TerraPower Isotopes® advances toward commercial availability of rare medical isotope for use in targeted cancer treatments.
BELLEVUE, Washington – January 24, 2024 – Today, TerraPower announced that the TerraPower Isotopes team has distributed the first samples of Actinium-225[1] to two pharmaceutical companies. Actinium-225 from TerraPower will be used as a starting material by these pharmaceutical companies for research and development of advanced, targeted cancer treatments and in drug trials involving targeted alpha therapy in multiple disease areas.
“This is a groundbreaking step for TerraPower in using its nuclear technology to advance the healthcare sector. With this first round of samples, we are expanding the availability of this rare isotope, bringing the medical community closer to commercial sales of Actinium-225 and increasing widespread access for patients,” said Scott Claunch, president of TerraPower Isotopes. “Interest in Actinium-225 is high, and current capacity is short of drug development or commercialization requirements, which limits drug trials. Today marks the next step toward meeting global demand.”
TerraPower Isotopes is working to increase the supply of Actinium-225. Actinium-225 is an alpha-emitting radionuclide that may be applied to new medical applications that potentially target and treat cancer. The isotope, through further manufacturing, can be attached to a molecule, which can then selectively target and deliver the Actinium-225 to the cancer site. The Actinium-225 labeled drug products, once developed and approved, can destroy the cancerous tissue with minimum damage to nearby healthy cells.
Though the American Cancer Institute estimates that more than one in three people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime in the US,outcomes for cancer patients are improving, due in part to advances in nuclear science and technology as well as new approaches to the medical application of radioisotopes, like Actinium-225. Global demand for Actinium-225 is expected to increase as more radiopharmaceutical treatments using Actinium-225 are developed.
About TerraPower
TerraPower is a leading nuclear innovation company that strives to improve the world through nuclear energy and science. Since it was founded by Bill Gates and a group of like-minded visionaries, TerraPower has emerged as an incubator and developer of ideas and technologies that offer energy independence, environmental sustainability, medical advancement and other cutting-edge opportunities. It accepts and tackles some of the world’s most difficult challenges. Behind each of its innovations and programs, TerraPower actively works to bring together the strengths and experiences of the world’s public and private sectors to answer pressing global needs. Learn more at terrapower.com.
[1] TerraPower Isotopes produced Actinium-225 is intended to be used as starting materials for further manufacturing processes and, as starting materials, is not manufactured in accordance with current good manufacturing practices.
