Curium, a leader in nuclear medicine, is set to launch a state-of-the-art facility at the Churchill Hospital site, part of the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. This new site will focus on the production of advanced diagnostic technology aimed at improving the detection of diseases, particularly cancer.
Scheduled to open shortly, the facility will manufacture positron emission tomography (PET) tracers, essential for diagnosing conditions like cancer. PET tracers, which are short-lived radioactive substances, play a crucial role in medical imaging by targeting specific biological processes, such as glucose metabolism and blood flow. This allows medical professionals to visualize tumors and other serious illnesses with remarkable precision.
“Curium is proud to have played a part in the past decade in expanding access to essential tests for more people,” said Ruairi O’Donnell, General Manager for Curium in the UK and Ireland. He emphasized the importance of nuclear technology in both diagnosis and treatment, noting its potential to revolutionize cancer therapy for approximately 80% of cancers over the next 10 to 15 years through radioligand therapy.
This initiative in Oxford aligns with a broader effort to enhance diagnostic services in regions that currently have limited access to advanced imaging technologies. In the UK, there are significant disparities in the availability of scans, which can lead to extended waiting times and complicate timely treatment. The new Oxford facility aims to improve access for patients not only in the local area but also for those in the Midlands, Greater London, and the southwest.
As O’Donnell highlighted, “Access to the right tests is a critical part of a patient’s journey from diagnosis to treatment and then recovery.” With significant regional differences affecting patients, the establishment of this facility represents a substantial step toward ensuring that more individuals can receive timely and appropriate diagnostic services.
In the past decade, Curium has invested heavily in expanding PET capabilities throughout England, increasing the number of sites offering vital scans to over 25. This includes addressing underserved areas like Newcastle, where Curium has recently secured a deal to provide additional PET tracers.
The new Oxford site is not Curium’s only expansion in the UK; it follows the company’s existing Hammersmith facility in West London, ensuring a stronger network of resources for cancer diagnostics across the country. O’Donnell reaffirmed the company’s commitment to improving patient access as health ministers push for reforms in the NHS, stating, “It is vital that they build in maximum possible capacity for PET scans to patients which may mean using multiple suppliers for maximum reach.”
Curium Pharma is renowned globally as a leading radiopharmaceutical firm dedicated to innovating cancer diagnostic and treatment methods. With headquarters in Boston and operations reaching over 70 countries, the company employs a workforce of more than 5,000 skilled individuals and operates four manufacturing sites. Curium maintains a diverse portfolio of over 45 products, advancing patient care across various types of cancer.
The company’s commitment to innovation in nuclear medicine is evident in its ongoing research and development efforts, specifically targeting areas such as neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer treatments. As the industry evolves, Curium continues to expand its portfolio to better serve the diagnostic and therapeutic needs of patients worldwide.
For more information about Curium and its groundbreaking work in radiopharmaceuticals, visit www.curiumpharma.com.
For press inquiries, contact:
Camilla Campell
VP, Head of Global Communications
Camilla.campbell@curiumpharma.com
