Antimatter against cancer?

Zurich

Michal Juríček, in collaboration with the Holland Lab, explore how scientists use radioactive molecules and antimatter to detect and treat cancer.

By designing molecules that selectively bind to cancer cells like a key to a lock, the research team of Jason Holland attach radionuclides that decay and release positrons. These positrons meet electrons and release energy that is detected by specialized PET cameras, creating a real-time 3D map of the cancer’s location.

But it doesn’t stop at imaging. We reveal how the very same targeting molecules can be paired with different radionuclides — one to visualize tumors, another to deliver radiation that destroys cancer cells — turning science fiction into one of the most powerful tools in modern medicine.

From diagnosis to therapy, this is precision medicine powered by chemistry.

Produced with Matúš Okajček.

Chemistry Unwrapped.

Exploring the Future of Precision Medicine 

Online

We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming student-led symposia:

Exploring the Future of Precision Medicine


This event will bring together PhD students to dive into the cutting-edge developments shaping the future of personalized healthcare. Whether you’re passionate about radiotherapeutics, data-driven diagnostics, or innovative therapies, this is your chance to connect, learn, and contribute.

All details—including how to apply—can be found here.

SMARTdrugs Annual Meeting 2025 

London

Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting the second annual meeting of our EIC Pathfinder Open network SMARTdrugs at King’s College London, bringing together brilliant minds from across institutions and disciplines, featuring Angela Casini, Miguel Castanho, Jason Holland, Jordi Llop, Alex Poot, and Tim Witney.

Our talented PhD students took the stage to present their impressive progress over the past year. Their dedication and innovative approaches continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the SMARTdrugs development.

We were honored to welcome Maria Kitsara from Bioemtech to the meeting. Her insightful presentation brought a fresh perspective on biomedical imaging and its role in advancing the SMARTdrugs technologies.

News Article: Biopharma dives into tumor-seeking radioactive drugs

Garching

The journal Nature Biotechnology has interviewed Angela Casini in the frame of a new article titled “Biopharma dives into tumor-seeking radioactive drugs”.

The paper highlights the frontiers in the field of Radiopharmaceuticals for the imaging and treatment of cancer.

Angela comments on the concept of self-assembled radiotheranostics in the frame of our SMARTdrugs network!

Lange Nacht der Universitäten (Long Night of Science)

Munich

Shout out to the #students who organized an impressive “Lange Nacht der Universitäten” (Long Night of Science) at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München on 30 April this year. With lecture halls bursting with capacity, the Technical University of Munich School of Natural Sciences professors presented great topics for a general audience. 

Prof. Angela Casini gave a lecture on “ The Periodic Table of the Elements as the Powerhouse of Drug Discovery”

SMARTdrugs @EMIM

Bilbao

Many of our Team Members attended the annual meeting of the European Society of Molecular Imaging in Bilbao (11-14 March 2025).

Dr. Jordi Loop, as president of the ESMI,  gave the opening session and was involved in the organization of the conference. Many of our Early Career Researchers obtained Awards for their Poster presentations, or received the “Work Group Award”. Moreover, they actively engaged in the “Science speed dating’” event organized by the youngESMI. Overall, a FANTASTIC contribution to a Stellar Event!! Well done Folks!