Medical isotope developer running tests at new Bunker Hill facility
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Indianapolis-based radiopharmaceutical developer and manufacturer SpectronRx has completed construction of a facility near the Grissom Air Reserve Base in Bunker Hill and has initiated testing of its medical isotope producing technology. The company says it successfully produced low amounts of Actinium-225, radioactive material used in the treatment of a variety of cancers.
The life sciences company installed two cyclotrons that bombard atoms to produce isotopes. While isotopes can be used for medical imaging and diagnostics, SpectronRx is focused on their therapeutic use.
The company says when attached to a molecule, isotope-powered radiopharmaceuticals can selectively target cancer sites and destroy cancerous tissue with minimum damage to healthy cells.
“This is not only a major milestone for the team at SpectronRx, but it’s also an important achievement for patients and healthcare providers alike,” said John Zehner, CEO of SpectronRx. “As new advances in radiopharmaceutical development continue to improve the diagnosis and treatment of certain diseases, demand for medical isotopes like Ac-225 is increasing. And to avoid shortages of these vital elements, it is critical that sufficient supplies are in place.”
SpectronRx also announced it is in the process of buying property to expand its 20,000-square-foot facility in Bunker Hill by another 18,000 square feet. The company also intends to install additional cyclotrons to expand production or radiopharmaceutical isotopes.
It also says the company plans to build a facility in Connecticut. It also operates facilities in Indianapolis and South Bend.
In November, SpectronRx received approval from European regulators to manufacture nuclear meds at its South Bend operation. The company says it is filling a fill a void for the European health industry and patients who need the cancer-destroying medicine.