Eckert & Ziegler and Nucleus RadioPharma (Nucleus) signed extensive supply agreements for major therapeutic radioisotopes. Eckert & Ziegler will serve as core supplier for high-quality Lutetium-177 (Lu-177) as well as Actinium-225 (Ac-225), both in non-carrier-added form. Nucleus will use the radioisotopes to complement and advance their services for clinical development and manufacturing of radiopharmaceuticals.

Actinium-225 and Lutetium-177 are used as radioactive substances in cancer treatment, emitting alpha (Ac-225) and beta (Lu-177) particles to destroy tumor cells. While Lu-177-based drug products have been approved for different indications and show increasing global demand, dozens of clinical studies are ongoing for both radioisotopes. According to market experts, the demand for Ac-225 will significantly increase over the next decade.

While Eckert & Ziegler has successfully established a GMP-compliant production for Lu-177 in 2023 and is steadily upscaling the capacities, the manufacturing of larger quantities of GMP-grade Ac-225 is expected to start in 2024.