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O’Keefe, Stephen J.

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4422-3145

Mayo Clinic

Perspective Therapeutics, Inc., Seattle, WA

Citations 7

Safety and preliminary efficacy results of [ 212 Pb]VMT-a-NET in advanced somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2)-expressing neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).
Sólnes, Lilja B. , Balaraman, Savitha, Mancini, Brandon Robert, Sibley, Gregory S., Anthony, Lowell , Starr, Jason S., Liao, Chih‐Yi , Mehr, Samuel, Weiss, J., Baratto, Lucia , Yang, Wenjing, Hanna, Alaa , Puhlmann, Markus , Prasad, Vikas , Hálfdánarson, Þorvarður R. , Wahl, Richard L. , Sukrithan, Vineeth , Starr, Jason S. , Mehr, Samuel H., Weiss, Jared, Yang, Wenjing, O’Keefe, Stephen J.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | January 12, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 2_suppl | Pages: 635-635

10.1200/jco.2026.44.2_suppl.635 Get It

635 Background: [ 212 Pb]VMT-a-NET is an alpha therapy agent targeting somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2)-expressing tumors. Here, we report the results of a prospective, open-label, Phase I/IIa trial (NCT05636618), assessing safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy of [ 212 Pb]VMT-a-NET in patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Methods: Adults with well-differentiated unresectable or metastatic SSTR2-expressing NETs, who are peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) naïve, and who progressed on at least one prior line of systemic therapy, are eligible. Participants can receive up to four cycles of [ 212 Pb]VMT-a-NET at the assigned dose level. Participants are followed for dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) observation up to 42 days after the first dose. Efficacy is evaluated by investigators according to RECIST criteria v1.1. Results: As of 16-Aug-2025 (data cut-off [DCO]) a total of 48 participants were enrolled into cohorts 1 and 2 and received at least one dose of [ 212 Pb]VMT-a-NET (n=2 in Cohort 1, and n=46 in Cohort 2 at a dose level of 92.5 MBq and 185 MBq, respectively). Among all participants treated with at least one dose of [ 212 Pb]VMT-a-NET (n=48), no DLTs, no grade 4 or 5 adverse events (AEs), and no treatment-related discontinuations, were observed. Median follow-up time was 28 weeks (range: 6-93). Nine participants were followed for DLT observation (n=2 in cohort 1 and n=7 in cohort 2).Seven of these patients were with no progression as of the DCO. Three out of the seven participants enrolled at the dose level of 185 MBq achieved a confirmed partial response (PR). Median follow-up time for participants included in the efficacy group was 72 weeks (range: 6-93). Cohort 3, at a dose level of 222 MBq, has recently been opened for enrollment. At the DCO, 4 participants were enrolled in this cohort. Updated safety outcome for all participants along with updated efficacy findings for participants in Cohort 1 and 2 with sufficient maturity, will be presented during the congress. Conclusions: [ 212 Pb]VMT-a-NET showed a favorable safety profile and promising clinical benefit for patients with advanced SSTR2-expressing NETs treated at the dose levels of 92.5 MBq and 185 MBq. The study is ongoing with Cohort 3 (222 MBq) currently open for enrollment. Clinical trial information: NCT05636618 .
Abstract C095: [212Pb]VMT-a-NET for somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2)-expressing tumors: safety and preliminary efficacy results in patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors (NETs)
Prasad, Vikas, Sólnes, Lilja B. , Balaraman, Savitha, Sibley, Gregory S., Anthony, Lowell , Mancini, B.R. , Starr, Jason S. , Liao, Chih‐Yi , Baratto, Lucia , Yang, Wenjing , Hanna, Alaa , Puhlmann, Markus , Halfdanarson, Thorvadur, Wahl, Richard L. , Sukrithan, Vineeth , Mehr, Samuel, O’Keefe, Stephen J. , Hálfdánarson, Þorvarður R.

