Plus Therapeutics Soars as UnitedHealthcare Paves Way for Groundbreaking Brain Cancer Treatment

In a significant development for oncology and a major boost for Plus Therapeutics (PSTV), shares of the clinical-stage pharmaceutical company surged following the announcement that UnitedHealthcare will provide coverage for its pioneering investigational drug, Rhenium-186 NanoLiposome (RNL™). This landmark decision, made under UnitedHealthcare's Investigational Drug and Biologic Policy, is set to revolutionize access to a potentially life-saving treatment for patients battling recurrent glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and challenging forms of brain cancer.

The news sent a wave of optimism through the market, with Plus Therapeutics' stock climbing by an impressive 15% in pre-market trading.

The enthusiasm is well-founded: effective July 1, 2021, approximately 1.4 million UnitedHealthcare members diagnosed with recurrent glioblastoma will gain access to RNL™ as a covered treatment option. This represents a monumental step forward, as securing coverage from major insurers like UnitedHealthcare is critical for the broad adoption and patient accessibility of novel therapies.

Rhenium-186 NanoLiposome (RNL™) is Plus Therapeutics' lead investigational drug, designed to deliver targeted radiation directly to brain tumors.

Glioblastoma is notoriously difficult to treat due to its aggressive nature and the blood-brain barrier, which often limits the effectiveness of traditional systemic therapies. RNL™ aims to overcome these challenges by offering a localized and potent therapeutic approach. The coverage by UnitedHealthcare underscores the potential and perceived value of RNL™ in addressing a critical unmet medical need.

For patients and their families, this announcement brings a renewed sense of hope.

Recurrent glioblastoma carries a grim prognosis, and new treatment avenues are desperately sought. UnitedHealthcare's decision not only validates the innovative science behind RNL™ but also ensures that a substantial population of patients will have the financial support to pursue this advanced therapeutic option.

This move is expected to accelerate patient enrollment in ongoing trials and, eventually, facilitate the broader availability of RNL™ should it receive full regulatory approval.

The partnership with UnitedHealthcare is a strategic triumph for Plus Therapeutics, bolstering its position in the competitive oncology landscape and providing a strong foundation for future growth and development.

As the healthcare community continues to seek more effective treatments for challenging diseases, collaborations that bridge innovative research with accessible patient care, like this one, are vital to advancing medical progress and offering new lifelines to those in need.