What's Happening?
IBA, a leader in particle accelerator technology, and Shreeji Imaging and Diagnostic Centre Pvt. Ltd., a prominent Indian manufacturer of PET radiopharmaceuticals, have entered into a multi-site agreement. This collaboration involves the delivery and installation of four Cyclone® KIUBE 300 cyclotrons in India, specifically in Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Kochi, and Bhubaneswar. The contract, valued between €5-7 million, aims to enhance the production of fluorine-18 (F-18) labeled compounds and other PET radiopharmaceuticals. This expansion is a response to the growing demand for PET imaging in India, as access to these services extends beyond major cities. The agreement is expected to improve the reliability of tracer supply and support the growth of PET diagnostics
in cancer care.
Why It's Important?
The agreement between IBA and Shreeji is significant as it addresses the increasing demand for PET imaging in India, a market that is rapidly expanding. By enhancing local production capabilities, the partnership aims to ensure a stable supply of high-quality radiopharmaceuticals, which is crucial for timely and effective cancer diagnostics. This development not only strengthens IBA's presence in India but also supports the broader healthcare infrastructure by making advanced diagnostic tools more accessible. The initiative is likely to stimulate further growth in the nuclear medicine sector, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes and fostering innovation in medical imaging technologies.
What's Next?
With the installation of the new cyclotrons, Shreeji is poised to significantly boost its domestic production capacity. This expansion is expected to enhance supply chain resilience and facilitate the introduction of next-generation tracers. As the systems come online, Shreeji plans to support emerging healthcare hubs across India, ensuring consistent nationwide service. The increased capacity will also allow for the exploration of novel isotopes, potentially leading to advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Stakeholders in the healthcare and nuclear medicine sectors will likely monitor the impact of this expansion on the availability and cost-effectiveness of PET imaging services.
