SpectronRx Expands with New Radiopharma Facility in Belgium

• SpectronRx has signed a binding agreement to establish its first European radiolabeling plant at the Belgian Nuclear Research Center, with operations expected to begin in Q1 2025.

• The facility will initially focus on the production of actinium-225-based radiopharmaceuticals.

SpectronRx, based in Indianapolis, is expanding its operations by establishing a new radiolabeling facility in Belgium. The company announced a binding agreement to build the plant at the Belgian Nuclear Research Center (SCK CEN) in Mol. The construction is expected to be completed next month, with operations anticipated to start in the first quarter of 2025, pending necessary manufacturing certification.

The decision to open a European facility comes amid growing challenges in the production of radiopharmaceuticals. The new plant will initially focus on actinium-225 (Ac-225) radiopharmaceuticals, which can specifically target cancerous tissue while minimizing harm to healthy cells. Ac-225 is increasingly in demand due to a rising pipeline of therapies seeking approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Koen Hasaers, director of nuclear medical applications at SCK CEN, stated, “The excitement around these therapies has consequently increased demand for Ac-225-labeled drugs, leading to notable shortages.” This highlights the urgency for facilities like SpectronRx’s to meet the market needs.

SpectronRx has developed a method to produce Ac-225 from multiple source elements, which positions the company to manufacture these radiolabeled drugs at scale. President Anwer Rizvi expressed confidence in the company’s ability to meet the anticipated demand.

Currently, SpectronRx operates over 170,000 square feet of manufacturing and development space across five locations, serving 29 countries. The company collaborates with more than 31 pharmaceutical firms and employs around 150 people, reflecting its significant footprint in the growing radiopharmaceutical market.

Read about the Radiopharmaceutical CDMO Market here.