PanTera Raises €134 Million to Tackle Global Actinium-225 Shortage for Cancer Therapies

PanTera Raises €134 Million to Tackle Global Actinium-225 Shortage for Cancer Therapies

(IN BRIEF) Belgium-based PanTera has raised €134 million in a Series A funding round led by EQT Life Sciences to accelerate the large-scale production of actinium-225 (225Ac), a crucial isotope for Targeted Alpha Therapy (TAT) used in cancer treatment. The funds will be used to build a new facility in Belgium, aiming to produce over 100 Curies of 225Ac annually by 2029. PanTera’s innovative production process addresses the global shortage of the isotope, enabling treatment for over 100,000 patients per year. Early production is set to begin in 2025, with supply agreements already in place with major pharmaceutical companies.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 11-Sep-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Belgian radioisotope producer PanTera has secured €134 million in a Series A funding round led by EQT Life Sciences, with additional investments from Kurma Partners, Eurazeo, Korys, Paladin, and PMV. The funds will support the construction of a state-of-the-art facility in Belgium aimed at large-scale production of actinium-225 (225Ac), a critical radioisotope for Targeted Alpha Therapy (TAT), a promising cancer treatment.

PanTera’s goal is to resolve the global shortage of 225Ac by producing over 100 Curies (Ci) annually by 2029, enough to treat more than 100,000 patients per year. The company’s unique photo-nuclear “gamma” process, using Radium-226, will provide a reliable supply of 225Ac for both clinical trials and future commercial treatments. PanTera is on track to begin supplying early quantities of 225Ac by 2025 through an alternative production method.

EQT Life Sciences’ investment in PanTera highlights the growing demand for innovative cancer treatments and the critical need for a sustainable 225Ac supply. PanTera has already secured supply agreements with pharmaceutical companies, including Bayer, ensuring strong market demand for its upcoming production capacity.

About EQT
EQT is a purpose-driven global investment organization with EUR 246 billion in total assets under management (EUR 133 billion in fee-generating assets under management), within two business segments – Private Capital and Real Assets. EQT owns portfolio companies and assets in Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas and supports them in achieving sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership.

More info: www.eqtgroup.com
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About PanTera
PanTera, an IBA and SCK CEN joint-venture, aims to secure the large-scale production of actinium-225 (225Ac), one of the most promising alpha-emitting radioisotopes to fight cancers. By working towards this large-scale production, PanTera’s ultimate goal is to improve the accessibility of future innovative cancer therapy based on 225Ac and theranostics in general.

More information can be found at: www.pantera-life.com

About IBA
IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A.) is the world leader in particle accelerator technology. The company is the leading supplier of equipment and services in the field of proton therapy, considered to be the most advanced form of radiation therapy available today. IBA is also a leading player in the fields of industrial sterilization, radiopharmaceuticals and dosimetry. The company, based in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, employs approximately 2,000 people worldwide. IBA is a certified B Corporation (B Corp) meeting the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance.

IBA is listed on the pan-European stock exchange EURONEXT (IBA: Reuters IBAB.BR and Bloomberg IBAB.BB).

More information can be found at: www.iba-worldwide.com

About SCK CEN
70 years of experience in nuclear research and technology

SCK CEN is one of the largest research institutions in Belgium. Every day, more than 900 employees dedicate themselves to developing peaceful applications of radioactivity. SCK CEN’s research activities focus on three main areas: innovative nuclear systems, nuclear waste management and dismantling, and the resolute fight against cancer. World-renowned, SCK CEN shares its knowledge through countless publications and training courses, so that this pool of exceptional competence can be maintained.

More information can be found at: www.sckcen.be

Media Contact:

EQT Press Office
press@eqtpartners.com

SOURCE: EQT