On March 20, 2023 NRG and TerThera reported the companies signed an agreement for irradiation services in the High Flux Reactor in Petten, the Netherlands to produce Terbium-161 (Press release, TerThera, MAR 20, 2023, View Source [SID1234644370]). The non-carrier-added (NCA) Terbium-161 is produced by neutron irradiation of highly enriched Gadolinium-160 targets in the Dutch research reactor.
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Terbium-161 is a promising novel radionuclide for cancer treatment, that can meet the growing demand in cancer healthcare, exhibiting comparable (radio)chemical characteristics to known radiolanthanides. Early research suggests however that as much as 16-fold increase in Auger and conversion electrons are emitted by Terbium-161 resulting in improved anti-tumor capabilities for primary and (micro)metastasized cancers. The first case report, published in February 2023, observing the increased therapeutic value of disseminated metastatic disease using Terbium-161 PSMA for Radioligand Therapy (RLT) after a single cycle provided early confirmation of Terbium-161’s potential.
The first batches have been successfully irradiated, delivered to TerThera’s production location for processing into the final product, and distributed globally to support preclinical and clinical initiatives. Thanks to the irradiation agreement, the two companies will work together to ensure a reliable and uninterrupted supply of Terbium-161 in support of cancer healthcare around the world.
Vinod Ramnandanlal, Commercial Director at NRG, commented: "NRG is pleased to announce a supply agreement with TerThera, a Dutch company. The Netherlands is extremely strong in the world market for medical isotopes. The irradiation agreement for the production of Terbium-161 is also positive news for doctors and patients worldwide."
Philippe van Overeem, CEO of TerThera, commented: "This irradiation agreement assures reliable access to Terbium-161 on a global level. In times of scarce availability of therapeutic radionuclides, TerThera will bring its product to GMP quality before the end of 2023 to broaden the access for clients all around the world."