What's Happening?
A private nuclear pharmacy unit at the Institute of Nuclear Medicine of AO Meditsina in Khimki, near Moscow, has initiated regular production of the radiopharmaceutical Fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG), which
is labeled with the short-lived isotope Fluorine-18. This development is significant as ¹⁸F-FDG is a cornerstone for diagnosing cancer. The company has stated that its advanced equipment allows it to control the entire technological cycle in-house, from obtaining the radioactive isotope to producing the final, ready-to-use drug. The manufacturing process involves synthesis, quality control, delivery to medical facilities, and adherence to radiation safety protocols. Grigory Roytberg, President of AO Meditsina, emphasized that domestic production addresses the growing demand for radiopharmaceuticals, enhances diagnostic accuracy, and increases availability of advanced treatments.
Why It's Important?
The establishment of domestic production of ¹⁸F-FDG is crucial for improving cancer diagnosis and treatment in Russia. Previously, many medical institutions had to procure this radiopharmaceutical from abroad or distant production sites, which limited availability and increased costs. The new facility in Khimki will allow more cancer patients to receive prompt and quality treatment through the CHI system. This development is expected to enhance diagnostic accuracy and increase the availability of advanced treatments, potentially improving patient outcomes. The initiative also represents a significant step in reducing dependency on foreign suppliers for critical medical resources.
What's Next?
The Khimki site plans to expand its production to include other in-demand radiopharmaceuticals such as ¹⁸F-PSMA, ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA, ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA, ¹⁷⁷Lu-DOTA-TATE, and ²²⁵Ac. These agents are used for precise diagnosis and treatment of oncological and neuroendocrine diseases, based on theranostics principles. This expansion could further enhance the capabilities of medical facilities in Russia, providing more comprehensive and advanced diagnostic and treatment options for patients.
Beyond the Headlines
The production of radiopharmaceuticals in Russia could have broader implications for the healthcare industry, potentially leading to increased investment in domestic medical research and development. It may also encourage other countries to develop similar capabilities, fostering global advancements in cancer treatment technologies. Additionally, the focus on theranostics could pave the way for more personalized medicine approaches, improving treatment efficacy and patient care.
