Rocket Isotopes AG Secures Strategic Leadership in Terbium-161 Production to Power the Next Generation of Radioligand Therapies

Radioligand therapies represent one of the most dynamic areas of precision oncology, combining radioactive isotopes with cancer-specific ligands to selectively destroy tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue. With the global market for therapeutic radioisotopes projected to reach USD 3 billion by 2030, reliable isotope supply has become a critical bottleneck in the field.

“While the demand for radioligand therapies is growing exponentially, the industry faces severe supply constraints in radioisotope availability and production capacity,” said Dr. Vladimir Cmiljanovic, Chief Executive Officer of Swiss Rockets AG. “By securing access to raw materials and irradiation partners as well as developing our own separation technology, Rocket Isotopes is bridging one of the most critical gaps in nuclear medicine.”

A World-Leading Approach to Terbium-161

Rocket Isotopes has developed a semi-automated in-house purification process that delivers high-purity Tb-161 suitable for radiolabeling at high specific activities. The company has secured access to Gadolinium-160, the essential raw material for Tb-161 production, and confirmed nuclear reactor collaborations to ensure scalable manufacturing capacity. The supply of Tb-161 for clinical trials is scheduled to commence in the second half of 2026.

By delivering highly concentrated radiation directly to tumor cells, Tb-161 has the potential to outperform Lu-177—the current market standard for radioligand therapy—in anti-cancer efficacy, while preserving a comparable safety profile.

“Our goal is to ensure a stable and reliable supply of radioisotopes, beginning with Tb-161, to advance science and medicine,” said Dr. Nadezda Gracheva, Chief Operating Officer of Rocket Isotopes AG. “We are among the few global players with the scientific expertise and capabilities to produce Tb-161 at scale. This milestone brings us closer to ensuring that innovative radioligand therapies can reach patients without supply limitations.”

Synergistic Partnership with Torpedo Pharmaceuticals AG

Rocket Isotopes will serve as the Tb-161 supplier for its sister company Torpedo Pharmaceuticals AG, a Swiss biotech developing next-generation radioligand therapies. Torpedo’s lead candidate, TRP-001, targets early-stage prostate cancer using 161Tb-PSMA, with additional candidates in preclinical development for advanced prostate and other solid tumors.

This vertical integration within the Swiss Rockets Group creates a powerful innovation ecosystem, from isotope production to therapy, ensuring scientific, operational, and commercial alignment across the value chain. As production capacity expands beyond internal development needs, Rocket Isotopes also intends to support external partners and radiopharmaceutical developers, creating potential long-term opportunities for broader industry collaboration and additional revenue generation.