Curium Includes Institut Laue-Langevin Reactor in Global Portfolio to Ensure Lutetium-177 Supply for 100,000 Cancer Patients

Curium, a global leader in nuclear medicine, announced a new long-term partnership with the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) for irradiation services. This collaboration will involve the use of ILL's high-flux nuclear reactor in Grenoble, France, to produce non-carrier added lutetium-177 (Lu-177). This agreement is intended to secure an additional supply channel for Lu-177, a crucial isotope used in medical treatments, predominantly cancer therapies.

The latest partnership with ILL complements Curium’s existing network of reactors and follows the company’s recent extension of its irradiation partnership with NRG I PALLAS in the Netherlands. With these strategic alliances, Curium aims to enhance the reliability of its Lu-177 supply chain, which is projected to support more than 100,000 critically ill patients globally over the next five years.

Ciril Faia, CEO of SPECT Europe for Curium, emphasized the importance of this partnership in meeting the increasing global demand for Lu-177. He highlighted that the ILL reactor’s high-flux capability is essential for producing substantial quantities of Lu-177. Additionally, integrating ILL into Curium’s network boosts the operational uptime of their reactors worldwide, ultimately benefiting cancer patients. Faia also noted that this collaboration is part of Curium’s broader strategy to develop the world's most robust Lu-177 supply chain, involving ongoing discussions with other reactors internationally.

Ken Andersen, Director of ILL, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting ILL's reputation as a leader in neutron science and technology. Andersen pointed out that ILL is renowned for its contributions to scientific research and its support for nuclear medicine through the production of medical isotopes via its high-flux reactor. He welcomed Curium into ILL’s network of collaborating companies, underscoring the shared commitment to advancing cancer treatment.

Curium is recognized for its pioneering role in nuclear medicine, with a deep legacy and innovative approach. The company manufactures and distributes high-quality radiopharmaceutical products, serving over 14 million patients annually. Curium operates manufacturing facilities across Europe and the United States, offering SPECT, PET, and therapeutic radiopharmaceutical solutions for life-threatening diseases. The organization is named in honor of Marie and Pierre Curie, reflecting its dedication to nuclear medicine and the pioneering spirit of its namesakes.

The Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) is a premier facility for neutron science and technology. It operates the world’s most intense neutron beams and a suite of over 40 advanced instruments. Neutrons provide a unique method for probing materials and processes, enabling significant scientific research across various domains including physics, chemistry, biology, and materials science. ILL’s instruments are supplemented by extensive lab facilities and scientific support services, facilitating cutting-edge research. The institute collaborates closely with industry and addresses key societal challenges in health, energy, environment, and quantum technologies. Recognized as a Landmark Facility on the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) Roadmap, ILL plays a pivotal role in the European research infrastructure ecosystem. Each year, ILL hosts around 2500 researcher visits from 40 countries, emphasizing its global reach and impact.