Telix (ASX:TLX) has officially opened its radiopharmaceutical production facility in Brussels South (Seneffe), in the Wallonia region of Belgium.
The facility was officially opened by Willy Borsus, the vice president of Wallonia, and Minister of Economy, Research and Innovation, Digital, Agriculture, Urban Planning and Regional Planning.
The company said the 2,800-square-metre facility is one of the largest radiopharmaceutical production sites in Europe.
It will serve as the company’s primary manufacturing site for radioisotopes and commercial and clinical products for patients in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.
Radiopharmaceuticals use targeting agents (small molecules or antibodies) to deliver targeted radiation to cancer cells, regardless of where the cancer is in the body. These agents can be used for imaging or therapy.
Often referred to as “theranostics”, this approach has the potential to better inform treatment decisions and deliver personalised therapy for patients.
“Recent events – including COVID – have taught us that if we are to invest in developing radiopharmaceutical products, we must also invest in ensuring that patients can have access to this new generation of cancer treatments. Given the just-in-time manufacturing and complex logistics required for radiopharmaceuticals this is vital to building a foundation for long-term, commercial success in our field and delivering to the needs of patients,” said Raphael Ortiz, Telix CEO for the EMEA region.
Telix acquired the site in April 2020. After extensive redevelopment, which included the decommissioning and safe removal of two cyclotrons, the facility was granted a renewed licence to produce an extensive list of radioisotopes required for the company’s research, development, commercial and clinical activities.
“Sites such as Telix Manufacturing Solutions in Brussels South are a rarity. There are very few places in the world where a site of this scale could be constructed and secure a licence to produce the array of isotopes that our licence allows,” said Dr Christian Behrenbruch, group managing director and CEO of Telix.
Vice president Borsus added, “Belgium has a proud history as a pioneer in nuclear science and technology for healthcare and the Walloon region is home to a vital hub of research, production, talent and transport known as Radiopharma Valley. We recognise the current and future utility of radiopharmaceuticals and the need to increase capacity to ensure the community can access these innovative technologies. We welcome Telix’s commitment to the region through the creation of this state-of-the-art facility which will attract talent and drive increased investment across a broad range of areas in Wallonia including research, employment, education and health.”
