Ion Beam Applications : IBA Selected to Equip IRE's New Radioisotope Production Unit Dedicated to Cancer Diagnosis

The Institute of Radioelements (IRE) has commissioned the Louvain-la-Neuve-based company IBA to install a particle accelerator for the production of radioisotopes for the diagnosis of numerous cancer types such as neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer

Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, September 15th 2020 - IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A., EURONEXT), the world's leading provider of solutions for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and IRE, the world leader in the production of radioisotopes for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in the field of nuclear medicine, announce today that they have signed a contract for the installation of a cyclotron with an energy of 30 MeV (mega electron volt) on an IRE site. Commissioning is scheduled for 2023.

Belgium is internationally recognized for its significant role in the advancement of nuclear medicine. These two Belgian companies, world leaders in their field, are joining forces to install this new cyclotron, the Cyclone® IKON, that will enable IRE to produce Germanium-68 (Ge-68), the raw material for the Germanium-68/ Gallium-68 (Galli Ad® and Galli Eo®) generators, for which demand is growing rapidly. These generators are manufactured on the Fleurus site by its pharmaceutical subsidiary IRE ELiT to serve hospitals around the world.

Gallium-68 (Ga-68), the end product extracted from these generators, can provide an accurate and earlier diagnosis of many cancers through the use of PET (positron emission tomography) camera technology. Today Gallium-68 is becoming essential for a personalized approach for the patient via nuclear medicine. The theranostic approach (therapeutic and diagnostic) involves the same molecule being combined with Ga-68 to see, through imaging, the tumors that need to be treated. This is coupled with a 'therapeutic companion', Lutetium-177 (Lu-177) which, once injected into the patient, will specifically bind to the cancerous cells to destroy them while preserving healthy tissues.

Bruno Scutnaire, President of IBA's RadioPharmaSolutions Division said: 'We are pleased that IRE has selected our Cyclone® IKON following a call for tenders based on demanding specifications to ensure a continuous supply of isotopes for the diagnosis of numerous cancers. For over 35 years, IBA has installed more than 30 cyclotrons of this type around the world, all of which are still in operation, proving the excellent reliability of this system.'

'This investment will give us the opportunity to control the complete production chain of our Ga-68 radiopharmaceutical generators to better supply our customers, but also to diversify our research activities with the possibility in the future of producing other radioisotopes for innovative applications in nuclear medicine via this cyclotron. This project is in line with the Institute's innovation and diversification strategy.' said Erich Kollegger, Director General of the IRE.

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About IRE and IRE ELiT
IRE, the Institut National des Radioéléments, is a public utility foundation whose main activity is the production of radioisotopes for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in the area of nuclear medicine. It is a global leader in the production of Molybdenum-99, the 'parent' isotope of metastable Technetium-99 and the most widely used in nuclear medicine for numerous examinations (heart, bones, lungs, thyroid, brain, kidneys, etc.).

Besides its production activities, IRE contributes via its IRE Lab entity, to protecting and monitoring the environment thanks to its many services: measurement of radioactivity in various samples, radiological characterization of contaminated waste and elements, technical consultancy and support in the radiological and nuclear fields.

IRE ELiT is the innovation subsidiary of IRE which was created in 2010 in order to develop radiopharmaceuticals used in imaging and treatment of some cancers as well as for palliative care. In 2017, IRE ELiT allocated 18% of its turnover to R&D. This percentage is steadily growing ever since the company was created. IRE and IRE ELiT employ 230 people at the moment.

More info: www.ire.eu

About IBA Radiopharma Solutions
Based on longstanding expertise, IBA RadioPharma Solutions supports hospitals and radiopharmaceutical distribution centers with their in-house radioisotopes production by providing them with global solutions, from project design to the operation of their facility. In addition to high-quality technology production equipment, IBA has developed in-depth experience in setting up GMP radiopharmaceuticals production centers.

More info: www.Iba-RadioPharmaSolutions.com

About IBA
IBA (Ion Beam Applications) is a global medical technology company focused on bringing integrated and innovative solutions for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The company is the worldwide technology leader in the field of proton therapy, considered to be the most advanced form of radiation therapy available today. IBA's proton therapy solutions are flexible and adaptable, allowing customers to choose from universal full-scale proton therapy centers as well as compact, single room solutions. In addition, IBA also has a radiation dosimetry business and develops particle accelerators for the medical world and industry. Headquartered in Belgium and employing about 1,500 people worldwide, IBA has installed systems across the world.

IBA is listed on the pan-European stock exchange NYSE EURONEXT (IBA: Reuters IBAB.BR and Bloomberg IBAB.BB). More information can be found at: www.iba-worldwide.com

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