Investment accelerates AI-enabled radioligand discovery and clinical development, expands U.S. operations, and advances Louisiana’s life sciences innovation ecosystem
SHREVEPORT, La. (February 18, 2026) — Starget Pharma Inc, a U.S. clinical-stage radiopharmaceutical company, today announced the closing of its $18M Series A financing round and a strategic collaboration with the Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy (CMIT) to develop next-generation peptide radioligand therapies for cancer.
The Series A round includes participation from U.S.-based investors Louisiana Economic Development’s Louisiana Growth Fund (LED), Cancer Focus Fund, and CMIT’s parent entity BRF, as well as Ilex Medical Ltd (TLV: ILX) and additional investors. Proceeds from the financing will support the advancement of Starget’s pipeline toward clinical development, including its lead first-in-class SSTR3-targeted theranostic pair for sarcoma, neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), and malignant melanoma, and expand translational and manufacturing capabilities in the United States.
“This Series A financing marks a pivotal milestone for Starget,” said Sigal Kalmanson Cusnir, CEO of Starget Pharma. “It enables us to scale our in silico, AI-driven discovery platform, accelerate drug development, and establish critical U.S.-based translational infrastructure. Our collaboration with CMIT strengthens our ability to rapidly translate high-quality radioligand candidates, discovered in our Israeli research center, into the clinic, while delivering meaningful scientific and economic impact for Louisiana.”
Stephen Lokitz and the Starget team on a tour of the Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy’s facility.
Accelerating Radioligand Development Through AI-Enabled Discovery and U.S. Translation
Starget’s proprietary in silico, AI-driven platform leverages computational modeling and data-driven prediction to rapidly identify and prioritize radioligand therapies (RLT) candidates maximizing speed and efficiency.
“Starget is the only RLT company with an AI-powered peptide discovery platform that advances programs such as its first-in-class SSTR3 theranostic pair to meet the rapidly growing demand for next-generation RLTs,” said Ross Barrett, Managing Partner of Cancer Focus Fund.
The collaboration with CMIT will provide the downstream capabilities required to advance these AI-selected candidates through preclinical validation and into early-phase clinical development. The collaboration will leverage CMIT’s integrated infrastructure, including molecular imaging, radiochemistry, preclinical and clinical research, and radiopharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution.
“By pairing Starget’s in silico discovery capabilities with CMIT’s translational and manufacturing expertise, we create a highly efficient end-to-end development pathway for radiopharmaceuticals,” said Stephen Lokitz, Ph.D., Executive Director of CMIT.
Left to right: John George, Sigal Kalmanson Cusnir, Ronen Kalmanson, and Stephen Lokitz with the CMIT cyclotron.
Aligned with Louisiana’s Innovation and Economic Development Strategy
The collaboration aligns with the strategic goals of Louisiana Economic Development and its Louisiana Innovation (LA.IO) department, which aims to attract and scale high-growth, technology-enabled companies across advanced sectors, including life sciences. Through LA.IO, LED recently launched the Louisiana Growth Fund, a public-private investment vehicle designed to support innovative companies building long-term economic value in the state.
“This investment reflects Louisiana’s commitment to backing life sciences companies that pair advanced technology with real-world clinical impact,” said Josh Fleig, Chief Innovation Officer at Louisiana Economic Development. “Starget brings together internationally developed science with a clear, U.S.-based strategy to accelerate drug development through in silico innovation. That combination of global innovation and domestic execution is exactly the kind of company Louisiana is primed to help scale.”
John F. George Jr., M.D., President and CEO of BRF, added: “This collaboration is a significant step forward for both cancer research and economic development in Louisiana, reinforcing our region’s role in advanced radiopharmaceutical innovation.”
About Starget Pharma Inc. Starget Pharma is a clinical-stage radiopharmaceutical company developing next-generation peptide RLT for cancer, with operations in the U.S. and Israel. Starget’s platform integrates AI-driven peptide design, theranostic imaging, and rapid clinical insight, creating a repeatable engine capable of generating multiple radioligand therapy programs. Learn more at
About CMIT The Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy (CMIT), a wholly owned subsidiary of BRF, offers a full continuum of research and development services in molecular imaging, radiopharmaceutical discovery, manufacturing, and clinical translation. Its model allows for streamlined advancement of novel diagnostics and therapies—a unique “one-stop-shop” capability.
About BRF BRF, headquartered in Shreveport, Louisiana, is an innovation hub and economic development organization establishing North Louisiana as a preferred destination for high-growth initiatives. It fulfills its mission through initiatives that start, recruit, and retain businesses while supporting the science and technology workforce.
About Cancer Focus Fund
About Louisiana Innovation <LA.IO> Louisiana Innovation (LA.IO) is a division of Louisiana Economic Development dedicated to strengthening and modernizing the state’s core industries through innovation. LA.IO supports tech-enabled startups by connecting founders to capital and fostering partnerships. Learn more at www.la.io.