Molecular Cancer Therapeutics | October 22, 2025 | Volume: 24 | Issue: 10_Supplement | Pages: C095-C095

10.1158/1535-7163.targ-25-c095 Get It

Abstract Background: [212Pb]VMT-a-NET is an alpha therapy agent targeting somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2)-expressing tumors. Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) generally express SSTR2 on their cell surface. Here, we report the results of a prospective, open-label, Phase I/IIa clinical trial evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy of [212Pb]VMT-a-NET [NCT05636618]. Methods: The study design follows a Bayesian dose-finding algorithm. Main inclusion criteria include histologically proven well-differentiated unresectable or metastatic NETs, radiological evidence of progression on at least one prior line of systemic therapy, demonstration of lesional SSTR2 expression on an FDA-approved SSTR PET. Main exclusion criteria include: prior treatment with systemic PRRT-based therapies. In the dose finding phase, participants can receive up to four cycles of [212Pb]VMT-a-NET at the assigned dose level. Participants are followed for dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) observation up to 42 days after the first cycle. Efficacy is evaluated by investigators according to RECIST criteria v1.1. Here we report safety and preliminary efficacy data of participants enrolled in cohorts 1 and 2 at 92.5 MBq [2.5 mCi] and 185 MBq [5 mCi], respectively. Results: As of 30-Apr-2025 (data cut-off – DCO), a total of 42 participants were enrolled into the study. Nine of them were followed for DLT observation; thirty-three (33) additional participants were subsequently enrolled into cohort 2 to further evaluate safety and efficacy at the selected dose. For data analysis purposes, participants were divided into two different groups: a safety group and an efficacy group. The safety group included all participants enrolled by the DCO (n=42), while the efficacy group included only nine participants enrolled in cohort 1 (n=2) and cohort 2 (n=7) for DLT observation. Median follow up time for participants included in the safety group was 14 weeks (range:0,77); median follow up time for participants included in the efficacy group was 56 weeks (range: 6,77). In the safety group (n=42) we did not observe any DLTs, any grade 4 or 5 adverse events (AEs), any treatment-related discontinuations, any serious renal complications or myelosuppression, or any dysphagia. In the efficacy group (n=9) seven out of nine participants were with no progression as of the DCO, and four out of the seven participants enrolled in cohort 2 achieved a partial response (PR). Three PRs were confirmed, while one was pending confirmation at the time of DCO. Cohort 3, at a dose level of 222 MBq [6 mCi], has recently been opened for enrollment. Safety data for all treated participants and efficacy results for a mature subset will be presented at the congress. Conclusions: [212Pb]VMT-a-NET showed a favorable safety profile and promising clinical benefit for patients with advanced SSTR2-expressing NETs treated at the dose level of 185 MBq (5 mCi). The study is ongoing with cohort 3 currently open for enrollment. Citation Format: Vikas Prasad, Richard Wahl, Lilja Solnes, Savitha Balaraman, Gregory Sibley, Lowell Anthony, Brandon Mancini, Jason Starr, Vineeth Sukrithan, Chih-Yi Liao, Samuel Mehr, Lucia Baratto, Wenjing Yang, Alaa Hanna, Stephen Keefe, Markus Puhlmann, Thorvadur Halfdanarson. [212Pb]VMT-a-NET for somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2)-expressing tumors: safety and preliminary efficacy results in patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2025 Oct 22-26; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2025;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr C095 .
Interim safety and efficacy data of [ 212 Pb]VMT01 in MC1R expressing melanoma.
Block, Matthew S. , Mehr, Samuel H., Baratto, Lucia , Tomash, Haley, Yang, Wenjing , Puhlmann, Markus , Morris, Zachary Scott , Wahl, Richard L. , Marsh, Ian R. , O’Keefe, Stephen J. , Menda, Yusuf

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2025 | Volume: 43 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 3099-3099

