ANSTO, ITG partner to distribute radioisotopes

ITG Isotope Technologies Garching GmbH (ITG), a specialist in the development and production of innovative radioisotopes, and Sydney-based, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) have agreed on a broad, long-term collaboration on radioisotopes.

ANSTO has in-licensed the production technology for ITG's carrier free Lutetium-177 (Lu-177 n.c.a.) and will be the exclusive distribution partner for ITG's products in Australia & New Zealand.

Both partners have agreed to provide each other with a backup supply of the radioisotope when needed as well as forming a collaboration for the supply of Lu-177 n.c.a. to industrial partners in the life science industry. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Dr. Richard Henkelmann and Dr. Andreas Hey, Managing Directors of ITG, stated "This agreement is a significant milestone in the corporate development of our company and serves as proof of the value of our production technology for Lu-177 n.c.a. It sends a strong signal to those companies developing Lutetium-177-based radiotherapies that global supply is guaranteed. Furthermore, adding ANSTO to our existing network of world-wide distribution partners closes an important geographical gap".

Mr Doug Cubbin, Head of ANSTO's Business Development and Commercialisation said "This is a great opportunity for ANSTO and the Asia Pacific region as it will accelerate the availability of locally produced Lu-177 within the region and the collaboration between ANSTO and ITG will underpin the future supply of an important radioisotope".