In the domain of healthcare, where the need for stable and domestic radioisotope supplies is increasingly crucial, Nusano stands out as a promising example. It is actively addressing this imperative with groundbreaking technology that promises to revolutionize the production of medical radioisotopes.
As a dedicated medical technology company, Nusano is charting a transformative course by commercializing a technology that not only meets but surpasses the limitations of existing methods.
At the core of Nusano’s mission lies a profound commitment – to empower leading companies, healthcare providers, and innovators with the essential radioisotopes indispensable for advancing cancer care. These radioisotopes, serving as the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in a myriad of cancer therapeutics, play an irreplaceable role in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other diseases.
In our exclusive interview with Chris Lowe, the visionary CEO of Nusano, we gain a firsthand perspective on the importance of a stable supply chain. With over 15 years of leadership roles in biotech companies, Chris brings a wealth of experience and understanding to Nusano, underscoring the critical role that a stable supply chain plays in advancing medical breakthroughs.
Our conversation with Chris offers a glimpse into the remarkable work of Nusano, positioning it as a trusted radiopharmaceutical company on the verge of transformative change.
Please tell us about your organization and its mission in the radiopharmaceutical industry.
At Nusano, we enable the next generation of cancer therapeutics by making medical radioisotopes available in volumes sufficient to ensure timely drug development and therapy delivery to the patient.
Healthcare has used medical radioisotopes for decades. The next generation of cancer therapeutics for certain types of cancer utilize radioisotopes to target cancer cells with precision. The results of these therapies have shown significant benefit to patients, but the current supply chain for radioisotopes is limited and unstable.
With more than 200 clinical trials ongoing in the U.S., demand for radiotherapeutics is projected to grow significantly as new therapies come to market. Unfortunately, existing supply chains for radioisotopes primarily originate in Russia, adding a layer of complexity and instability to the supply chain. Nusano’s technology reduces our dependence on Russia for nearly all radioisotopes.
What sets your company apart from other radiopharmaceutical companies? What are the main products and services that it offers?
Nusano is built around a breakthrough, foundational physics discovery which underpins and drives our proprietary ion source.
Existing technologies are limited in the kinds of isotopes they can create. The power of our ion beam and flexibility of our production platform enables Nusano to produce a menu of 30 different isotopes, including up to 12 simultaneously in our first facility. This will allow us to adapt and respond to market needs in real-time, a capability unprecedented in this market.
What are the biggest challenges that your company faces in the radiopharmaceutical industry, and how do you overcome them?
Recent shortages in well-established cancer drugs, like cisplatin and methotrexate, laid bare the fragility of existing medical supply chains. This should be an alarm bell for everyone in healthcare. We – industry and government – need to work together to make sure that does not repeat itself in medical radioisotope supply chains.
Our biggest challenge and our biggest enemy is time.
Today, drug development is constrained by limited isotope availability. The sooner Nusano – and others – bring new isotope supplies to market, the sooner patients will be able to get the therapies they need, and the sooner development can begin on the next wave of radiopharmaceuticals. The clinical evidence is compelling that these therapies can help a large number of patients.
Nusano is in active discussions with drugmakers and researchers, and we are aligning our product development plans and production schedules to meet current and future isotope needs at scale.
How does your company ensure the safety and quality of its radiopharmaceutical products?
We operate all aspects of our business with the patient in mind. What is good for the patient is good for business. We make decisions that adhere to the highest ethical standards and written guidelines. It’s the best path to ensuring we help as many patients as possible.
As an ingredient supplier to drug companies, we follow Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). GMP is an internationally recognized set of quality standards and practices that ensure product purity, safety and consistency. Our processes are built to ensure every patient receives the same high-quality product.
What is your company’s approach to research and development, and how do you stay ahead of the competition?
We start by assembling the best talent in particle physics and radiochemistry. Our research is focused on supply chain stability, ensuring our production methods are high quality and repeatable to the highest standards. Our technology is a significant step forward in terms of both its production capabilities and flexibility. This will support supply chain stability and bring radioisotope production into the 21st century.
What are the latest developments in your company, and what can we expect in the future?
Nusano is on track to deliver high volumes of isotopes in 2025. Our core technology now has over 20,000 hours of experience and is ready to be scaled quickly. I expect the stability of radioisotope supply chains will improve and the availability of additional isotopes will continue to drive new therapeutics in the market. We believe Nusano’s technology will be a key enabler of radiotherapeutics and help improve the lives of many cancer patients.
What is your company’s vision for the future of radiopharmaceuticals, and how do you plan to contribute to this vision?
Cancer will be with us for decades to come, but radiopharmaceuticals can play a pivotal role in slowing or stopping the disease. Nusano will be there to stabilize the supply chain and enable life-changing therapeutics. Nusano’s ability to broaden the types of isotopes available will help ensure drug developers have what they need to continue bringing new therapies to market.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in pursuing a career in the radiopharmaceutical industry?
Get into this industry because you believe in its ability to change lives for the better. I believe we are in the early days of radiotherapeutics. That’s tremendously exciting, but it also means there will be countless winners and losers along the way. Drugs will fail at the clinical trial stage. Companies will grow and be acquired. Others will disappear. The people who keep the patient first are the ones who will be successful. Find a team whose mission and vision attracts you and start there. Career paths are seldom straight lines. That doesn’t mean the journey isn’t rewarding.
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