16. January 2025
Radiopharmacy: Radiance made in Saxony
Saxon radiopharmacy network nukliD® strengthens international visibility
Today, Thursday, January 16, 2025, leading German and international players in the field of radiopharmacy from Saxony agreed to intensify their collaboration. The aim of the partners from the fields of research, industry and cluster management is to develop radiopharmacy in Saxony into a center for innovation and expertise in this pioneering field and thus make it more visible internationally. To this end, they are joining forces under the name Radiopharmacy Cluster Dresden - nukliD®.
Radiopharmaceuticals are special drugs containing radioactive elements, so-called isotopes. They make it possible to diagnose and treat tumours in a precise, targeted and personalized manner. Unlike conventional therapies, radiopharmaceuticals act directly in the diseased tissue, which means that the surrounding healthy tissue is largely spared. Radiopharmacy is developing into a key technology in modern nuclear medicine cancer treatment. With the founding of the Radiopharmacy Cluster Dresden - nukliD®, Saxon players in this innovative sector have now joined forces to bundle and further expand their potential. nukliD® will promote cooperation between science and industry, drive forward technical innovations and carry out public relations work. Another key objective is to train and secure highly qualified specialists and increase the international visibility of Saxony as a business location.
Speech by Dr. Björn Wolf, HZDR - © Jürgen Lösel
Speech by André Hofamann, CEO of biosaxony Management GmbH (soon to be leap_up GmbH) - © Jürgen Lösel
Minister President Michael Kretschmer with the founders of the new Radiopharmacy Cluster Dresden- nukliD - © Jürgen Lösel
Memorandum of Understanding for the Dresden Radiopharmacy Cluster – nukliD_Credit - © Jürgen Lösel
Marco Müller (CEO,ABX) - © Jürgen Lösel
Marco Müller (CEO, ABX) and Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer at the new cyclotron in Radeberg - © Jürgen Lösel
Marco Müller (CEO, ABX) and Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer at the new cyclotron in Radeberg - © Jürgen Lösel
Marco Müller (CEO, ABX) and Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer at the new cyclotron in Radeberg - © Jürgen Lösel
Marco Müller (CEO, ABX) and Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer at the new cyclotron in Radeberg - © Jürgen Lösel
A message from Radeberg’s Mayor Frank Höhme - © Jürgen Lösel
A message from Radeberg’s Mayor Frank Höhme - © Jürgen Lösel
A message from Jan Pratzka, Dresden’s Mayor for Economic Affairs - © Jürgen Lösel
A message from Saxony’s Minister President Michael Kretschmer - © Jürgen Lösel
Remarks by Saxony’s Minister President Michael Kretschmer at the ceremonial signing of the MoU - © Jürgen Lösel
A view of the audience, which included numerous representatives from the business, political, and research communities - © Jürgen Lösel
Welcome address by Marco Müller, CEO of ABX advanced biochemical compounds - © Jürgen Lösel
André Hofmann of biosaxony puts the final signature on the Memorandum of Understanding regarding nukliD - © Jürgen Lösel
Speech by Dr. Björn Wolf, HZDR - © Jürgen Lösel
Minister President Michael Kretschmer emphasized: "Saxony is a top location for innovation. This also applies to the field of radiopharmacy. It is good that this special strength and expertise that has grown in the Free State is now being expanded even further with the new cluster. In fact, the growth forecasts for the radiopharmaceuticals market underline the enormous potential of this technology here. It is a strong signal and good for patients how all the players involved here in Bavaria are working together to advance forward-looking developments."
Dresden's Mayor of Economic Affairs, Jan Pratzka, explains: "Over 60 years of radiopharmacy in Dresden stand for continuous growth and innovation. The constant expansion of the site and the growing demand for radiopharmaceuticals underline the relevance of this industry. I am extremely pleased that our region, as one of the leading locations for radiopharmacy, is making a significant contribution to people's health."
Frank Höhme, Mayor of Radeberg, added: "It makes me very proud that the Dresden-Radeberg region is emerging as a hub in the field of radiopharmacy and is being further strengthened by the Radiopharmacy Cluster Dresden - nukliD®. The fact that the radiance of the cluster can also prove to be a magnetic force for other companies in this sector is wonderful news for Radeberg and gives us great hope for the future. Through the cluster, Radeberg can also attract more attention as a business location and as a place to live and be associated with more than just beer. This is a great opportunity."
The founding members of the network include:
ABX advanced biochemical compounds GmbH, ABX-CRO advanced pharmaceutical services Forschungsgesellschaft mbH, CUP-Contract Labs, Gamma Service Recycling GmbH, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf e. V., Isotope Technologies Dresden GmbH, MDG Molecular Diagnostics Group GmbH, ROTOP Pharmaka GmbH and TRIMT GmbH.
