IBA has introduced a new cyclotron designed specifically for the production of clinical-scale astatine-211, an alpha-emitting radioisotope that is drawing interest for use in targeted cancer therapies.

Targeted alpha therapies comprise an emerging area of oncology that uses alpha-emitting isotopes to deliver radiation directly to cancer cells. Because alpha particles travel only short distances in tissue, researchers are investigating whether they can provide highly localized treatment while limiting damage to surrounding healthy cells. Recent reviews have highlighted At-211 as a promising isotope because of its physical and chemical properties and its half-life, which may be suitable for therapeutic applications.

A key challenge for broader adoption of At-211-based therapies has been the limited availability of production infrastructure. IBA said Cyclone iKure was developed to address that issue by providing a dedicated platform for At-211 production.
According to the company, the cyclotron is designed for alpha-beam irradiation and engineered to support consistent, high-yield isotope production. The system includes automated processes intended to simplify operation and reduce radiation exposure for staff. IBA also said the unit's compact footprint may help reduce facility preparation requirements.

The launch expands IBA’s cyclotron portfolio beyond systems used for producing isotopes for PET and SPECT imaging and into equipment intended for therapeutic alpha-isotope production.

“Targeted alpha therapy has significant clinical potential, but realizing it at scale depends on reliable and scalable production infrastructure,” said Charles Kumps, president of IBA RadioPharma Solutions. “With Cyclone iKure, we are bringing to the alpha-therapy space the precision and dependability that IBA is known for.”

IBA said the product aligns with its broader efforts to support At-211 development, including participation in the ACCELERATE.EU initiative, which aims to establish a European At-211 supply chain, and a partnership with Framatome to explore a transatlantic production network.

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