It was disclosed that BWXT Medical Ltd., a division of BWX Technologies, Inc., and Fusion Pharmaceuticals Inc. had signed a preferred partner agreement for the delivery of actinium-225. According to the contract, BWXT Medical will supply Fusion with defined volumes of actinium at volume-based prices.
An alpha-emitting isotope called actinium-225 is used in targeted alpha treatments (TATs), which pair the isotope with certain tumor-seeking targeting vectors to destroy cancer cells with the least amount of damage to healthy tissues. The demand for the isotope is rising, but there are only a few vendors who can now generate significant amounts of high purity actinium.
“Fusion’s portfolio of clinical-stage targeted alpha therapies is expanding, with three proprietary programs in clinical trials and additional programs advancing under our collaboration with AstraZeneca. Based on emerging clinical data in the literature which show the power of alpha particles over conventional beta emitters, we continue to proactively prioritize access to actinium as a critical component of Fusion’s development plans and we are excited to partner with BWXT Medical. As an established global leader in medical isotope manufacturing and supply with proven ability to produce high purity actinium, BWXT Medical has the necessary infrastructure and shipping logistics capabilities to support both clinical and commercial scale manufacturing and distribution of medical isotopes. This agreement increases our existing actinium supply for both current programs as well as future business development opportunities and partnered programs, diversifies our supply chain, and establishes a relationship to collaborate on longer-term commercial production needs.”
John Valliant, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, Fusion
“Excitement for the potential of targeted alpha therapies to treat cancer is growing, and we have made the necessary investments in infrastructure and intellectual property to help meet the increasing global demand for actinium. BWXT Medical is now producing high-purity non-carrier added actinium-225. Fusion is a leading developer of targeted alpha therapies, and we are pleased to work with them as their clinical programs continue to advance.”
Jonathan Cirtain, Ph. D., President and Chief Executive Officer, BWXT Medical
