Novartis has initiated construction of two new radioligand therapy (RLT) manufacturing facilities in the United States to expand its cancer treatment capabilities.

The first site, located in Indianapolis, will produce radioisotopes essential for RLT production. Meanwhile, a new facility in Carlsbad, California, marks Novartis’ third U.S.-based RLT manufacturing site. This expansion aims to strengthen the company's supply chain and support the growing use of RLTs, which deliver radiation directly to tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding cells.

The company will spend more than $200 million to construct the new California facility, and expand its site in Indianapolis, representatives told STAT exclusively. The sites are expected to employ another 90 people and open by 2026.

The Swiss-based pharmaceutical giant is investing in its RLT infrastructure to support broader applications of this precision cancer treatment. Novartis is exploring the use of RLTs in cancer types beyond prostate and neuroendocrine tumors, where they are already used. The new facilities will have space for further expansion to accommodate the development of additional isotopes, ligands, and therapies.

"Building on this experience and knowledge, we are confident in the potential of RLTs to meaningfully benefit many more patients affected by different types of cancer in the future," said Victor Bultó, president of Novartis US.

Currently, Novartis offers two major RLTs — Pluvicto and Lutathera — and is actively advancing several investigational RLTs through clinical trials. The Indianapolis-produced isotopes will support the manufacturing of both existing and new RLTs following regulatory approvals.

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