Telix and Ekalia plan U.S. astatine-211 production to secure priority isotope access and support TLX102-Tx and targeted alpha therapy research.
Written By: Rishabh Sonawane, BPharm
Reviewed By: Pharmacally Editorial Team
Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited and Ekalia have announced a collaboration to establish a U.S. production source for astatine-211 (²¹¹At), an alpha-emitting radioisotope being investigated for targeted cancer treatment. The partnership aims to strengthen isotope supply, support Telix’s therapeutic pipeline, and make production capacity available to academic and industry research programs.
Collaboration Establishes a U.S. Production Framework
Announced on October 19, 2026, the collaboration brings together IBA’s specialised alpha-beam cyclotron technology, Framatome’s nuclear and isotope production expertise, and Telix’s U.S. radiopharmacy network, last-mile distribution infrastructure, and radiopharmaceutical development capabilities. Ekalia is a joint venture between IBA and Framatome that is in formation.
The first IBA alpha-beam cyclotron is planned for installation and operation at Telix’s RLS Radiopharmacies site in Trevose, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia. The initial installation is intended to establish a reproducible production model, with the potential for further installations across the RLS network as demand develops.
The arrangement provides Telix with dedicated, long-term, priority access to astatine-211. However, the announcement does not specify a confirmed installation or operational date.
Scientific Rationale and Clinical Development Potential
Astatine-211 is an alpha-emitting radioisotope being investigated for targeted alpha therapy (TAT), an approach designed to deliver radiation to cancer cells. Its potential applications have attracted interest in precision oncology, but limited production capacity remains a constraint on broader research and clinical development.
The collaboration aims to improve the reliability, availability, and timely distribution of astatine-211 through production sites located closer to clinical centres. Establishing a reproducible domestic production model could help address supply constraints and support the development of investigational radiopharmaceuticals.
Telix expects the partnership to support several early-stage therapeutic candidates, including TLX102-Tx (²¹¹At astato-L-phenylalanine), an investigational targeted alpha therapy being evaluated for glioblastoma and leptomeningeal disease. The collaboration is also intended to support future astatine-211 programs.
The announcement does not report new clinical efficacy or safety findings for TLX102-Tx. Its relevance to the candidate lies in the intended improvement in isotope access, rather than evidence of a change in clinical performance.
Commercial Implications and Strategic Positioning
For Telix, the collaboration provides a dedicated, long-term source of astatine-211 intended to support its alpha-therapy pipeline, including TLX102-Tx and future astatine-211 programs. Its U.S. radiopharmacy network and distribution infrastructure are expected to support the pathway from isotope production to clinical supply.
The partnership also intends to make production capacity available to third-party academic and industry research programs, potentially broadening the U.S. research ecosystem for astatine-211-based therapies.
Bruno Scutnaire, CEO of Ekalia, highlighted the role of IBA’s cyclotron technology and Telix’s infrastructure in establishing the first U.S. production unit. Chad Watkins, Telix’s General Manager of Isotope Strategy, emphasised the importance of controlling the supply pathway from isotope production to patient delivery within the company’s development and commercialisation strategy.
Manufacturing Investment and Implementation Timeline
The announcement does not specify the collaboration’s financial terms, anticipated revenue contribution, or capital expenditure. It also provides no confirmed installation or operational date.
The immediate priority is the planned installation at Trevose. Further installations across the RLS network will depend on evaluation and demand, leaving the scale and timing of future expansion uncertain.
Clinical Interpretation
The Telix–Ekalia collaboration addresses a practical infrastructure constraint in targeted alpha therapy: reliable access to therapeutic isotopes. Dedicated, long-term priority access to astatine-211 could support TLX102-Tx and other investigational programs while creating opportunities for external researchers. However, the partnership represents a planned manufacturing and supply-chain development, not a regulatory approval or demonstration of clinical benefit. Its eventual impact will depend on implementation, production reliability, and the clinical progress of the therapies it supports.
Reference
Telix and Ekalia to Collaborate on Astatine-211 Production in the U.S., Telix, 19 October 2026
About the Writer
Rishabha Sonawane, B.Pharm (LinkedIn) is healthcare writer with a strong interest in medical writing, regulatory affairs, clinical research, and AI-driven drug discovery. He has completed specialized training from the NIH and ICMR in clinical pharmacology, clinical research, and scientific writing. Passionate about evidence-based healthcare communication, he focuses on translating complex scientific research into clear, accurate, and engaging medical content.