IBA, a leader in particle accelerator technology, has forged a significant partnership with Shreeji Imaging and Diagnostic Centre Pvt. Ltd., a prominent Indian manufacturer of PET radiopharmaceuticals. The two companies have entered into a multi-site agreement to deliver and install four Cyclone® KIUBE 300 cyclotrons across various cities in India. This strategic move aims to enhance the production of fluorine-18 (F-18) labelled compounds, crucial for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, thereby expanding access to advanced diagnostic capabilities in the region.
Accelerating PET Imaging Growth
As India’s PET imaging market experiences rapid growth, the demand for reliable tracer supply is becoming increasingly critical. Shreeji’s initiative to incorporate four new Cyclone® KIUBE 300 cyclotrons into its existing infrastructure underscores the company’s commitment to meeting this demand. The chosen locations—Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Kochi, and Bhubaneswar—will enable Shreeji to produce high-quality F-18 closer to patients, thereby minimizing logistical challenges and enhancing the availability of PET tracers.
Enhancing Manufacturing Capacity
The newly installed cyclotrons will not only increase the production capacity of F-18 but also provide the flexibility needed to adapt to evolving tracer portfolios. Shreeji’s decision to opt for the Cyclone® KIUBE is driven by its high beam current capability and industrial reliability. By facilitating sustained, GMP-compliant production, these systems will allow Shreeji to operate more efficiently across multiple sites, meeting the growing needs of the healthcare sector.
Strategic Partnership for Patient Access
The collaboration between IBA and Shreeji represents a significant step forward in ensuring that advanced nuclear medicine is accessible to a broader population. Charles Kumps, President of IBA RadioPharma Solutions, emphasized the importance of reliable local manufacturing in enhancing patient care. This partnership aims to establish a resilient network of cyclotrons that will ultimately contribute to the growth of PET diagnostics in India, ensuring consistent supplies for clinicians and their patients.
Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience
Amit Maniar, Director of Shreeji, articulated the transformative impact of this expansion on domestic production capabilities. The introduction of four new cyclotrons will reinforce supply-chain resilience and accelerate the introduction of next-generation tracers. This proactive approach is expected to stimulate demand for PET diagnostics by providing cost-effective and dependable access to a wide range of isotopes, including both established and emerging variants.
A Vision for the Future
With its roots in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, IBA has built a reputation as a global leader in the fields of proton therapy, industrial sterilization, and radiopharmaceuticals. The company employs approximately 2,100 individuals worldwide and is recognized as a B Corporation, adhering to high social and environmental standards. This partnership with Shreeji aligns with IBA’s mission to positively impact healthcare accessibility around the globe.
Pioneering PET Radiopharmaceuticals in India
Founded in 2000, Shreeji Imaging and Diagnostic Centre has established itself as a key player in the Indian radiopharmaceutical market. With a robust network of facilities, including four GMP-ready cyclotron locations, Shreeji has become the largest PET radiopharmacy operator in India. The company’s reach extends beyond national borders, supplying tracers to hospitals and clinics in neighboring countries such as Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Maldives.
Conclusion
The agreement between IBA and Shreeji marks a pivotal moment in the landscape of PET radiopharmaceutical manufacturing in India. With the addition of four Cyclone® KIUBE 300 cyclotrons, patient access to critical diagnostic tools will be significantly enhanced. This collaboration not only fortifies the supply chain but also paves the way for innovative tracer developments that promise to improve patient care in the region.
- IBA and Shreeji have formed a partnership to enhance PET radiopharmaceutical production in India.
- The new cyclotrons will be deployed in four cities to meet rising demand for PET imaging.
- Enhanced production capabilities will support the introduction of next-generation tracers.
- This collaboration aims to strengthen supply chain resilience and improve patient access to diagnostics.
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