Actineer, a joint venture between ITM and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) Ltd., has achieved a significant milestone by successfully producing Actinium-225 (Ac-225) through the irradiation of Radium-226 (Ra-226) in a cyclotron. This development paves the way for the company to supply GMP-grade Ac-225 to customers by mid-2025, in conjunction with the submission of a US Drug Master File (DMF).
We are proud to have reached this important milestone, said Ram Mullur, President of Actineer. “This accomplishment marks a critical step toward our goal of becoming a leading global supplier of Ac-225. Our mission is to support customers, the medical community, and, most importantly, patients who can benefit from the potential of Ac-225 in advancing Targeted Alpha Therapy (TAT).”
Actinium-225 is a key component in the development of cutting-edge cancer therapies. It plays a crucial role in drug research and clinical trials focused on TAT, where it is combined with molecules designed to target and bind to cancer cells. Once linked, Ac-225 is delivered directly to tumors, offering the potential to treat various cancers by attacking cancerous cells while sparing nearby healthy tissues. If fully developed and approved, future drugs using Ac-225 could provide highly targeted and effective cancer treatments with minimal side effects.
Actinium-225 presents a transformative opportunity in cancer treatment,” stated Dr. Andrew Cavey, CEO of ITM and Actineer Board Chairman. “As global demand for Ac-225 increases, driven by the urgent need for innovative therapies targeting difficult-to-reach tumors, Actineer is at the forefront, working to ensure a reliable and scalable supply of Ac-225. This is crucial not only for advancing clinical trials but also for making life-saving treatments accessible to patients worldwide.”
Alpha-emitters like Ac-225 release high-energy alpha particles with a short penetration range, allowing precise targeting of tumor cells. Preclinical studies of TATs have demonstrated promising results, with Ac-225 shown to effectively break the DNA of cancer cells, leading to their destruction.
Actineer is now focused on expanding its manufacturing capacity and ensuring a steady supply of Ac-225 to support future cancer therapies, with the goal of providing this promising isotope to patients globally.
