Israeli Firm Opening First US Plant For Radioisotope Cancer Drugs

An Israeli firm that uses radioactive compounds to make cancer-fighting drugs will set up its first facility in the US. 

Petah Tikva-based Isotopia Molecular Imaging develops radioactive isotopes – unstable versions of elements with excess amounts of energy – that are used to detect and treat cancer with greater precision, as well as other chronic diseases.

The firm will invest $20 million to establish its first US facility in Westfield, Indiana, which will be used to produce Lu-177 n.c.a., a radioactive version of the rare earth metal lutetium. This radioactive compound will be used in the company’s targeted cancer treatments.  

Isotopia USA, the US subsidiary of the company, will also invest some of the capital to hire 50 workers over the next two years. 

“The state of Indiana and the city of Westfield have rolled out the welcome mat,” said Todd Hockemeyer, CEO of Isotopia USA.

“This support from our new community will help accelerate our efforts to bring this critical medical isotope to the market as soon as 2024.”