Dublin, Ohio, USA – April 1, 2026

In a significant advancement for the rapidly evolving field of targeted cancer therapies, Cardinal Health has announced the expansion of its Actinium-225 (Ac-225) production capacity at its Center for Theranostics Advancement in Indianapolis. This strategic move aims to address the global shortage of Ac-225, a critical radioisotope used in the development of next-generation targeted alpha therapies, and to support the growing demand from clinical trials and future commercial applications.

Scaling Ac-225 Production to Meet Global Demand

Cardinal Health has integrated a high-capacity production line into its Drug Master File (DMF), significantly increasing the availability of cGMP-compliant Actinium-225 for pharmaceutical innovators. The company has already quadrupled its weekly production output since late 2024, demonstrating its commitment to building a robust and scalable supply chain for radiopharmaceutical development.

This expansion is a critical milestone for the theranostics industry, where supply limitations have historically slowed the pace of innovation. By enhancing production capabilities, Cardinal Health is enabling greater access to high-quality Ac-225 for research, clinical trials, and eventual commercialization, ensuring that developers of targeted alpha therapies can accelerate their programs without material constraints..

Ac-225 plays a vital role in oncology due to its alpha-emitting properties, which allow it to deliver highly potent, localized radiation directly to cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This makes it an ideal component for therapies targeting hard-to-treat cancers, including prostate, neuroendocrine, breast, colon, melanoma, and lymphoma.

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Driving Innovation in Targeted Alpha Therapies

The expansion comes at a time when targeted alpha therapies are gaining momentum as a transformative approach in oncology, offering new hope for patients with limited treatment options. These therapies combine precision-targeting molecules with radioactive isotopes like Ac-225, creating a powerful mechanism to selectively destroy cancer cells.

Cardinal Health’s enhanced production capacity directly supports this innovation ecosystem, having already supplied Ac-225 for more than 15 clinical trials worldwide. The company’s ability to deliver consistent, cGMP-grade material is essential for ensuring regulatory compliance and maintaining the integrity of clinical research.

Industry stakeholders have emphasized the importance of reliable isotope supply. Leaders in radiopharmaceutical development highlight that access to Ac-225 remains one of the most critical bottlenecks in advancing targeted alpha therapies from research to clinical practice. With this expansion, Cardinal Health is helping to remove a key barrier to innovation, accelerating the development timeline for potentially life-saving treatments.

Strengthening Global Supply Chains and Future Readiness

Beyond supporting current clinical programs, Cardinal Health’s investment positions the company to meet future commercial-scale demand as more Ac-225-based therapies approach regulatory approval. The company has also supported regulatory filings across multiple regions, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in the global radiopharmaceutical supply chain.

The expansion reflects a forward-looking strategy to align production capabilities with the anticipated surge in demand, driven by the success of ongoing clinical trials and increasing adoption of precision oncology approaches. By ensuring scalable and reliable isotope availability, Cardinal Health is contributing to the broader goal of making targeted alpha therapies more accessible to patients worldwide.

Furthermore, the company’s infrastructure and expertise in nuclear medicine and radiopharmaceutical manufacturing provide a strong foundation for continued innovation. Its Center for Theranostics Advancement serves as a hub for cutting-edge research, production, and collaboration, enabling pharmaceutical companies to advance their pipelines with confidence.

As the oncology landscape shifts toward personalized and precision-based treatments, the importance of radioisotope supply chains cannot be overstated. Cardinal Health’s expansion of Ac-225 production capacity represents a pivotal step in supporting the next wave of cancer therapies, ensuring that scientific breakthroughs can translate into real-world patient impact.

With increasing clinical validation and regulatory momentum, targeted alpha therapies are poised to redefine cancer treatment paradigms, and Cardinal Health’s leadership in isotope production places it at the center of this transformation.

Source: Cardinal Health press release