Latest news with #Lutetium-177
Cision Canada
28-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Laurentis Energy Partners set to produce two powerful cancer-fighting isotopes
With regulatory approval secured, OPG's Darlington reactors will become single largest source of isotope production in North America TORONTO, May 28, 2025 /CNW/ - Cancer patients around the world could soon benefit from improved access to potentially life-saving treatments generated by the production of two critical medical isotopes – Yttrium-90 (Y-90) and Lutetium-177 (Lu-177) – at Ontario Power Generation's (OPG) Darlington Nuclear Generating Station. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has approved a licence amendment that allows OPG subsidiary Laurentis Energy Partners (Laurentis) to begin producing the isotopes in Darlington's CANDU nuclear reactors. These isotopes are part of a new wave of targeted radionuclide therapies that deliver radiation directly to cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue, offering new hope to patients with hard-to-treat cancers such as liver, neuroendocrine, and prostate. Demand for these isotopes is growing rapidly as new treatments are developed and approved in global markets. Darlington's CANDU design enables production of medical isotopes without interrupting electricity generation, ensuring a steady, reliable supply. The isotopes are produced using Laurentis's proprietary isotope irradiation system, developed in partnership with BWXT Medical Ltd. and installed on Unit 2 at Darlington. The system is the single largest isotope production system in North America. When production begins, Darlington will become a key commercial power reactor source of Y-90 and Lu-177 globally. Key facts: This expansion builds on Laurentis's production of Molybdenum-99 at Darlington, the first commercial nuclear station in the world licensed to produce the isotope. Its decay product, Technetium-99m, is used in over 30 million diagnostic procedures annually. In 2024, the first Ontario patient was treated with publicly funded Lu-177-based therapy for prostate cancer. Laurentis could produce enough Lu-177 at Darlington to supply nearly 3 million doses, enough to fully treat 500,000 patients annually and vastly increase the global supply capacity. Once irradiated, Y-90 will be sent to BWXT Medical's facility in Kanata, Ontario, to be packaged into Boston Scientific's TheraSphere® Y-90 Glass Microspheres and distributed to over 30 countries globally. Commercial production of Y-90 is anticipated to begin in 2026, while commercial production of Lu-177 is expected to begin in 2027. Quotes: "For the first time, Ontario will be producing these critical medical isotopes at Darlington's CANDU nuclear reactors. This is leadership as Ontario advances its nuclear advantage, while saving lives for the thousands of Canadians diagnosed with cancer each year," said Stephen Lecce, Ontario's Minister of Energy and Mines. "Protecting Ontario starts with protecting our people. The production of cancer-fighting isotopes at Darlington shows how our world-class nuclear sector is delivering real benefits to people—creating high-skilled jobs, driving innovation, and save lives." "Our government is giving people access to more treatment options by expanding public access to life-saving medications and treatments," said Sylvia Jones, Ontario's Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "This vital expansion of medical isotope production is another way we are spearheading Ontario-made innovation and connecting more people to world-class cancer care for years to come." "Darlington Nuclear Generating Station is not only helping power Ontario's growing clean energy needs; it is also powering the future of cancer care," said Nicolle Butcher, OPG President and CEO. "The isotopes produced at Darlington will have real-world impact for cancer patients around the world." "For patients and families waiting for new treatment options, this is a moment of real hope," said Jason Van Wart, Laurentis President and CEO. "We're proud to lead Canada's growing role in nuclear medicine, and even prouder to know that our work will directly support life-saving care for patients around the world." About Laurentis Energy Partners Laurentis Energy Partners, a subsidiary of OPG, is a global leader in the production of life-saving medical isotopes. From advanced cancer therapies to diagnostic imaging, Laurentis is helping power the future of nuclear medicine. The company also leverages its access to decades of nuclear knowledge and experience to deliver specialized nuclear services that include small modular reactor development, CANDU refurbishment, inspections, engineering, nuclear byproduct management, and decommissioning support globally. Laurentis has offices in the Greater Toronto Area, Hamilton, and Bruce County in Ontario, Saint John in New Brunswick, Regina in Saskatchewan, and Bucharest and Cernavoda in Romania. Follow us on Twitter/X or LinkedIn or visit
