China has reached a pivotal milestone in nuclear medicine as the Institute of High Energy Physics, under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, achieved Curie-level mass production of medical-grade alpha isotopes. Utilizing the China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS), researchers have successfully transitioned these 'anti-cancer nuclear bombs' from localized laboratory experiments to a scale capable of supporting broad clinical applications. This breakthrough marks the first time China has established a reliable, domestic production route for highly sought-after isotopes like Actinium-225 and Lead-212.
Alpha isotopes are distinguished by their 'high-energy, short-range' therapeutic profile, firing alpha particles that are hundreds of times more lethal to cancer cells than traditional beta particles. Because their radiation range is limited to approximately 0.05 millimeters—roughly the diameter of a few cells—they can destroy malignant tumors with surgical precision while sparing adjacent healthy tissue. This unique characteristic makes them indispensable for treating late-stage metastatic cancers, particularly prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors, which were previously difficult to manage.
For years, China’s burgeoning nuclear medicine sector was stifled by an absolute reliance on imports. High-demand isotopes like Actinium-225 were not only scarce globally but also prohibitively expensive, with prices reaching upwards of 300,000 RMB ($42,000) per millicurie. The technical barriers to mass-producing these materials were considered a global industry bottleneck, leaving Chinese patients and researchers at the mercy of volatile international supply chains and exorbitant costs.
The leap from millicurie to Curie-level production represents a thousand-fold increase in output, enabling a single batch to meet the needs of hundreds of patients. By leveraging the high-energy linear accelerator at the CSNS in Dongguan, the research team developed a proprietary purification process that ensures a radio-purity of over 99%. Looking ahead, the scientific center is accelerating the construction of a dedicated 300 MeV production line slated for completion by 2031, which is expected to provide millions of doses annually and secure China's position in the global radiopharmaceutical market.