Partnership Announcement Between ASP Isotopes and Isotopia
Gadolinium-160 is a critical precursor isotope for producing Terbium-161, an emerging medical isotope with significant potential in targeted radiotherapies.
The supply agreement, effective for four years and expected to begin in 2026, is projected to hold a minimum annual value of $1 million.
ASP Isotopes Inc. (NASDAQ: ASPI), a prominent player in advanced materials, has confirmed a new supply agreement with Isotopia Molecular Imaging Ltd. This collaboration focuses on the supply of enriched Gadolinium-160 (Gd-160), a vital isotope for creating Terbium-161 (Tb-161), which has emerging applications in targeted medical treatments.
This partnership effectively resolves ongoing supply challenges related to Gd-160, facilitating Isotopia’s efforts to develop Tb-161 therapies targeted at various cancers, including prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors.
ASP Isotopes will utilize its innovative Quantum Enrichment technology to supply Isotopia with the enriched Gd-160, a stable isotope crucial for the production of Tb-161. The initial supply agreement is set for four years, starting in 2026, valued at no less than $1 million annually.
This collaboration merges ASP Isotopes’ advanced capabilities in large-scale isotope enrichment—previously showcased in their production of Ytterbium-176 (Yb-176)—with Isotopia's established expertise in commercial medical isotope production. Isotopia has successfully manufactured Lutetium-177 (Lu-177) and maintained a consistent production of Tb-161 for clinical trials over the past two years.
Paul Mann, CEO of ASP Isotopes, expressed the importance of this agreement: “By supplying Gd-160, we are removing a significant barrier in the advancement of Tb-161 therapies. Our commitment to enrichment technology allows us to meet the radiopharmaceutical industry’s increasing need for stable isotopes. This collaboration will hasten the clinical acceptance of Tb-161, potentially transforming cancer treatment strategies.”
Dr. Eli Shalom, CEO of Isotopia, discussed the therapeutic benefits of Tb-161: “Tb-161 exhibits a dual-action mechanism, including emissions of Auger electrons, enabling precise targeting of small metastases while protecting healthy tissues. This alliance guarantees a steady supply of Gd-160, empowering us to ramp up production and push our Tb-161 drug candidates closer to market readiness. We're beginning production at our new site in Indianapolis, complementing our existing facility in Israel.”
The unique Auger electrons released by Tb-161 can cause double-strand DNA breaks in cancer cells, presenting significant advantages over Lu-177 and various alpha-emitting isotopes. This aligns well with a broader industry trend favoring targeted radiotherapies, which enhance treatment efficacy while reducing side effects. Interest in radiopharmaceuticals is on the rise globally, thanks to their unique ability to provide localized radiation treatment using tumor-targeting molecules.
Gd-160 will be enhanced using the innovative Quantum Enrichment method, a cutting-edge, laser-based isotope enrichment technique. The facility dedicated to Gd-160 will be part of a comprehensive Quantum plant currently being designed and built. This large-scale facility will also eventually support the enrichment of several other isotopes, including Nickel-64, Zinc-68, Ytterbium-176, Barium-137, Ytterbium-171, and Lithium 6/7.
This groundbreaking partnership positions both ASP Isotopes and Isotopia at the forefront of a transformative time in the radiopharmaceutical sector, with prospects for significantly enhancing treatment options available for patients suffering from cancer all over the globe. ASP Isotopes is also engaging potential customers looking for Gd-160 and expects to finalize additional agreements throughout the year.
About ASP Isotopes Inc.
ASP Isotopes Inc. is a pioneering company in advanced materials, focusing on innovative technologies and processes for efficient isotope production across various sectors. Among its inventions is the Aerodynamic Separation Process (“ASP technology”). The organization’s primary aim is on producing highly enriched isotopes specifically for healthcare and technological applications. Furthermore, ASP Isotopes is working on enriching isotopes for the nuclear energy field using its developing Quantum Enrichment technology. Its facilities in Pretoria, South Africa, are dedicated to enriching low atomic mass isotopes.
The rising demand for isotopes—such as Silicon-28 for quantum computing and several others for notable healthcare applications—highlights the potential for ASP Isotopes to significantly impact emerging markets in medical and green energy sectors. The ASP Technology is uniquely adapted to the enrichment of both light and heavy atomic mass isotopes.
About Isotopia Molecular Imaging Ltd.
Isotopia stands as a global leader in the production of medical isotopes, boasting facilities across Israel, Europe, and the United States. Its comprehensive approach integrates cyclotron capabilities with production sites for Lu-177 and Tb-161, alongside sterile manufacturing processes. The company collaborates closely with researchers and healthcare professionals to innovate new radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostics and targeted treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of the ASP Isotopes and Isotopia partnership?
The partnership is centered around supplying enriched Gadolinium-160 (Gd-160), a critical isotope for producing Terbium-161 (Tb-161), aimed at enhancing cancer therapies.
How long is the supply agreement expected to last?
The supply agreement is set for four years, beginning in 2026, with a minimum annual value of $1 million.
What technology will ASP Isotopes utilize for enrichment?
ASP Isotopes will use its proprietary Quantum Enrichment technology for enhancing Gadolinium-160.
What types of cancer will benefit from Tb-161 therapies?
Tb-161 therapies are particularly aimed at treating prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors, among other malignancies.
How does Tb-161 differ from other isotopes like Lu-177?
Tb-161 uses Auger electrons, which allow for precise targeting and minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissues, offering potential advantages over Lu-177.
