NSW Health’s boost towards AdvanCell research
ADVANCELL
Advancing therapies for the treatment of cancer:
NSW Health Medical Devices Fund’s boost towards AdvanCell research & development
The study of cancer has occupied medical researchers for centuries. Countless universities, organisations, and individuals have dedicated their resources and lives to the battle to conquer cancer. Over the years, many different methods have been attempted to treat, and sometimes to cure cancer.
Australian radiopharmaceutical company, AdvanCell Isotopes are one of three companies backed in 2021 by the NSW Health Medical Devices Fund.
AdvanCell received a $2.1 million grant for the continued development of their innovative isotope generator. The generator will produce clinical doses of a high-value radionuclide known as 212Pb, or as AdvanCell calls it, Alpha-212.
As an isotope of 212Pb decays, a single alpha particle (a helium nuclei) is emitted. Pairing the isotope with cancer cell targeting molecules results in a radiopharmaceutical to target, and eradicate, specific cancer cells - a revolutionary cancer treatment called “Targeted Alpha Therapy”.
Recent emphasis in targeted radiotherapy has been on the use of beta emitters. AdvanCell is focused on treatments using alpha emitters, due to their staggering power, and ability to break both strands of a cancer cell’s DNA. An alpha particle has approximately 8,000 times the mass of a beta particle, and travels a far shorter distance as it is emitted. These attributes suggest that alpha therapies could be more efficacious, with fewer off target effects.
The technology behind AdvanCell’s innovation was conceived by a team of experts in nuclear materials science, radiation, and clinical applications. After a desktop hypothesis, AdvanCell took to the workshop to produce a proof-of-concept prototype. This operating prototype will be used to make Alpha-212 for use in a clinical trial for metastatic prostate cancer in 2022.
AdvanCell engaged D+I to develop a complete product – encompassing industrial design, mechanical engineering and electronics. Drawing on D+I’s experience in the design and development of commercially successful medical devices, the team delivered an isotope generator that is easy to operate, safe, and intuitive to use.
The generator was designed to have a simplistic aesthetic in its exterior, but extremely sophisticated internal capabilities. The first-of-its-kind generator has been successfully developed and assembled and will produce Alpha-212 before year-end.
The NSW Health Medical Devices Fund helps AdvanCell continue to push boundaries and take innovative steps towards improved cancer treatment.
Though AdvanCell’s initial clinical research activity is focused on the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer, the Company is particularly excited to use Alpha-212 for multiple other indications, many of which have no current treatment options. AdvanCell mission is to change the course of cancer treatment.
