Nuclear medicine companies strike deal to produce, distribute novel PET imaging agent
Bracco molecular imaging subsidiary Blue Earth Diagnostics and PETNET Solutions, part of Siemens Healthineers, announced Tuesday a deal to produce and distribute the former’s prostate cancer imaging agent along with another one of its investigational radiohybrid agents.
Under the multi-year agreement, Burlington, Massachusetts-based PETNET will expand production and continue distributing Axumin, a molecular agent used during PET scanning in certain prostate cancer patients.
PETNET has also agreed to commercially manufacture and distribute Blue Earth Diagnostics’ investigational radiohybrid prostate-specific membrane antigen-targeted agent known as rhPSMA-7.3, pending successful development and Food and Drug Administration approval.
“We believe that the complementary mechanisms of action of Axumin and rhPSMA-7.3 (18F) may ultimately allow physicians and their patients flexibility in selecting the diagnostic agent most appropriate to each specific clinical situation,” CEO of Blue Earth Diagnostics, Jonathan Allis D. Phil, said in the June 16 announcement. “The new agreement expands Axumin production in 2021, so that physicians and patients may have more convenient access to the product.”
Axium came to market in 2016 as the first FDA-approved F-18 imaging agent for recurrent prostate cancer. It’s currently available at more than 1,100 imaging centers across the United States.
Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.