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 achievement marks a significant milestone in the venture’s goal to provide GMP-grade Ac-225 to customers by mid-2025 and submit a U.S. Drug Master File (DMF).
“We are proud to have reached this important milestone,” said Ram Mullur, President of Actineer. “This achievement is a crucial step toward our commitment to becoming a major global supplier of Ac-225. We are dedicated to serving customers, the medical community, and patients who rely on Ac-225’s potential to advance Targeted Alpha Therapy.”
Actinium-225 is a key precursor in developing innovative cancer treatments, particularly in Targeted Alpha Therapy (TAT). It is used in drug research and clinical trials, where it is combined with molecules that target and bind to cancer cells. Once delivered to the tumor, Ac-225 releases radiation that can destroy cancer cells while sparing nearby healthy tissues. If fully developed and approved, future Ac-225-based drugs could offer powerful cancer treatments with minimal side effects.
“Actinium-225 represents a transformative opportunity in cancer treatment. As global demand for Ac-225 increases, driven by the need for therapies that can target hard-to-reach tumors and metastases, Actineer is leading efforts to ensure a stable and scalable supply,” said Dr. Andrew Cavey, CEO of ITM and Actineer Board Chairman. “This is essential for advancing clinical trials and making life-saving treatments accessible worldwide.”
Alpha-emitters like Ac-225 emit high-energy alpha particles with a short penetration range, allowing precise targeting of tumor cells. Preclinical studies have demonstrated Ac-225’s ability to damage cancer cell DNA, leading to cell destruction.
Actineer is focused on expanding production capacity and ensuring a consistent supply of Ac-225, paving the way for promising cancer therapies to benefit patients worldwide.
