Bicycle Therapeutics has entered into a 15-year partnership with the UK Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) to produce radiopharmaceuticals from reprocessed uranium. This collaboration is expected to enable the production of tens of thousands of doses of advanced therapies annually, aimed at treating difficult cancers.
The process uses technology developed by the UK National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) to extract lead-212, a medical isotope, from reprocessed uranium. The extraction involves isolating small amounts of parent material, which are then used to produce lead-212 for targeted cancer treatments. These radiopharmaceuticals deliver radiation directly to cancer cells, reducing harm to healthy tissue and offering new options for patients with cancers that do not respond well to existing therapies, such as prostate and neuroendocrine cancers.
Bicycle Therapeutics will have access to up to 400 tonnes of reprocessed uranium during the term of the agreement. The company is known for its work in developing Bicycle molecules—a new class of medicines targeting diseases that currently lack effective treatments.
Government officials have welcomed the initiative as an example of how life sciences innovation can support both public health and economic growth. Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: “Turning nuclear material into cutting-edge cancer treatments sounds like science fiction – but thanks to the brilliance of scientists, researchers and doctors, it could be a life-saving reality.”
The project aligns with recent government efforts in healthcare and nuclear research, including investments in lead-212 research and support for projects such as Sizewell C and small modular reactors.
According to government statements, this partnership serves as a model for collaborations between different industries that address major healthcare challenges. By converting nuclear by-products into cancer treatments, the UK aims to strengthen its role in global oncology research and precision medicine.
