Supporting therapeutic drug research by providing a high-quality isotope for radiation therapy, will aim to improve the QoL of cancer patients
Hitachi and Tohoku University have developed technology that increases the production quantity of Actinium-225 (Ac-225), a radioisotope used in a type of internal radiation therapy for cancer known as targeted alpha therapy (TAT), as well as technology that increases the radiolabeling efficiency*1 for more effective treatment. Sample provision has begun for use in research mainly by pharmaceutical companies and research institutions (Figure 1). In collaborative research by Hitachi and the National Cancer Center Japan, the radiolabeling efficiency required for nonclinical research has been confirmed for these samples.
By supporting research and development on TAT while aiming for early commercial application of the Ac-225 production technology, including through collaboration with the companies and institutions to which the samples are being provided, Hitachi and its partners are seeking to contribute toward a higher Quality of Life (QoL) for cancer patients.
Figure 1: An Ac-225 sample provided for research use
TAT is a type of radiation therapy that uses an alpha emitter to destroy cancer cells, by bonding it to a compound that selectively accumulates in the cancer cells. It is known to be effective against forms of cancers that are difficult to treat with existing methods, including cases where cancer has spread throughout the body. The worldwide availability of Ac-225 or other alpha-emitting substances needed for this therapy, however, is currently limited. Responding to this need, the Japanese Government drew up an action plan*2 for raising the self-sufficiency of such substances, from the standpoint of economic security.
In an earlier collaborative research effort, Hitachi, Tohoku University, and Kyoto University in 2021 developed a method for producing Ac-225 that does not make use of fissionable materials.
The technology they established, a world’s first, efficiently produces high-quality Ac-225 from Radium-226 (Ra-226) by means of photonuclear reaction.*3 Also since 2021, Hitachi working with the National Cancer Center Japan has assessed the applicability of Ac-225 to pharmaceutical products.
In the current development, Hitachi and Tohoku University have succeeded in producing in one process a sufficient quantity of Ac-225 (50 MBq) for research purposes. This was achieved by means of techniques for handling Ra-226 as the starting material and by improvements to the irradiation system using an electron linear accelerator. Together with the National Cancer Center Japan, technology has further been developed that reduces the amount of non-radioactive impurities that hinder bonding of Ac-225 to drugs, and the radiolabeling efficiency required for nonclinical research has been confirmed.
Hitachi will continue aiming for early commercial application of the developed Ac-225 production technology, including through collaboration with research institutions and pharmaceutical firms receiving samples, and will seek to contribute toward a higher Quality of Life (QoL) for cancer patients.
*1 Radiolabeling efficiency: The rate of bonding of radioisotopes to medical or other compounds, or the rate of replacement of elements in the compound by radioisotopes.
*2 May 31, 2022, “Action Plan for Promotion of Production and Utilization of Medical Radioisotopes,” Atomic Energy Commission of Japan
https://www.aec.go.jp/kettei/kettei/20220531.pdf [in Japanese]
*3 October 18, 2021 News Release: “Hitachi, Tohoku University and Kyoto University Become World's First to Establish Technology for Highly Efficient, High-quality Production of Actinium-225, a Material Required for Internal Radiation Therapy Called TAT”
https://www.hitachi.com/New/cnews/month/2021/10/211018.html
For more information, use the enquiry form below to contact the Research & Development Group, Hitachi, Ltd. Please make sure to include the title of the article.
https://www8.hitachi.co.jp/inquiry/hitachi-ltd/hqrd/news/en/form.jsp
