ASP Isotopes and Isotopia Announce Supply Agreement for Gadolinium-160 to Accelerate Terbium-161 Production for Advanced Cancer Therapies

Rhea-AI Summary

ASP Isotopes (NASDAQ: ASPI) and Isotopia Molecular Imaging have formed a strategic partnership for the supply of Gadolinium-160, a crucial isotope needed to produce Terbium-161 for cancer treatments. ASP Isotopes will use its Quantum Enrichment technology to provide Gd-160 to Isotopia, addressing a major supply chain bottleneck. Tb-161 shows promise in treating prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors through its dual mechanism of action, including Auger electron emissions that precisely target micro-metastases. Isotopia, which has been producing Tb-161 weekly for clinical trials, will manufacture the isotope at facilities in Israel and Indianapolis. This collaboration combines ASP Isotopes' large-scale isotope enrichment capabilities with Isotopia's expertise in medical isotope production, potentially advancing the development of more effective targeted radiotherapeutics.

Positive

• Strategic partnership secures critical Gd-160 supply chain for Tb-161 production
• ASP Isotopes' Quantum Enrichment technology enables large-scale isotope production
• Isotopia's expansion to Indianapolis facility indicates growth potential
• Tb-161's dual mechanism offers potential advantages over existing treatments

Negative

• None.

Insights

Healthcare Biotechnology Expert

ASP-Isotopia partnership unlocks Tb-161 production potential, addressing critical radioisotope supply bottleneck for precision cancer therapies.

This partnership addresses a critical supply chain bottleneck in the emerging field of targeted radiotherapeutics. By securing Gadolinium-160 (Gd-160) through ASP's proprietary Quantum Enrichment technology, Isotopia can now scale production of Terbium-161 (Tb-161), which has been limited by precursor availability.

Tb-161's therapeutic profile is particularly compelling for oncology applications. Its dual mechanism of action, specifically the Auger electron emissions, enables highly precise targeting of micro-metastases while minimizing collateral damage to healthy tissues. These Auger electrons induce double-strand DNA breaks in cancer cells, offering potential efficacy advantages over established isotopes like Lutetium-177 (Lu-177).

The clinical significance is substantial for treatment of prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors. Isotopia has already demonstrated operational capabilities by maintaining weekly Tb-161 production for its clinical trials over the past two years, alongside commercial-scale production of Lu-177. The expansion to a second production facility in Indianapolis further validates their preparation for potential commercial scale-up.

This agreement aligns with the broader shift in oncology toward targeted radiotherapeutics, which enable more localized treatment delivery via tumor-seeking molecules. By addressing the Gd-160 supply constraint, this partnership removes a significant hurdle in advancing Tb-161-labeled drug candidates through clinical development toward potential commercialization.

Financial Analyst

ASP Isotopes leverages proprietary technology to secure position in high-growth radiopharmaceutical supply chain.

This strategic agreement positions ASP Isotopes advantageously in the specialized medical isotope market. By deploying its proprietary Quantum Enrichment technology to produce Gadolinium-160, ASP addresses a recognized supply constraint in the radiopharmaceutical production chain. This represents a high-barrier-to-entry market opportunity where specialized technology creates competitive differentiation.

The partnership builds on ASP's established capabilities, previously demonstrated through Ytterbium-176 production. By expanding into Gd-160 supply, ASP diversifies its isotope portfolio while maintaining focus on its core technological competency. The agreement validates both ASP's enrichment technology and its business model of enabling downstream radiopharmaceutical development.

For context, Isotopia brings proven operational credibility to this partnership. Their dual manufacturing footprint across Israel and the upcoming Indianapolis facility demonstrates commitment to supply chain resilience—a critical consideration in the sensitive medical isotope market. Their existing weekly production of Tb-161 for clinical trials and established Lu-177 manufacturing provides evidence of execution capability.

This agreement comes amid growing commercial and investment interest in radiopharmaceuticals. By addressing a specific production bottleneck for Tb-161, ASP is positioning itself as an enabling technology provider in an emerging therapeutic approach with significant clinical potential. The partnership structure leverages each company's strengths—ASP's enrichment technology and Isotopia's radiopharmaceutical production expertise—creating mutual value in a specialized healthcare technology segment.

