Actinium-225, The Joint-Venture Pantera To Secure Its Production

The Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN (ENS Corporate Member) and IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A., EURONEXT), the world leader in particle accelerator technology, announced last week the name of their joint-venture: Pantera SA/NV, resulting from strategic R&D partnership between SCK CEN and IBA to enable the production of Actinium-225 (225Ac).

Indeed, the new company will aim to secure the large-scale production of actinium-225 (²²⁵Ac), one of the most promising alpha-emitting radioisotopes to fight cancers. By working towards this large-scale production, Pantera’s ultimate goal is to improve the accessibility of a future innovative cancer therapy based on ²²⁵Ac.

Actinium-225 possesses the resounding potential to treat cancers more effectively. Initial results show that the theranostic radioisotope completely eliminates cancer cells, thanks to its high cytotoxic potency within a very short range, rather than just inhibiting tumour growth. The risk of recurrence also appears to decrease. To date, extensive research and numerous studies are underway which aim to tackle both high prevalence cancers, but also rarer forms.

Moreover, its half-life (10 days) enables a smooth process for logistics and centralized distribution.

I am excited about the opportunity to help advance the mission of Pantera to bring a new hope for cancer patients by enabling the widespread use of radioisotopes, such as actinium-225, as a basis for promising new radiopharmaceuticals.

Sven Van den Berghe, appointed Chief Executive Officer of Pantera, said.

Read the full SCK CEN Press Release.