10.1200/jco.2025.43.16_suppl.3099 Get It

3099 Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are effective in melanoma, but many patients experience progression on or after approved ICI +/- MAPK inhibitor therapy. Melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) is a novel target for radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) and is highly expressed on melanoma tumor cells. VMT01 is an MC1R-targeted RPT that can be radiolabeled with either 203 Pb (patient selection and dosimetry assessments) or 212 Pb (alpha particle therapy). Here, we present data on the first in-human evaluation of [ 203 Pb/ 212 Pb]VMT01 in patients with metastatic melanoma. FDA granted Fast Track Designation to the product on the bases of preclinical experiments combining [ 212 Pb]VMT01 with immunotherapy. Methods: This is a first-in-human dose-finding study to determine the safety, pharmacokinetics, dosimetry and preliminary efficacy of [ 212 Pb]VMT01 in subjects with MC1R-positive metastatic melanoma who progressed on at least 1 approved first-line therapy (NCT05655312). Phase 1 of the trial includes escalating dose cohorts. The first two cohorts incorporate dosimetry evaluations (reported separately) with the imaging surrogate [ 203 Pb]VMT01 prior to receiving up to 3 treatment cycles of [ 212 Pb]VMT01 therapy (injected activity of 111 MBq (3 mCi) or 185 MBq (5 mCi) for Cohort 1 and 2, respectively). Participants are evaluated for any DLT for the first 6 weeks after cycle one. Efficacy is assessed by RECIST 1.1 criteria by the investigator. Following the start of the study the anticipated combination arm with nivolumab was opened as an amendment. Results: Cohort 1 (DCO 04Sep24) was completed with 3 enrolled participants who received 3 treatment cycles without any DLTs or SAEs. Cohort 1 participants showed prolonged stabilization of disease from start of treatment (mean: 11.1 months); one participant developed a confirmed objective response (PR) after completion of all three [ 212 Pb]VMT01 administrations and is still on trial after 13.1 months from start of treatment. Cohort 2 has completed with 7 enrolled participants. No DLTs or related SAEs have been observed. All participants in this Cohort progressed after either the first cycle (3 participants) or the second cycle (4 participants).Based on these preliminary results showing anti-tumor effect at the lower dose, additional cohorts for both monotherapy and in combination with nivolumab were introduced at a de-escalated dose of 55.5 MBq (1.5 mCi). Both cohorts are now open for enrollment. Updated safety and efficacy data will be analyzed and presented at ASCO. Conclusions: At 111 MBq and 185 MBq activity levels, [ 212 Pb]VMT01 was safe and well-tolerated. An objective response and prolonged stabilization of disease were observed at the 111 MBq activity level while no effect was seen at 185 MBq. The study will continue to explore potentially immunostimulating lower doses of administered activity of [ 212 Pb]VMT01 either as a monotherapy or in combination with nivolumab. Clinical trial information: NCT05655312 .
[ 212 Pb]VMT-α-NET therapy in somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) expressing neuroendocrine tumors (NETs): Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) observation participants after 1 year follow-up and preliminary report for expansion part
Sólnes, Lilja B. , Mancini, Brandon Robert, Sibley, Gregory S., Anthony, Lowell , Liao, Chih‐Yi , Starr, Jason S. , Balaraman, Savitha, Prasad, Vikas, Baratto, Lucia , Hanna, Alaa , Yang, Wenjing , Puhlmann, Markus , Hálfdánarson, Þorvarður R. , O’Keefe, Stephen J. , Wahl, Richard L.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2025 | Volume: 43 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 3005-3005

