Eckert & Ziegler, a leading German isotope technology provider, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Actinium-225 (Ac-225) production facility in Rez, Czech Republic. This new facility was developed in collaboration with the Nuclear Physics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences (UJF), a prominent public institution known for its nuclear physics research.

Eckert & Ziegler revealed that the new laboratory will utilize advanced technologies, including a bespoke production line from Isotope Technologies Dresden. This cutting-edge approach is set to enhance the production of the actinium isotope, which is crucial for targeted therapy of small tumors and metastases. The demand for Ac-225 is expected to grow significantly over the next decade.

Commercial production at the Rez facility is slated to commence in early Q3 2024, following additional testing phases.

Dr. Lutz Helmke, Managing Director of Eckert & Ziegler Radiopharma, expressed his enthusiasm: “Our partnership with UJF has enabled us to explore one of the most promising cyclotron-based production methods for Ac-225. This collaboration represents a major advancement in isotope production, addressing the critical shortage of this isotope that is set to transform modern oncology.”

Prof. Ondřej Lebeda, Head of Radiopharmaceuticals at UJF, remarked, “The opening of this facility marks a significant milestone in our joint efforts with Eckert & Ziegler. It stands as a testament to our commitment to innovation in cancer therapy, promising new hope for many patients.”

This new Ac-225 production facility in Rez not only highlights the ongoing collaboration between Eckert & Ziegler and UJF but also underscores the advancements being made in the field of nuclear medicine, offering potential breakthroughs in cancer treatment.