
In addition to clinical advancements, OncoBeta is expanding its global footprint. In Europe, Rhenium-SCT is already available, and the company has established partnerships with dermatologists and oncology centres to increase awareness and adoption of the therapy. These collaborations have played a vital role in making the treatment accessible to more patients and adding an additional treatment option for patients with NMSC.
A notable milestone in OncoBeta’s European expansion is the approval by the Spanish National Health System (Sistema Nacional de Salud, SNS) with Rhenium-SCT featuring in local specialist events at Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre as well as HM Puerta del Sur Hospital, who hosted a live event during the SMMN Congress as an initiative to teach and promote this procedure.
Sydney’s first private clinic in NSW Sydney Brachytherapy Group (SBG) treated its first patient with Rhenium-SCT, with Director Dr Joseph Gracé, explaining, “The key difference to other therapies is that the Rhenium-SCT is more precise, allowing the physician to administer treatment locally without damaging surrounding tissue. Patients with difficult anatomic localisations of a tumour, such as ear, nose or anywhere on the face, and those with larger lesions problematic for plastic surgery can benefit from this non-invasive solution, which provides preferable aesthetic outcomes.”
Contributions to the Scientific Community
OncoBeta has contributed to the broader scientific community through clinical studies and publications in peer-reviewed journals. These studies highlight the effectiveness of Rhenium-SCT and add to the clinical evidence for complete response and long-term effectiveness.
The team has also attended major medical and biotech conferences, including ADO, DGN, BNMS, EADO, SAMN, SCMNIM, and EANM – with an overwhelming symposium attendance filled with 300+ delegates keen to hear from several international keynote speakers. These events provide important platforms for sharing data, announcing regulatory milestones, and forming strategic collaborations within the healthcare sector.
OncoBeta also established positive relationships with several important media publishers in Europe, including Mediaplanet “Innovations in Dermatology”; the British Skin Foundation & ITM Business “Skin: Under The Surface”; and the European Medical Journal (EMJ) “Exploring Advances in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Treatment”. These specialist partnership activities provided health professionals with credible and up-to-date information about non-melanoma skin cancer and innovative treatments such as Rhenium-SCT.
“The focus for OncoBeta this year has been participating in research and development initiatives, involving local community as well as specialist leaders in the category. I am very pleased with all of the successes this year, and excited about our future – especially as we continue expanding our reach with the Rhenium-SCT. There’s still a significant unmet need in the market, which of course means that our therapy can give a meaningful and powerful solution for patients, clinicians and government bodies”, adds Shannon.