10.1200/jco.2025.43.16_suppl.3005 Get It

3005 Background: [ 212 Pb]VMT-α-NET, a next generation 212 Pb-based, SSTR2-targeted alpha-particle radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT), was designed to achieve superior biodistribution via optimized tumor uptake and retention and rapid renal clearance. Results reported here are from the Phase 1/2a first-in-human study [NCT05636618]. Methods: Safety, pharmacokinetics, dosimetry and efficacy using RECIST v1.1 were investigated in the treatment of participants with [ 212 Pb]VMT-α-NET who had SSTR2-expressing, well-differentiated adult NETs of any grade. Participants received ≥1 prior therapy. No prior peptide receptor radionuclide therapy was allowed. The trial has multiple dose cohorts including 92.5 MBq (2.5 mCi, cohort 1) and 185 MBq (5 mCi, cohort 2) of administered activity based on a Bayesian modified toxicity probability interval (mTPI-2) design. Up to 8 participants per cohort were treated with 4 doses of [ 212 Pb]VMT-α-NET for DLT observation. Cohort 2 enrollment was expanded to further define the safety and efficacy profile at this dose level. Results: Nine (9) gastroenteropancreatic NET participants were enrolled into cohorts 1 and 2 for DLT observation. The ninth of these participants was enrolled more than 1 year prior to presentation of these data. Among these participants at the time of abstract submission, no DLTs were observed, and there were no grade 4, 5 or serious adverse events (SAEs). Specifically, no renal insufficiency or dysphagia were observed. Hematologic AEs were low grade and few in number. No treatment discontinuations due to AE occurred. Three (3) of the 7 cohort 2 participants enrolled for DLT observation achieved investigator-assessed partial responses (PRs). Two PRs were unconfirmed at the time of abstract submission. Durable progression-free survival (PFS) was consistently observed. More than 15 additional participants were enrolled in the cohort 2 expansion. Preliminary data for these patients will be reported at the congress. Conclusions: [ 212 Pb]VMT-α-NET is a well-tolerated, next generation RPT showing signs of clinical activity at early dose-levels in this phase 1/2a study. Based on these clinical data, further dose-escalation and development of this promising therapy are warranted. Clinical trial information: NCT05636618 .
Interim safety and efficacy data of [ 212 Pb]VMT-α-NET in somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) expressing neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).
Anthony, Lowell , Sólnes, Lilja B. , Mehr, Samuel H., Baratto, Lucia , Hanna, Alaa , Yang, Wenjing M., Wahl, Richard L. , Yang, Wenjing M., O’Keefe, Stephen J. , Hálfdánarson, Þorvarður R.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | January 27, 2025 | Volume: 43 | Issue: 4_suppl | Pages: 668-668

10.1200/jco.2025.43.4_suppl.668 Get It

668 Background: After the approval of 177Lu DOTATATE, a new generation of radiopharmaceutical therapies (RPT) utilizing alpha-emitting radiometals is being developed as front-line therapies for advanced NETs with the hope of higher clinical efficacy. In this Phase I study, [ 212 Pb]VMT-α-NET, a novel targeted alpha radionuclide therapy (TAT) to SSTR2, is being evaluated in SSTR2-expressing NETs tumors in patients with no prior PRRT treatment. Here we present interim safety and the first efficacy results from dose escalation cohorts 1 and 2. Methods: In this first-in-human dose-escalation study, safety, PK, and efficacy of [ 212 Pb]VMT-α-NET were investigated in a population of well-differentiated adult NETs of any grade which progressed after prior standard of care therapy as assessed by RECIST v1.1 (NCT05636618). No patient may have received prior 177 Lu-DOTATATE or PRRT. The dose escalation design includes four cohorts, 3 mCi, 5 mCi, 7.5 mCi and 10 mCi based on a Bayesian modified toxicity probability interval (mTPI-2) design. Subjects in cohorts 1 and 2 underwent dosimetry evaluations using the therapeutic surrogate [ 203 Pb]VMT-a-NET. Therapeutic [ 212 Pb]VMT-a-NET was administered for 4 cycles Q8W in combination with reno-protective amino acids. The DLT assessment period is defined as the first 6 weeks of cycle 1. The primary objectives include the evaluation of safety and tolerability, the PK and RP2D of [ 212 Pb]VMT-a-NET as well as ORR as assessed by RECIST 1.1 criteria. Results: The current data cut occurred on September 19 th , 2024. A total of 9 patients were enrolled (2 in cohort 1 and 7 in cohort 2). Median exposure for cohort 1 was 2.5 mCi (2.5 mCi, 2.5 mCi) and for cohort 2 was 5.1 mCi (4.7 mCi, 5.2 mCi). No DLTs were observed. Two grade 3 AEs occurred in Cohort 2 (diarrhea, syncope). The most frequent related TEAE were alopecia, fatigue, anemia, lymphopenia and nausea (all grade 1 or 2). One subject in Cohort 2 was discontinued due to progressive disease. Landmark PFS at 9 months is 89%. ORR is not yet mature and will be shown at the time of the meeting. Safety Monitoring Committee (SMC) meeting was held on July 17 th , 2024, recommended dose escalation to cohort 3 at 7.5 mCi. No nephrotoxicity was reported in either cohort. Conclusions: [ 212 Pb]VMT-α-NET is safe up to 185 MBq (5 mCi) dose level, and the SMC supported dose escalate to cohort 3 at 277.5 MBq (7.5 mCi) following a mandated FDA review in fall. Cohort 2 remains open for dose level expansion. Early efficacy results demonstrate encouraging progression-free survival. Clinical trial information: NCT05636618 .
Pancreatic enzyme synthesis and turnover in human subjects
Bennet, W. M. , Zinsmeister, Alan R., Haymond, Morey W. , O’Keefe, Stephen J.

