In a groundbreaking development for nuclear medicine, Orano Med has commenced construction of the Advanced Thorium Extraction Facility (ATEF) in Bessines-sur-Gartempe, Haute-Vienne, France. This pioneering plant will be the world’s first industrial facility dedicated to producing thorium-228, a vital precursor for lead-212 used in radioligand therapies targeting cancer cells.
Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment with Radiopharmaceuticals
Lead-212 targeted alpha therapy harnesses the precision of biological molecules to identify and attack cancer cells, combined with the potent cell-destroying power of alpha radiation. Despite its potential, the widespread use of this technology has been hindered by the challenge of producing lead-212 on an industrial scale.
Orano Med’s Advanced Thorium Extraction Facility addresses this challenge through a decade of innovation, ensuring high-purity thorium-228 production. The facility will supply Alpha Therapy Laboratories (ATLab) globally, enabling the manufacturing of lead-212-based drugs to treat cancer patients worldwide.
Project Significance
Scheduled for commissioning in 2027, the ATEF will increase production capacity tenfold, supporting both clinical trials and eventual commercial launches. With a €250 million investment, including €22 million from the France 2030 plan, the facility will create nearly 70 direct and 100 indirect jobs. Orano Med aims to produce up to 100,000 doses annually within the next decade, marking a significant milestone in the fight against cancer.
Orano CEO Nicolas Maes emphasized the project’s broader impact, stating:
“This expansion of our radiopharmaceutical production capacities not only advances cancer treatment but also revitalizes industrial and economic activities in our region. It aligns with Orano’s mission to maximize the value of nuclear materials.”
A Global Integrated Platform
In addition to ATEF, Orano Med is constructing Europe’s first industrial-scale Alpha Therapy Laboratory in Onnaing, northern France, to produce lead-212-based therapies for European markets. A similar facility in Indianapolis, USA, is set to open this year to cater to North American demand. These facilities form part of Orano’s vision for a global, integrated production and distribution platform for radioligand therapies.
Orano Med CEO Arnaud Lesegretain expressed confidence in the transformative potential of this technology, stating:
“Radioligand therapies are poised to become indispensable in cancer treatment. The completion of AlphaMedix’s Phase II clinical trials brings us closer to realizing this potential. ATEF ensures we are ready to meet the large-scale demand for lead-212-based treatments.”
Implications for Africa
The construction of ATEF demonstrates the growing role of nuclear technologies in healthcare, offering valuable lessons for African nations. Investments in radiopharmaceutical production could enable local capacity for cancer diagnosis and treatment, reducing reliance on imported therapies and addressing the continent’s rising cancer burden.
