Actineer, a joint venture between ITM and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) Ltd., has successfully produced Actinium-225 (Ac-225) by irradiating Radium-226 (Ra-226) in a cyclotron. This significant milestone will enable the company to provide GMP-grade Ac-225 to customers by mid-2025, alongside submitting a US Drug Master File (DMF).
Ac-225 is crucial in developing innovative cancer therapies, particularly Targeted Alpha Therapy (TAT). In TAT, Ac-225 is combined with molecules specifically targeting and binding to cancer cells. Once attached, the Ac-225 is delivered directly to the tumor, effectively treating various cancers with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
Future drug products utilizing Ac-225 hold immense potential as powerful treatments that precisely eliminate cancerous tissue, resulting in limited side effects. This is due to the nature of alpha-emitters like Ac-225, which emit high-energy alpha particles with a short penetration range, allowing for accurate targeting of tumor cells. Preclinical studies have demonstrated remarkable results with Ac-225, showcasing its ability to destroy cancer cells by breaking their DNA bonds.
The global demand for Ac-225 is expected to increase dramatically, driven by the need for innovative therapies capable of targeting difficult-to-reach tumors and metastases. Actineer is at the forefront of this effort, working to ensure a stable and scalable supply of Ac-225. This is essential for advancing clinical trials and making these life-saving treatments available to patients globally. Actineer’s primary focus is expanding manufacturing capacity and increasing the supply of this promising isotope, paving the way for future cancer therapies.
