Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH) has announced the initiation of weekly actinium-225 (Ac-225) production at its Center for Theranostics Advancement in Indianapolis, Indiana. This milestone follows a collaboration with TerraPower Isotopes and marks a significant step in expanding the availability of Ac-225, a key ingredient for investigational cancer therapies. The move is expected to support both clinical trials and the future commercial manufacturing of targeted treatments for various cancers.
Mike Pintek, president of Cardinal Health Nuclear & Precision Health Solutions, emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, “Becoming the first to offer cGMP Ac-225 globally at scale is a major milestone in Cardinal Health’s ongoing efforts to increase access to theranostics and provide potential new therapies for cancer patients.” The company’s production of Ac-225 will provide pharmaceutical companies and clinical researchers with a consistent and reliable supply of the isotope for developing targeted alpha therapies (TATs).
Ac-225 is an alpha-emitting radionuclide that can be paired with small molecules, peptides, or antibodies to precisely target and destroy cancer cells. These therapies are currently undergoing clinical trials worldwide for various cancers, including prostate, neuroendocrine, breast, colon, melanoma, and lymphoma. The isotope’s ability to deliver highly localized radiation to tumor cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues makes it a promising tool for cancer treatment.
Cardinal Health’s investment in the Center for Theranostics Advancement has enabled the company to support pharmaceutical innovators throughout the entire product lifecycle, from research and development to commercialization. By expanding production capabilities, Cardinal Health is playing a pivotal role in advancing theranostic treatments and meeting the growing global demand for Ac-225, which is critical to the success of many clinical trials and potential cancer therapies.
The company’s partnership with TerraPower Isotopes further underscores its commitment to the global expansion of precision medicine. “We are committed to making impactful investments as demand for precision medicine continues to grow,” Pintek said. “Ac-225’s use in clinical trials targeting various cancers shows significant potential for improving patient outcomes, and we are excited to support the development of this therapeutic tool for manufacturers worldwide.”
With the rise in demand for Ac-225, Cardinal Health is poised to meet the increasing need for this vital isotope, ensuring its availability for researchers and pharmaceutical companies as they work to bring novel cancer treatments to market. The company’s efforts reflect its broader mission to support innovative therapeutics that address some of the most pressing health challenges faced by patients today.
For those interested in securing cGMP-compliant Ac-225, Cardinal Health offers resources and support to help pharmaceutical manufacturers and clinical researchers access this vital isotope for their studies and product development.
About Cardinal Health
Cardinal Health is a global distributor of pharmaceuticals and specialty products, as well as a manufacturer of medical and laboratory products. The company also operates nuclear pharmacies and manufacturing facilities. Through its customer-centric approach, Cardinal Health continually seeks to improve people’s lives by providing innovative solutions and services to healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and patients worldwide.