PETACH TIKVA, Israel, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ASP Isotopes Inc. (NASDAQ: ASPI) and Isotopia Molecular Imaging Ltd. have entered into a strategic agreement to secure the supply of Gadolinium-160 (Gd-160), a critical precursor isotope for producing Terbium-161 (Tb-161), an emerging medical isotope with significant potential in targeted radiotherapeutics.  
This partnership addresses longstanding supply challenges for Gd-160, enabling Isotopia to advance Tb-161-based therapies for prostate cancer, neuroendocrine tumors, and other malignancies. 

Under the agreement, ASP Isotopes will leverage its proprietary Quantum Enrichment technology to provide Isotopia with enriched Gd-160, a stable isotope essential for manufacturing Tb-161.  
The collaboration combines ASP Isotopes' expertise in large-scale isotope enrichment—previously demonstrated through its production of Ytterbium-176 (Yb-176)—with Isotopia's proven capabilities in commercial-scale medical isotope production. Isotopia has consistently manufactured Lutetium-177 (Lu-177) and maintained weekly Tb-161 production for its clinical trials over the past two years. 

Paul Mann, CEO of ASP Isotopes, emphasized the agreement's significance: "By supplying Gd-160, we are eliminating a major bottleneck in the development of Tb-161 therapies. Our investment in enrichment technology positions us to support the radiopharmaceutical industry's growing demand for stable isotopes. This partnership accelerates the path to clinical adoption of Tb-161, which could redefine cancer treatment paradigms." 

Dr. Eli Shalom, CEO of Isotopia, highlighted Tb-161's therapeutic advantages: "Tb-161's dual mechanism of action, including Auger electron emissions, enables precise targeting of micro-metastases while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. This partnership ensures a reliable Gd-160 supply chain, allowing us to scale production and advance our Tb-161-labeled drug candidates toward commercialization. We produce in our site in Israel and shortly the production will start in our second site in Indianapolis in the US." 

Tb-161's Auger electrons induce double-strand DNA breaks in cancer cells, offering potential advantages over Lu-177 and alpha-emitting isotopes. This precision aligns with the oncology field's shift toward targeted radiotherapeutics, which improve efficacy and reduce side effects. The agreement comes as global interest in radiopharmaceuticals surges, driven by their ability to deliver localized radiation therapy via tumor-seeking molecules. 

About ASP Isotopes Inc. 
ASP Isotopes Inc. specializes in advanced isotope separation technologies, including its proprietary Aerodynamic Separation Process and Quantum Enrichment, which produce stable isotopes without radioactive waste. The company's initial focus is on producing and commercializing highly enriched isotopes for the healthcare and technology industries. The Company has isotope enrichment facilities in Pretoria, South Africa. For more information, please visit www.aspisotopes.com.

About Isotopia Molecular Imaging Ltd. 
Isotopia is a global leader in medical isotope production, with facilities in Israel, Europe, and the U.S. Its integrated platform includes cyclotrons, Lu-177 and Tb-161 production sites, and sterile manufacturing capabilities. The company collaborates with researchers and clinicians to develop novel radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostics and targeted therapy. 

This partnership positions both companies at the forefront of the radiopharmaceutical revolution, with the potential to expand treatment options for cancer patients worldwide. 

Contact: eshalom@isotopia-global.com 

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SOURCE Isotopia

FAQ

What is the purpose of the partnership between ASP Isotopes (ASPI) and Isotopia?

The partnership aims to secure the supply of Gadolinium-160, a critical precursor isotope needed for producing Terbium-161, which is used in targeted cancer therapies.

How will ASPI produce Gadolinium-160 for Isotopia?

ASP Isotopes will use its proprietary Quantum Enrichment technology to produce enriched Gadolinium-160.

What are the advantages of Terbium-161 in cancer treatment?

Terbium-161 offers dual mechanism of action with Auger electron emissions that can precisely target micro-metastases while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

Where will Isotopia manufacture Terbium-161?

Isotopia will manufacture Terbium-161 at their existing facility in Israel and a new site in Indianapolis, US.

What types of cancer can be treated with Terbium-161?

Terbium-161 is being developed to treat prostate cancer, neuroendocrine tumors, and other malignancies.