Dec. 6, 2023
Contact: Uriah Orland, 573-884-5139, uriah.orland@missouri.edu
The University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) recently completed its first commercial shipment of no-carrier-added lutetium-177 (NCA Lu-177) for human use and is providing weekly deliveries to Novartis for use in cancer treatments. These shipments are a significant milestone in a yearslong development project by researchers at MURR.
The MU Research Reactor is the sole producer in the United States of NCA Lu-177 for cancer treatment. Researchers at MU first identified the potential of the lutetium isotope as a treatment for cancer nearly 25 years ago, and the university has been instrumental in research and development of lutetium since that time.
“The shipments of lutetium continue our strong collaboration with Novartis and will improve and save lives,” said Mun Choi, president of the University of Missouri. “Together with Novartis, MURR and MU are uniquely positioned to discover, research and create leading-edge treatments that will benefit cancer patients in Missouri, across the United States and around the world.”
Lutetium-177 (Lu-177) is the active ingredient in two targeted radioligand therapies commercially produced by Novartis for cancer treatment. NCA Lu-177 is a highly pure form of the Lu-177 radionuclide, produced in a new radiochemical processing suite, specifically designed for lutetium production. A drug master file (DMF) for the MURR-developed process, was submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 31.
“The NCA Lu-177 deliveries highlight the reason our researchers and staff work hard every day,” said Matt Sanford, executive director at MURR. “From initial research and development to production, quality assurance, and shipping – all of our radiopharmaceutical efforts are focused on the ultimate goal of treating patients and improving lives.”
These shipments of NCA Lu-177 mark the beginning of the commercial phase of a multiyear supply agreement between MURR and Novartis.
