New academic industry collaboration aims to expand access to targeted alpha therapy and speed clinical research
Stanford, California, 11 February 2026 – Stanford Radiology is launching a new international collaboration to establish California’s first operational supply chain for astatine-211 (At-211), a promising radioactive isotope used in targeted cancer therapy. The initiative brings together academic expertise and industry technology to expand research access and prepare for future clinical applications.
The partnership includes Atley Solutions and Telix Pharmaceuticals. Together, the organizations aim to strengthen the infrastructure needed to reliably produce and use At-211 in the western United States, an area where limited access has slowed research progress.
Astatine-211 is an alpha-emitting radionuclide that has shown strong potential in targeted radionuclide therapy, especially for treating metastatic cancers. In simple terms, this type of therapy delivers radiation directly to cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Because alpha particles release high energy over a short distance, they can destroy tumor cells with precision. However, despite growing interest in At-211-based therapies, researchers have faced challenges in securing a steady and high-quality supply of the isotope.
This collaboration aims to solve that problem. Production of At-211 will begin with the irradiation of bismuth-209 targets at the cyclotron located at Crocker Nuclear Laboratory at the University of California, Davis. The facility’s high-energy beam is essential for producing astatine-211.
Once produced, the isotope will be processed at Stanford’s Cyclotron and Radiochemistry Facility (CRF), which operates two on-site cyclotrons and has current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) capabilities. The CRF will focus on purification, radiochemistry, and preparing At-211-based compounds for translational research and early clinical studies. An Atley C100 module will also be installed at Stanford to validate the full radiopharmaceutical workflow—from target processing to final drug production.
According to project leaders, the initiative addresses a major gap in the isotope supply chain and creates new opportunities for innovation in nuclear medicine and theranostics. By building a reliable local infrastructure, researchers can accelerate the transition of promising radiopharmaceuticals from laboratory research to patient care. Stanford’s team expects to produce its first At-211-labeled compound for clinical studies later this year.
The collaboration, which runs through 2026, is supported by grant funding from VINNOVA under its program focused on strengthening health and life science partnerships between the United States and international partners.
As interest in precision oncology, targeted alpha therapy, and theranostic radiopharmaceuticals continues to grow, this initiative marks a significant step forward. By combining academic research, advanced cyclotron technology, and industry expertise, Stanford Radiology is working to create a sustainable pathway for next-generation cancer treatments in California and beyond.