American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology | December 24, 2017 | Volume: 266 | Issue: 5 | Pages: G816-G821

10.1152/ajpgi.1994.266.5.g816 Get It

Animal studies have shown that pancreatic enzyme secretion is independent of enzyme synthesis. To investigate this relationship in humans, we have coinfused 14C-labeled leucine tracer with cholecystokinin octapeptide in nine healthy adults for 4 h and measured the rate of appearance of secreted and newly labeled enzymes in the duodenum. Enzyme secretion was well maintained throughout, but newly labeled enzymes only appeared in juice between 75 and 101 min (median time, 86 min), indicating that initial secretion was dependent on the release of zymogen stores and that the median production time for new enzymes was 86 min. Between 85 and 225 min there was a curvilinear increase in the enrichment of secreted enzymes with newly synthesized enzymes, suggesting a median turnover rate of zymogen stores of 29%/h (range 12-47%/h). In conclusion, our results suggest that in healthy humans, postprandial pancreatic enzyme secretion is maintained by the export of a large stored pool and is not rate limited by enzyme synthesis, since it takes approximately 86 min for newly synthesized enzymes to take part in the digestive process.
Plasma lipids and fatty acids in urbanized Bushmen, Hereros and Kavangos of Southern Africa (Namibia)
Tichelaar, H.Y., Benadé, A. J. S., O’Keefe, Stephen J. , Jooste, P. L., Swanevelder, Sonja , Staden, E. Van

Lipids | November 29, 2006 | Volume: 27 | Issue: 9 | Pages: 729-732

10.1007/bf02536033 Get It

AbstractThirty‐nine urbanized ethnic Namibian people comprising 21 Bushmen (semi‐urbanized), 7 Hereros and 11 Kavangos were assessed for plasma lipids and fatty acid (FA) composition. Total cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations were measured by enzymatic methods, and neutral lipid FA composition by gas‐liquid chromatography. The results demonstrated that while total cholesterol concentrations were not significantly different, significant differences in triacylglycerol concentrations (P<0.05) were seen between Bushmen and Kavangos. By comparing Bushmen with Hereros and Kavangos, significant differences between Bushmen and Kavangos were also observed in plasma triacylglycerol FA compositions, particularly 16∶0 (32.73%vs. 25.05%), 16∶1n−7 (7.00%vs. 5.06%), 18∶2n−6 (9.30%vs. 22.25%) and 20∶3n−6 (0.12%vs. 0.48%), while Kavangos had higher 20∶4n−6 levels than Hereros (1.44%vs. 2.00%). In plasma cholesteryl esters, Bushmen were significantly different from Kavangos in 16∶1n−7 (8.85%vs. 4.93%), 18∶1n−9 (32.06%vs. 23.07%) and 20∶4n−6 (6.91%vs. 10.00%). Significant differences were also observed between Bushmen and Hereros in 18∶0 (1.08%vs. 1.29%) and 18∶2n−6 (35.68%vs. 45.50%). The FA of Namibian groups were also compared with South African reference groups comprising urbanized whites and Xhosas and rural Vendas. The differences in blood lipid values can be explained primarily by excessive alcohol consumption. These results suggest that semi‐urbanized Bushmen have changed their diets under urbanized conditions which may increase their risk of coronary heart disease.