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ITM and Alpha-9 Oncology Enter Into Supply Agreement for Therapeutic Medical Radioisotope Actinium-225
Garching / Munich, Germany and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 24, 2025 – ITM Isotope Technologies Munich SE (ITM), a leading radiopharmaceutical biotech company, and Alpha-9 Oncology (Alpha-9), a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing a distinctive portfolio of differentiated and highly targeted radiopharmaceuticals, today announced the signing of a supply agreement for Actinium-225 (Ac-225) to support the development of Alpha-9's radiopharmaceutical programs. Under the terms of the agreement, ITM will supply its therapeutic medical radioisotope, Ac-225, produced by ActineerTM Inc. (Actineer), the joint venture between ITM and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. Actineer is advancing cutting-edge technologies to secure and expand its supply chain and produce industrial-scale quantities of Ac-225 at rapid speed to meet the growing global demand. Further contract details have not been disclosed. 'This agreement strengthens our ongoing collaboration with Alpha-9 and reaffirms our mission to supply Actinium-225 to companies pioneering novel radiopharmaceuticals for high unmet need cancer indications,' said Dr. Andrew Cavey, CEO of ITM. 'We deeply value Alpha-9's continued trust in our capabilities to produce industrial-scale radioisotopes, supporting the development of breakthrough treatments that can potentially improve the lives of patients with cancer worldwide.' Ac-225 is a rare medical radioisotope used in radiopharmaceuticals to treat various cancer indications. It emits high-energy alpha particles with a short penetration range in tissue, enabling precise targeting of tumor cells. Studies with Ac-225 have shown it to cause double-stranded DNA breaks in cancer cells, leading to their destruction1. Its unique qualities along with its natural scarcity and manufacturing complexities make Ac-225 a highly sought after resource. With a comparatively short half-life of approximately ten days2, Ac-225 requires a highly sophisticated manufacturing and distribution network worldwide. 'With its global strength in providing high-quality radioisotopes including. Lutetium-177 and their growing capabilities for the production of Actinium-225, ITM is a valued partner as we progress our pipeline of clinical and discovery programs to meet the needs of cancer patients,' said Alison Fleming Ph.D., COO of Alpha-9 Oncology. About ITM Isotope Technologies Munich SEITM, a leading radiopharmaceutical biotech company, is dedicated to providing a new generation of radiopharmaceutical therapeutics and diagnostics for hard-to-treat tumors. We aim to meet the needs of cancer patients, clinicians and our partners through excellence in development, production and global supply. With improved patient benefit as the driving principle for all we do, ITM advances a broad precision oncology pipeline, including multiple phase 3 studies, combining the company's high-quality radioisotopes with a range of targeting molecules. By leveraging our two decades of pioneering radiopharma expertise, central industry position and established global network, ITM strives to provide patients with more effective targeted treatment to improve clinical outcome and quality of life. About Actineer, Inc. is a joint venture company between Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) and ITM Isotope Technologies Munich SE (ITM) dedicated to advancing Ac-225 technologies, quickly securing supply, and producing industrial-scale quantities of this valuable, rare medical radioisotope for the treatment of cancer. Founded in October 2023, Actineer™ Inc. together with its strong supply chain collaborators seeks to progress Ac-225 development, production, and processing technologies. It has established short-term production capabilities that is expected to lead to significantly boosting international supplies, while working long-term towards the construction of a new Actinium Production Facility (APF) in Canada. The joint venture's mission is to fulfil the unmet global manufacturing and