Towards a European production of stable isotopes for novel nuclear medicine therapies (SAMIRA/ERVI)
Radiological and nuclear technologies are integral to modern healthcare, playing a crucial role in cancer care— from early detection and diagnosis to treatment and palliative support. They also support the diagnosis and management of a wide range of other conditions, including cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Each year, patients across Europe benefit from nuclear medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other serious conditions.
Innovations such as targeted radionuclide therapy, also known as radioligand therapy, are reshaping medicine by enabling more precise and personalised treatment. Medical radioisotopes are essential for both diagnostics and an expanding array of therapeutic applications, particularly in oncology.
The EU's supply of novel radiopharmaceuticals for cancer therapy faces growing risks due to uncertainties over the availability of rare stable isotopes imported from Russia. A key concern is the availability of precursor materials for medical radioisotope production, particularly Yb-176, essential for innovative medicines in the EU. The EU's reliance on Russia for some stable isotope supply poses a strategic vulnerability. Reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and diversifying the supply chain will enhance the EU’s resilience and security of supply.
This action aims to mitigate supply risks by establishing a secure and sustainable production of stable isotopes, such as Yb-176, essential for Lu-177 manufacturing, the main component of radiopharmaceuticals like Lutetium-177-PSMA (used to treat prostate cancer) and Lutetium-177 Dotatate (employed in therapies against neuroendocrine tumours). The production of other stable radioisotopes to produce emerging alpha and beta emitters for targeted radiotherapy are considered in this call (e.g. Gd essential for Tb isotopes manufacturing). This will widen the portfolio of therapeutic radioisotopes and theragnostic pairs of radioisotopes to offer patients personalized options in nuclear medicine for both diagnostics and therapy.
A key objective is to develop innovative and cost-effective methods for producing stable isotopes, particularly Yb-176, thereby reducing dependency on external suppliers and enhancing strategic autonomy. Ensuring a consistent and reliable isotope supply will enhance nuclear medicine therapies, benefitting patients while strengthening the EU’s long-term resilience in the field. Interdisciplinary collaboration will be essential in achieving this goal.
The initiative will also foster partnerships with industry, policymakers, and healthcare professionals, ensuring a comprehensive approach that aligns production capacity with clinical and commercial needs. Engaging stakeholders across the nuclear medicine value chain will enhance feasibility, scalability, and market integration.
Beyond securing isotope supply, this action will stimulate innovation, attract investment, and drive economic growth, reinforcing the EU’s leadership in nuclear medicine while creating new opportunities in the sector.
This action should focus on closer-to-the-market activities, including prototyping, testing, demonstrating, piloting and scaling up new or improved products or processes. Proposals may include limited R&D activities. Activities are expected to focus on Technology Readiness Levels 5 to 7 (indicative but not mandatory, depending on the innovative potential of the field).
Where appropriate, the Commission recommends that consortia use the services of the JRC. The JRC may participate in the preparation and submission of the proposal. The JRC would bear the operational costs for its own staff and research infrastructure operational costs. The JRC facilities and expertise are listed in General Annex H of this Work Programme.