Telix and Ekalia Collaborate for U.S. Production of Astatine-211

Telix Pharmaceuticals and Ekalia, a joint venture of IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A.) and Framatome, have entered into a collaboration aimed at establishing a dedicated U.S. production source for astatine-211 (211At), an alpha-emitting radioisotope with potential in targeted alpha therapy (TAT).

The collaboration leverages IBA's state-of-the-art alpha-beam cyclotron technology, Framatome's expertise in nuclear and isotope production, and Telix's comprehensive U.S. radiopharmacy and distribution infrastructure. This partnership expands the existing strategic collaboration between IBA and Framatome in Europe aimed at facilitating industrial-scale production of 211At.

The initial installation is planned for the RLS Trevose site near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This facility is expected to create a reproducible production model, with possibilities for expanding the network based on the growing demand for 211At.

Astatine-211 has shown promise as a radioisotope for innovative cancer therapies, although its utilization has been limited due to inadequate production capacity. This collaboration aims to ensure reliable and timely access to 211At for research and clinical applications, thereby enhancing the role of theranostics within precision oncology.

For Telix, this partnership is anticipated to support several early-phase therapeutic candidates, notably TLX102-Tx (211At astato-L-phenylalanine), currently under investigation for glioblastoma and leptomeningeal disease. Additionally, the collaboration will provide production capability for other academic and industry initiatives focusing on the development of 211At.

Bruno Scutnaire, CEO of Ekalia, stated that IBA’s specialized cyclotron technology is designed to facilitate dependable production of astatine-211 at the point of need. The accessibility of Telix’s U.S. infrastructure enables more rapid establishment of their first domestic production facility while laying the groundwork for Ekalia’s broader objectives in the region.

Chad Watkins, General Manager of Isotope Strategy at Telix, emphasized the importance of owning the production pathway from isotope to patient as foundational to their commercialization strategy. He noted that this collaboration offers a reliable long-term source of astatine-211 for their alpha therapy initiatives and underscores the strategic significance of the RLS platform for next-generation isotope production in the U.S.

References:

1. Lindegren et al. EJNMMI Radioph. and Chem. (2026) 11, 15 doi:10.1186/s41181-026-00428-0
2. Albertsson P et al; Frontiers in Med (2023),9, 1076210: doi:10.3389/fmed.2022.1076210.