Successful Domestic Production of Radiopharmaceuticals That Selectively Kill 'Amsepo' Cells

Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences Begins Full-Scale Production of 'Actinium-225 (Ac-225)' by Recycling Radioisotope Committee Waste
Emits 'Alpha Rays' with High Therapeutic Effect on Lymphoma, Prostate Cancer, Neuroendocrine Tumors
Previously Imported from Germany at High Cost and Scarce... Enables Affordable and Timely Supply to Domestic Patients

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] The raw material for radiopharmaceuticals used in the treatment of lymphoma, prostate cancer, and other diseases has entered full-scale production in Korea for the first time. This will enable patients to obtain radiopharmaceuticals with higher therapeutic effects at a lower cost more quickly.

The Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences announced on the 6th that from the 3rd of this month, it secured radium-226 (Ra-226), the raw material for producing the therapeutic radioactive isotope actinium-225 (Ac-225), through the radioactive isotope waste recycling platform service program of the Korea Radioactive Waste Agency, and will begin full-scale production domestically for the first time over four days.

Actinium-225 (Ac-225) is a radioactive isotope that emits alpha particles. It is used in radiopharmaceuticals for treating lymphoma, prostate cancer, neuroendocrine tumors, and more. Compared to radioactive isotopes that emit beta particles, it destroys cancer cells with energy tens to hundreds of times higher, reducing the risk of recurrence. Its short penetration distance in the body allows it to target cancer cells with radiation without damaging normal cells, resulting in high therapeutic efficacy.

Overseas, actinium-225 (Ac-225) generated from the decay of thorium-229 (Th-229) is separated and used, but in Korea, separation and use are not possible due to nuclear fuel reprocessing regulations. Currently, actinium-225 (Ac-225) is produced in small quantities only in Germany and Russia and sold at high prices, making it difficult for domestic cancer patients to obtain.

The institute produced actinium-225 (Ac-225) by irradiating the target material radium-226 (Ra-226) with a proton beam using a medical cyclotron (Cyclone-30) and then separating and purifying it through a nuclear reaction process. After obtaining approval from the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety, full-scale production of actinium-225 (Ac-225) is planned to begin.

The institute stated, “By recycling existing radioactive isotope waste and producing and supplying alpha-emitting therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals for the first time domestically, along with astatine-211 (At-211) currently produced by the institute, we hope that many cancer patients will benefit from treatment as soon as possible.”