NorthStar opens new radiopharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Wisconsin
by
Gus Iversen, Editor in Chief | October 29, 2024
Molecular Imaging
NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes inaugurated its new 52,000-square-foot radiopharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) facility, marking a milestone in U.S.-based radioisotope production.
The facility, located in Beloit, Wisconsin, positions NorthStar as the only U.S. company with colocated capabilities for commercial-scale, multi-radioisotope production and radiopharmaceutical manufacturing. NorthStar’s expanded infrastructure will support the production of critical medical radioisotopes, such as actinium-225 (Ac-225), lutetium-177 (Lu-177), copper-64 (Cu-64), copper-67 (Cu-67), and indium-111 (In-111). These isotopes are essential for both diagnostics and the emerging field of radiopharmaceutical cancer therapies.
According to Frank Scholz, president and CEO of NorthStar, the new facility enables the company to meet rising demand for specialized radiopharmaceuticals. “NorthStar has evolved from a single-isotope manufacturer to a company capable of producing a broad range of pharmaceuticals within a single vertically integrated campus,” Scholz said. He noted that the company is already producing Cu-67, with plans to add Ac-225 later this year. These radioisotopes are currently being studied in clinical trials targeting cancers such as prostate, lung, breast, and colon, as well as lymphoma and neuroendocrine tumors.
Designed with scalability, quality, and safety in mind, the facility offers expanded services for biopharmaceutical companies lacking the infrastructure for radioisotope production, particularly during clinical trials. Scholz highlighted that NorthStar’s expertise and resources can accelerate the development of novel radiopharmaceuticals, ultimately making them more accessible for patients.
NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes, which focuses on cancer treatment and diagnostic applications, aims to advance patient care through its specialized production capabilities and commitment to expanding therapeutic options. The company’s new CDMO facility is expected to play a central role in meeting growing demand for radiopharmaceuticals and supporting further innovations in nuclear medicine.
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