Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS) has entered a long-term supply agreement with Niowave Inc., a US-based isotope production company, securing scalable access to Actinium-225 (Ac-225)—a critical alpha-emitting isotope for radioligand therapies (RLT). The deal addresses the severe global supply constraint of Ac-225, enabling Novartis to expand its industry-leading radiopharmaceutical portfolio beyond Lutathera and Pluvicto into next-generation alpha-targeted therapies.
Transaction Overview
Element
Detail
Pharma Partner
Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS)
Supplier
Niowave Inc. (US-based isotope technology company)
Commodity
Actinium-225 (Ac-225)
Deal Structure
Long-term supply agreement
Strategic Purpose
Scalable Ac-225 supply for radioligand therapy (RLT) pipeline
Technology
Niowave superconducting linear accelerator + advanced radiochemistry
Actinium-225 Strategic Value
Property
Ac-225 Specification
Therapeutic Advantage
Emission Type
High-energy alpha particles
Precision cell killing with minimal surrounding tissue damage (high linear energy transfer)
Range
50-100 micrometers
Tumor-specific destruction; sparing of adjacent healthy tissue
Clinical Potential
Next-generation radioligand therapies
Overcoming beta-emitter limitations (Lutathera, Pluvicto) in resistant micrometastases
Supply Constraint
Global shortage; historically derived from thorium-229 decay or cyclotron production
Reliable Ac-225 supply creates competitive barrier for latecomers to alpha-RLT market
Forward‑Looking Statements This brief contains forward‑looking statements regarding Novartis Actinium-225 radioligand therapy development, Niowave production scalability, and alpha-emitter market expansion. Actual results may differ due to radiochemistry manufacturing challenges, regulatory requirements for alpha-emitter therapeutics, and competitive dynamics in radiopharmaceutical supply chain.-Fineline Info & Tech
By Fineline Cube