Eckert & Ziegler and UJF Open State-of-the-Art Actinium-225 Production Facility
20.06.2024 / Eckert & Ziegler Radiopharma GmbH (Eckert & Ziegler), in collaboration with the Nuclear Physics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences (Ústav jaderné fyziky, “UJF”), announces the grand opening of a pioneering Actinium-225 (Ac-225) production facility. This milestone, celebrated yesterday with an official ceremony featuring Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, marks the culmination of a longstanding partnership between Eckert & Ziegler and UJF. The facility is now close to operational readiness, and after additional testing, commercial production is slated to commence at the beginning of Q3/2024.
Currently, Ac-225-based radiopharmaceuticals are under clinical investigation for various cancers, including prostate tumors, colorectal cancer, and leukemia. A substantial increase in the demand for Ac-225 is projected over the next decade, driven by its expanding clinical applications and the promising results seen in ongoing trials. Despite its therapeutic promise, sufficient quantities of Ac-225 remain scarce.
"Eckert & Ziegler, in conjunction with UJF, has explored one of the most promising cyclotron-based production pathways for Ac-225," said Dr. Lutz Helmke, Managing Director of Eckert & Ziegler Radiopharma GmbH. "Our collaboration signifies a major leap forward in isotope production, addressing the critical shortage of this isotope poised to revolutionize modern oncology."
The newly inaugurated laboratory will leverage cutting-edge technologies, including a customized production line provided by Isotope Technologies Dresden GmbH, which represents the Plant Engineering business of Eckert & Ziegler. Radium-226, necessary for irradiation processes, will also be supplied by Eckert & Ziegler.
"Today's opening marks a significant achievement in our collaboration with Eckert & Ziegler," commented Prof. Ondřej Lebeda, Head of Department of Radiopharmaceuticals at UJF. "This new facility is a testament to our joint dedication to innovation in the therapeutic landscape for many cancer patients."
Actinium-225 has emerged as a highly promising agent in the targeted therapy of small tumors and metastases. Its high-energy cascade of alpha particles with short penetration depths allows for precise targeting of tumor cells, including difficult-to-reach micro metastases, while minimizing impact on surrounding healthy tissue.
About Eckert & Ziegler
Eckert & Ziegler SE, with more than 1,000 employees, is a leading specialist in isotope-related components for nuclear medicine and radiation therapy. The company offers a broad range of services and products for the radiopharmaceutical industry, from early development work to contract manufacturing and distribution. Eckert & Ziegler shares (ISIN DE0005659700) are listed in the TecDAX index of Deutsche Börse.
Contributing to saving lives.
About UJF
The Nuclear Physics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences is a public research institution that conducts research in a broad field of nuclear physics, both experimental and theoretical. Its Department of radiopharmaceuticals focuses on the investigation and production of novel medical radionuclides as well as radionuclides important for physical research.
Eckert & Ziegler and UJF Open State-of-the-Art Actinium-225 Production Facility