production needs of this coveted radioisotope with significant potential in the fight against cancer. About Alpha-9 Oncology Oncology Inc. is a clinical stage radiopharmaceutical company developing differentiated and highly targeted radiopharmaceuticals with the potential to meaningfully improve the treatment of people living with cancer. Applying proprietary technologies and deep foundational expertise, Alpha-9 is on the forefront of engineering bespoke radiopharmaceuticals that are optimized to selectively deliver radiation to tumor sites while minimizing off-target effects. Alpha-9 is advancing a robust pipeline of novel radiopharmaceuticals with a systematic approach to molecule design that offers broad potential for expansion into several validated oncology targets. For more information, please visit ContactCorporate CommunicationsKathleen Noonan/Julia WestermeirPhone: +49 89 329 8986 1500Email: communications@ Investor RelationsBen OrzelekPhone: +49 89 329 8986 1009Email: investors@ Alpha-9 ContactCorporate CommunicationsStephen MitchenerPhone: +1 617 865 1004Email: smitchener@ 1Bidkar AP, Zerefa L, Yadav S, VanBrocklin HF, Flavell RR. Actinium-225 targeted alpha particle therapy for prostate cancer. Theranostics. 2024 May 11;14(7):2969-2992. doi: 10.7150/thno.96403. PMID: 38773983; PMCID: PMC11103494. 2Hooijman, E.L., Radchenko, V., Ling, S.W. et al. Implementing Ac-225 labelled radiopharmaceuticals: practical considerations and (pre-)clinical perspectives. EJNMMI radiopharm. chem. 9, 9 (2024). 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Arab Times
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab Times
Andy Taylor of Duran Duran fighting stage 4 cancer 'as hard as he can'
LOS ANGELES, Feb 15: Andy Taylor, founding member of Duran Duran and guitarist, is battling his stage 4 prostate cancer 'as hard as he can,' according to his bandmates. The 63-year-old musician first revealed his diagnosis in November 2022, stating that his cancer was 'asymptomatic' after initially being diagnosed in 2018. At a press conference during the Sanremo Music Festival in Italy, Duran Duran frontman Simon Le Bon shared that Taylor's diagnosis was 'very late, fourth-stage metastasized cancer.' Taylor, who was unable to attend the band's induction ceremony, had Le Bon read a letter on his behalf. Following the announcement, Taylor addressed his fans, saying he had been told that he would need 'palliative, end-of-life care.' During his appearance at the festival, Le Bon discussed the enduring bond within the band, explaining that they have remained together for so many years without disputes over money. 'There is something between us that keeps us together,' he said. 'First of all, we love the music we make together. Nobody else makes music like we do. We've all tried to do things on our own, and it just doesn't seem as exciting as when the four of us get together and work.' Le Bon also emphasized the importance of humor within the band. 'We make each other laugh, and I think that's very important in a long relationship. When we are under stress, we laugh all the way through it, and it keeps everything light and fun,' he said. He continued, 'And the other thing is, we split all the proceeds equally. No one takes all the publishing. We all share the finances equally.' In a 2023 interview with The Times of London, Taylor shared that a doctor introduced him to a breakthrough cancer treatment, a 'nuclear medicine' called Lutetium-177, designed to target cancer cells. He revealed that in August 2023, the treatment extended his life 'for five years.' After undergoing a round of this treatment with Dr. Christopher Evans, whom Taylor described as the 'Elon Musk of cancer,' the musician was 'radioactive for several days.' Taylor explained, 'I was classified as palliative, end-of-life care… and now I'm not. I'm asymptomatic.' At that time, he added that he couldn't sleep in the same room as others or use public transportation due to the radioactive treatment. Reflecting on his earlier emotional struggles, Taylor recalled, 'You're gonna have to say goodbye to your family. You're not going to see your grandson's tenth birthday. Psychologically it's mind-blowing — you can't have therapy to remove the certainty of death.' Taylor had initially declined chemotherapy treatment because he didn't want to risk nerve damage to his hands, which are critical for his guitar playing. He also explained why he kept his diagnosis a secret for years, stating that he wanted his grown-up children 'to be able to go about life without anyone persistently asking about my health.'
