Precirix and Eckert & Ziegler sign agreement on priority supply of the therapeutic radioisotope Actinium-225
Precirix NV, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing precision radiopharmaceuticals in oncology, and Eckert & Ziegler (ISIN DE0005659700, SDAX) have signed an agreement for the supply of Actinium-225. This gives Precirix priority access to Eckert & Ziegler's high-purity, non-carrier-added Actinium-225, which is used for the labeling of trial drugs in radionuclide therapy.
Actinium-225 is used as an active substance in cancer treatment. The radioisotope emits powerful, high-energy alpha beams with short penetration depths that enable precise treatment of tumor cells, including elusive micrometastases, with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissue.
"Precirix is developing novel precision radiopharmaceuticals using single-domain antibodies to address the high unmet need in the treatment of solid tumors. We aim to unlock the value of both alpha and beta-emitting radionuclides in our broad pipeline of product candidates." explained Ruth Devenyns, Chief Executive Officer of Precirix. "We are particularly pleased to have an experienced radioisotope specialist like Eckert & Ziegler at our side to support our ambitious development plans."
"Until now, clinical research and commercial use of Actinium-225 has been limited by the shortage of this radioisotope. We are therefore pleased to collaborate with PRECIRIX and to be able to supply radiopharmaceutical manufacturers with this promising therapeutic radioisotope," said Dr. Lutz Helmke, member of the Executive Board and Chief Operating Officer for the Medical Segment. "Thanks to our cooperation with the Nuclear Physics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences (UJF), the first radiochemical-grade production of Actinium-225 is planned for the end of 2023. We expect to subsequently submit a Drug Master File to the FDA (USA) to produce Actinium-225 in cGMP quality.”