The domestic production base for Actinium (Ac-225), which is essential for prostate cancer treatment, has been established.
On the 22nd, the Ministry of Science and ICT held a field meeting at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute to promote the self-sufficiency of medical isotopes and the development of radioactive pharmaceuticals. Four corporations related to radioactive pharmaceuticals and experts attended the meeting.
Recently, the suspension of overseas supply of radioactive iodine (I-131), used for thyroid cancer treatment, has disrupted domestic medical services. The situation for Actinium (Ac-225), which is essential for prostate cancer treatment, relies entirely on imports. There have been ongoing calls to establish a domestic supply system for radioactive pharmaceuticals to ensure stable production of radioactive isotopes and their application for treatment.
This meeting was organized to share the current status of the promotion of self-sufficient medical isotopes and the development of domestic radioactive pharmaceuticals and to gather policy opinions. Vice Minister Lee Chang-yoon attended from the Ministry of Science and ICT.
The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute announced plans for the production and development of treatments using Actinium (Ac-225) during the meeting. The institute received permission for Cyclotron-based production of Actinium (Ac-225) on the 12th. If the development of the Actinium (Ac-225) treatment under clinical research is completed, it will enable domestic treatment of difficult and rare cancers, including malignant prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors.
The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute announced plans for domestic supply of iodine (I-131). The institute has established a system that allows for stable domestic supply, even amidst disruptions in overseas supply, after receiving GMP product approval for iodine (I-131) from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with four corporations in the field of radioactive pharmaceuticals (SK Biopharm, Saehan Industries, CellBion, FutureChem) to form the 'Alpha Drug Research Council.' This initiative aims to jointly promote the rapid development of treatments utilizing alpha particle-emitting isotopes such as Actinium (Ac-225) and Astatine (At-211), improve regulatory measures, and identify and propose national R&D projects.
Vice Minister Lee Chang-yoon noted, 'We can no longer rely on foreign supplies for core isotopes directly tied to the health of our citizens. The production permit for Actinium (Ac-225) and the GMP product approval for radioactive iodine (I-131) mark a significant first step toward self-sufficiency in core isotopes.' He added, 'The government will actively support the establishment of isotope production infrastructure and the expansion of R&D support for the development of radioactive pharmaceuticals to achieve 100% self-sufficiency in core isotopes.'