#Brussels #Belgium #Telix #cyclotron

Telix Pharmaceuticals Enhances Radiopharmaceutical Production in Brussels

Introduction

Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited, a Melbourne-based biopharmaceutical company, is making significant strides in the field of nuclear medicine. Recently, the company announced the successful installation of two new cyclotrons at its manufacturing facility in Brussels South, Belgium. This major development is expected to enhance the production of radiopharmaceuticals and improve patient access to essential medical isotopes in the EMEA region starting in 2025.

Cyclotron Installation Details

The newly installed cyclotrons, sourced from industry leaders GE Healthcare and IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A.), will be instrumental in the production of critical radioisotopes. One of the cyclotrons will focus on clinical and commercial supply while the other will support research and development activities. This dual-purpose setup positions the Brussels site as a pivotal center for the scale-up and manufacturing of next-generation radiopharmaceuticals, including both alpha and beta therapeutic agents.

According to Darren Patti, Group COO of Telix, this facility is vital to meeting the booming demand for radiopharmaceuticals in Europe, where over 10 million procedures are projected to take place this year alone. Having a facility that provides reliable and flexible supply capabilities is crucial in ensuring that these pressing medical needs are addressed.

Regulatory and Production Capacity

The Brussels South facility has received an updated radiation license from the Belgian Federal Agency for Nuclear Control (FANC) to produce a wide range of commercially significant medical isotopes. The dual cyclotron system will utilize ARTMS' QUANTM Irradiation System™ (QIS™), ensuring high efficiency in large-scale and cost-effective production. The facility is equipped to produce isotopes such as gallium-68 (68Ga), zirconium-89 (89Zr), fluorine-18 (18F), and copper-64 (64Cu), with additional capacity for actinium-225 (225Ac) to support targeted alpha therapy research.

Future Projections

The commissioning of these cyclotrons is scheduled for the first quarter of 2025, with the first commercial production expected by the second half of 2025, subject to necessary audits and accreditations. This timeline aligns with Telix's vision of establishing Brussels South as a decentralized, patient-centric production facility that provides rapid access to radiopharmaceuticals throughout the EMEA region.

Conclusion

Telix Pharmaceuticals is strategically positioned to make a considerable impact in the field of medical isotopes through this expansion in Brussels South. The investment in advanced manufacturing capabilities not only promises to meet the rising demand for radiopharmaceuticals but also highlights Telix's commitment to addressing significant unmet medical needs in the oncology and rare diseases sectors. With the cyclotron installation now complete, Telix is set to revolutionize the landscape of treatment options available for patients worldwide.

For more information about Telix Pharmaceuticals and its innovative products, please visit Telix Pharma’s website.