Framatome and IBA to partner to develop an Astatine-211 Cyclotron Network in Europe and the USA
Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium, and Paris, France, 7 February 2025 – Framatome, an international leader in nuclear energy committed to developing products and services for the healthcare industry, and IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A., EURONEXT), the world leader in particle accelerator technology and the leading provider of radiopharmaceutical production solutions, today announced they have signed a Memorandum Of Understanding to start a strategic partnership aimed at advancing industrial-scale production of Astatine-211 (211At), an alpha-emitting radioisotope across Europe and the United States.
211At is a highly promising radioisotope currently being investigated for its potential in targeted alpha-therapies in oncology. The collaboration between Framatome and IBA aims to build a reliable and sustainable network of cutting-edge specialized alpha-emitting cyclotrons, ensuring the timely and consistent production of this alpha-emitting radioisotope, whilst further establishing radio-theranostics as a cornerstone of precision oncology.
The first milestone in this collaboration will be the establishment of a dedicated production pilot facility, set to be installed by 2027-2028. Framatome will make a financial investment in the partnership, with IBA contributing equipment. The facility will be located in the Pays de la Loire region in France, leveraging the region’s strong nuclear medicine research ecosystem and industrial expertise.
The pilot facility will inform the development of a global network of latest generation alpha-emitting cyclotrons across Europe and the United States. This scalable network aims to meet the growing demand for 211At and secure its timely availability for advanced cancer treatments.
François Gauché, Vice President of Framatome Healthcare, commented: “This partnership with IBA is a significant step toward transforming cancer care through targeted alpha therapy. The secure, scalable, and timely supply of Astatine-211 is vital for addressing unmet medical needs, and we are committed to building a robust production network to serve the growing demand. Together, we will provide cancer researchers and patients with access to cutting-edge therapeutic solutions while creating a sustainable foundation for future growth.”
Charles Kumps, President of IBA RadioPharma Solutions, added: Today’s announcement is the start of what we believe will be a strong partnership with a shared goal: building a global, reliable industrial network for the timely production and commercialization of Astatine-211 compounds. By leveraging our combined expertise in cyclotron technology and in nuclear medicine, we are creating the critical infrastructure necessary to unlock the full potential of these groundbreaking therapies.”
Both companies bring extensive expertise to this partnership, with a track record of pioneering advancements in theranostics. Framatome’s proprietary isotope production technology enabled the first large-scale commercial production of the radioisotope Lutetium-177 in a power reactor in June 2022, ensuring reliable and large-scale access to this vital medical radioisotope for cancer therapy. IBA, through its joint venture PanTera, has been a leader in advancing Actinium-225 production, another key isotope in targeted alpha therapy. Together, Framatome and IBA are setting new benchmarks in the field of theranostics, reinforcing their commitment to driving innovation and improving global access to life-saving treatments.
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About Framatome and Framatome Healthcare
Framatome is an international leader in nuclear energy recognized for its innovative, digital and value-added solutions for the global nuclear fleet. With worldwide expertise and a proven track record for reliability and performance, the company designs, services and installs components, fuel, and instrumentation and control systems for nuclear power plants. Its more than 18,000 employees work every day to help Framatome’s customers supply ever cleaner, safer and more economical low-carbon energy.
Framatome Healthcare is committed to developing products and services for the healthcare industry. Its team supports the value chain for the radioisotopes used in radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic purposes, supplies special alloys for the development of surgical implants and prostheses and provides advanced solutions for complex sterilization facilities essential for the use of medical materials. Framatome Healthcare’s experts advance the fight against cancer and develop and support medical applications of nuclear technology.
Visit us at : www.framatome.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn.
Framatome is owned by the EDF Group (80.5%) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI – 19.5%)
About IBA
IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A.) is the world leader in particle accelerator technology. The company is the leading supplier of equipment and services in the field of proton therapy, considered to be the most advanced form of radiation therapy available today. IBA is also a leading player in the fields of industrial sterilization, radiopharmaceuticals and dosimetry. The company, based in Louvain-laNeuve, Belgium, employs approximately 2,000 people worldwide. IBA is a certified B Corporation (B Corp) meeting the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance.
IBA is listed on the pan-European stock exchange EURONEXT (IBA: Reuters IBAB.BR and Bloomberg IBAB.BB)
More information can be found at: www.iba-worldwide.com
Framatome Media Contact
Brid Nelligan
brid.nelligan@framatome.com
IBA
Olivier Lechien
Corporate Communication Director
+32 10 475 890
communication@iba-group.com
For media and investor enquiries:
ICR Healthcare
Amber Fennell, Angela Gray, Lucy Featherstone
+44 (0) 20 3709 5700
IBA@consilium-comms.com
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