Zevacor Molecular buys 70 MeV Cyclotron dedicated to medical use from IBA

Nov 5 2013

Zevacor Molecular, an independently owned healthcare firm that manufactures and distributes PET and SPECT radiopharmaceuticals, has purchased the first 70 MeV Cyclotron dedicated to medical use in the United States from Ion Beam Applications, S.A., (IBA).

The purchase of IBA's Cyclone 70 is the first of several investments Zevacor is making to secure the future of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. The 70 MeV Cyclotron is expected to be operational in the fall of 2016 and will help to stabilize the domestic supply of medical isotopes needed to diagnose and treat critical illnesses.

In addition to the cyclotron, Zevacor will also invest in significant infrastructure to create a new, state of the art manufacturing facility to house the Cyclone 70 as well as other cyclotrons and manufacturing equipment. A location is expected to be determined by the end of 2013.

"This is just the beginning," said John Zehner, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Zevacor Molecular. "With strategic investments like the purchase of the Cyclone 70, Zevacor and our partners will help hospitals improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, cardiovascular disease and other critical illnesses. Our goal is to support the current needs of the nuclear medicine and molecular imaging community and assist in the growth and development of new diagnostics and therapeutics."

The main focus of the first 70 MeV Cyclotron will be the commercial manufacture of Strontium 82 to ensure ample, stable United States based supply of Strontium 82/Rubidium 82 generators for use in the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease.  This important radiotracer has no current commercial supplier, and only has United States and foreign based supply from national labs.

Although the primary focus is the manufacture of Strontium 82, the Cyclone 70 is capable of producing a wide variety of other radionuclides for both research and clinical applications. 

"We are delighted that Zevacor Molecular selected IBA to install the first commercial 70 MeV Cyclotron dedicated to the production of radiopharmaceuticals in the United States," said Olivier Legrain, Chief Executive Officer, IBA. "We are honored to partner with Zevacor Molecular and participate in their mission to help advance the care of patients through the provision of advanced diagnostic agents."