The nukliD® network will be coordinated by biosaxony Management GmbH, soon to be leap:up GmbH. CEO André Hofmann, emphasizes: "With nukliD®, we are not only creating a platform that links science and industry more closely together, but also ensuring that crucial aspects for the future of radiopharmacy are coordinated and driven forward. This includes the targeted training and further education of specialists, who are key to the sustainable development of this field. At the same time, we are strengthening our public relations work in order to raise public awareness of the importance of radiopharmacy and are expanding our cooperation with public bodies such as licensing authorities and ministries. Through this comprehensive coordination, we are creating the basis for mastering technical challenges - such as securing radionuclide production - and further expanding Saxony's competitiveness. Our goal is to establish Saxony as a pioneer and driver of innovation in radiopharmaceuticals."
Contact:
biosaxony Management GmbH
Deutscher Platz 5c, 04103 Leipzig
E-mail: graf@biosaxony.com
Phone: 0176/10230066
biosaxony Management GmbH, soon to be leap:up GmbH, cluster manager of biosaxony e.V., pools the strengths of Saxony's biotechnology, medical technology and healthcare industries. With a clear focus on innovation and the promotion of skilled workers, it is a key player in the economic region of Saxony.
Statements by individual players:
Jens JunkerManaging Director of ROTOP Pharmaka GmbH:
With the nukliD® network, we are providing an important impetus for radiopharmacy in Saxony. The pooling of expertise from research and industry not only strengthens the innovative power of our industry, but also the visibility of this important field. nukliD® offers an excellent basis for exploiting synergies and promoting specialists in a targeted manner. ROTOP is proud to be part of this forward-looking network.
Dr. Dirk Freitag-StechlManaging Director of CUP-Contract Labs:
Participation in the nukliD® cluster is in line with our mission to support the development, approval and quality control of radiopharmaceutical products. By collaborating with leading players in this cluster, we aim to strengthen regional excellence and drive progress in the treatment of diseases, particularly cancer, and help consolidate Saxony's position as a globally recognized center for innovation.
Dr. Andreas Kluge, Managing Director of ABX-CRO advanced pharmaceutical services:
In recent years, there has been a significant expansion in the use of radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostics and therapy, although these procedures have been used in patients for decades. We at ABX-CRO are convinced that, as part of the nukliD® cluster, we can represent and support the development opportunities for the benefit of patients all over the world here in Saxony. We want to continue to promote Saxony as a location for the research and development of radioactive drugs in order to make the region attractive for skilled workers and to strengthen the economy in the long term. nukliD® offers us the opportunity to get in touch with like-minded companies with similar visions for the future and to promote ideas.
Dr. Wilhelm ZörgiebelFounder and CEO, MDG Molecular Diagnostics Group GmbH:
The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts a 77% increase in the number of cancer cases detected by 2050. Early and precise diagnoses, followed by effective and targeted therapies, are therefore crucial. Precision medicine offers great potential for this, including the pioneering concept of theranostics for successful, targeted cancer treatment with few side effects using radioisotopes. The Molecular Diagnostics Group (MDG) and its three high-tech companies BIOTYPE, ROTOP Pharmaka and qualitype GmbH expect the alliance of the region's powerful players and partners in the Radiopharmacy Cluster Dresden - nukliD® to provide far-reaching impetus for research, development and realization of commercial solutions in the field of radiopharmacy.
Dr. Gunnar MannMember of the Executive Board of Eckert & Ziegler SE and Managing Director of Gamma Service Recycling GmbH and Isotope Technologies Dresden GmbH (ITD):
At our Dresden-Rossendorf site, high-tech systems for the production of radiopharmaceuticals are produced and delivered worldwide, and services are provided for the handling and disposal of radioactive products in cancer medicine. Eckert & Ziegler is investing up to € 50 million in the expansion of this production site. The new buildings, which will be completed in summer 2024, are the basis for the company's further expansion and will create the foundation for up to 100 additional highly qualified jobs in plant engineering and radiopharmaceuticals in Saxony.
Dr. Jakub SimecekCo-founder & CEO of TRIMT GmbH:
Our participation in the nukliD® cluster is the logical consequence of founding our modern company in Radeberg, which focuses on radiopharmaceuticals and oncology - a location that is internationally renowned for significant developments in radiopharmaceuticals. We develop innovative drugs for cancer diagnostics and targeted therapies, which we are already using clinically worldwide. The Radeberg/Dresden site offers ideal conditions for this. Together with the other members of the nukliD® network, we will further strengthen the global presence, economic power and attractiveness of the Saxony region.
Dr. Marco Müller, CEO ABX advanced biochemical compounds GmbH:
As part of the newly founded Radiopharmacy Cluster Dresden - nukliD®, we look forward to improving cooperation with the companies in our network. Radiopharmacy is a key technology in modern cancer treatment, and we are convinced that we can achieve better patient care through joint projects and a strong, unified presence.
By pooling our resources and knowledge, we can develop innovative solutions that not only revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of patients, but also make Saxony an internationally visible location. Together with our partners, we are committed to driving technical innovation and training highly qualified specialists to actively shape the future of radiopharmacy. Let's work together to exploit the full potential of this promising technology, says Marco Müller.
Prof. Sebastian M. Schmidt, Scientific Director of the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR):
We are proud to play a key role in the network as a strong research partner. Thanks to our application-oriented basic research, we can lay the foundations for the industry to establish the Dresden and Radeberg region as a leading center for radiopharmacy in the long term.