Novartis discontinued a Phase 2 radioligand therapy program after early clinical data did not support advancing it to the next stage. The company ended studies of Lutetium-NeoB (Lu-NeoB), a gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR)-targeting radioligand previously evaluated in breast cancer and in a Phase 2 program across solid tumors. A Novartis spokesperson said the discontinuation was not tied to new or unexpected safety concerns, and patients in ongoing studies would continue as per protocol. The company positioned the decision as a data-driven step while reaffirming commitment to radioligand therapies beyond the Pluvicto and Lutathera franchises. Novartis framed its radioligand strategy around a broader portfolio, including late-stage development of Ac-PSMA-617 and earlier-stage programs targeting DLL3, HER2, and FAP. In recent commentary, CEO Vas Narasimhan said the commitment to the modality “remains completely unchanged,” even as individual candidates are dropped. The move highlights how radioligand developers are actively managing pipeline risk as early signal requirements tighten, especially when assets do not translate into sufficient efficacy or clinical differentiation.