Pamedic Moment｜An Asian Company Achieves Breakthrough in the Key Technology of Ac-225 Preparation

China Team Breaks Through Isotope Ac-225 Preparation Technology, Tsinghua University and Pamedic Continue to Tackle Global Supply Challenges

China Conquers Ac-225 Core Technology! Tsinghua and Pamedic Solve Global Cancer Isotope Dilemma

A milestone breakthrough has been achieved in China’s nuclear medicine field! Tsinghua University and Pamedic announced today that their joint industry-university-research project has successfully overcome the core technology for the preparation of the new isotope Ac-225 (Actinium-225). This marks China’s achievement of self-sufficiency and control in the globally scarce α-emitting isotope sector, breaking foreign monopolies and providing a “Chinese solution” for global cancer treatment.

Isotope Ac-225: The Conflict of Soaring Demand and Supply Shortages

Ac-225, renowned as the new generation “star isotope” for its precise targeted therapy capabilities, releases α-particles with a linear energy transfer (LET) nearly a hundred times higher than that of β-emitting isotopes. Its tumor-killing effect is significantly superior to β-isotopes, and α-isotopes can directly damage the DNA double strands of tumor cells, leading to permanent cell destruction. Currently, there are over 70 development pipelines for Ac-225 radiopharmaceuticals targeting high-incidence cancers such as prostate cancer, neuroendocrine tumors, and lung cancer, but the annual supply is less than 2 curies (Ci) — only sufficient to meet the needs of about 2,000 patients, severely restricting clinical translation.

From “Bottleneck” to “Made in China”: Breaking the Preparation Technology Ice

Faced with the global challenges of Ac-225 preparation, Tsinghua University and the Pamedic team innovatively developed “accelerator-driven” preparation technology, overcoming three core bottlenecks:

1. Efficient nuclear reaction pathway optimization: Enhancing Ac-225 yield.
2. Efficient separation and purification processes: Achieving a purity of 99.95%, meeting pharmaceutical standards.
3. Automated irradiation-extraction systems: Ensuring stable and controllable production.

This technology makes China one of the few countries globally capable of independent full-chain production of Ac-225, with an expected annual production capacity in the curie range, supporting over 50 clinical research projects.

Building a “Nuclear Health Protection” Ecosystem: Advancing Clinical Translation and Universal Healthcare

To accelerate technology implementation, Pamedic is simultaneously promoting industrial ecosystem construction. A clinical research alliance has been initiated, signing agreements with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and HKSH Medical Group to conduct clinical trials surrounding Ac-225 radiopharmaceuticals.

A Comprehensive Innovation System: China’s Global Role in Nuclear Pharmaceuticals

Tsinghua University and Pamedic, in collaboration with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and HKSH Medical Group, are jointly creating a “four-in-one” nuclear pharmaceutical ecosystem. This system covers the entire process from isotope preparation and radiopharmaceutical development to clinical services, driving the Chinese nuclear pharmaceutical industry from technological catch-up to global leadership.

“Ac-225 preparation is not just a technological breakthrough but a solemn commitment to life and health,” said the technical head of Pamedic. “We will continue to deepen the integration of industry, academia, and research, allowing more ‘Made in China’ radiopharmaceuticals to illuminate the path to cancer treatment.”

About Pamedic

Pamedic is one of the few leading enterprises in nuclear medicine technology platforms with a global intellectual property layout, focusing on the preparation of medical isotopes, radiopharmaceutical development, and precision diagnosis and treatment solutions, committed to enhancing human health through innovative technology.