Long-Term Agreement Expands Access to Key Radioisotope for Radioligand Therapy
Niowave has signed a long-term agreement to supply actinium-225 to Novartis, expanding access to a key isotope used in radioligand therapies (RLT) for cancer. The Lansing, Michigan-based isotope manufacturer said the deal provides Novartis with a scalable supply of Ac-225 to support its pipeline of RLT programs. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Understanding Radioligand Therapies (RLT)
RLTs pair a targeting molecule with a radioactive isotope to deliver radiation directly to cancer cells. Actinium-225 emits alpha particles that deposit high-energy radiation over a short range — a property that has drawn interest for treating certain solid tumors and hematologic malignancies while limiting exposure to surrounding tissue. Novartis has been expanding its RLT portfolio targeting difficult-to-treat cancers.
Global Ac-225 Supply Challenges
Global supply of Ac-225 has been constrained, posing challenges for clinical development and potential commercialization of alpha-emitting therapies. Niowave produces medical isotopes using superconducting linear accelerator technology. “Our agreement with Novartis underscores Niowave’s leading position as a trusted global supplier of medical radioisotopes,” said CEO Mike Zamiara.
Manufacturing Expansion
To support anticipated demand, Niowave plans to begin construction of a new manufacturing facility in Lansing in early 2026. Integration with imaging and dosimetry data systems is fundamental for planning these therapies.
Future Perspectives
The agreement represents a significant step toward ensuring reliable supply of alpha-emitting radioisotopes for the growing field of radioligand therapy. As clinical evidence accumulates and manufacturing capacity expands, RLT is expected to become an increasingly important modality in precision oncology.
Source: DOTmed HealthCare Business News
