NRG PALLAS and Global Morpho Pharma Establish Strategic Partnership to Secure Independent Supply of Lutetium-177 Chloride
Acceleration of patient access to next-generation cancer therapies
NRG PALLAS and Global Morpho Pharma (MORPHO) have entered into a strategic partnership to implement a sustainable and independent supply chain for n.c.a. Lutetium-177 chloride in Petten, The Netherlands.
Marjolijn Droog, executive director medical isotopes NRG PALLAS: "This partnership is a vital step toward a more resilient radiopharmaceutical ecosystem. By integrating Global Morpho Pharma’s technology with our infrastructure, we are creating a supply chain that is not just reliable, but truly independent, allowing innovation to flourish across the industry."
By deploying KaLupso - MORPHO’s automated radiochemistry platform - within NRG PALLAS’s world-class nuclear infrastructure, the partnership directly addresses the global shortage of n.c.a. Lu-177 and accelerates patient access to next-generation cancer therapies."
François Zimmermann, CEO, Global Morpho Pharma: "Reliable isotope supply doesn't happen by chance - it is engineered, through the right partnerships. NRG PALLAS brings world-class nuclear infrastructure and regulatory expertise, MORPHO brings KaLupso, a fully automated, GMP-compliant platform for n.c.a. Lu-177 production. Combined, we offer the radiopharmaceutical industry a reliable, independent, and scalable source of supply.”
Impact on Patient Care
It is estimated that currently over 100,000 patients worldwide could benefit annually from Lu-177-based therapies. As these treatments move toward earlier lines of care, the eligible patient population is expected to grow exponentially. This partnership directly stimulates innovation, ensuring that these life-saving therapies reach patients faster and more reliably.
Targeted Cancer Treatment
Lutetium-177 is the cornerstone of RLT, a "search and destroy" method that delivers radiation directly to cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. This partnership specifically targets the growing demand for treating:
- Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC): One of the most common cancers in men globally.
- Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs): Specifically those that are somatostatin receptor-positive.
- Emerging Indications: Ongoing clinical trials are expanding the use of Lu-177 to treat kidney, lung, and breast cancers.
Addressing the Global Surge in Targeted Radionuclide Therapy
The primary objective of this partnership is to solve the critical supply bottleneck for Lutetium-177 (Lu-177), the most sought-after isotope in RadioLigand Therapy (RLT). In its GMP isotope production facility, NRG PALLAS will implement MORPHO’s proprietary KaLupso technology, an automated process to produce non-carrier-added lutetium chloride under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). This creates a robust, reliable, and sustainable source for this vital radiochemical.
A Unique Independent Supply Model
What distinguishes this collaboration is the commitment to an independent, non-exclusive supply model. NRG PALLAS and MORPHO will provide GMP-grade lutetium chloride to a broad spectrum of users - from established radiopharmaceutical giants to innovative public institutions and agile startups.
By combining mutual strengths in technology engineering, radiochemistry, and regulatory expertise, the partners offer unique competitive advantages:
- Integrated Infrastructure: NRG PALLAS operates a dedicated reactor and processing facility on the same premises in Petten.
- Optimized Yield: This co-location minimizes isotope decay during transport, ensuring maximum yield and cost-efficiency.
- Reliability: MORPHO’s KaLupso is a fully automated process, ensuring repeatable quality and performance.
- Market Leadership: The partnership sets a new industry standard for supply chain resilience.
The companies are currently installing, qualifying, and validating KaLupso within the GMP isotope production facility, with a target for initial commercial delivery in early 2027.
