Bydgoszcz centre starts production of new PET radiopharmaceutical
2010-08-06
The F. Lukaszczyk Oncology Centre in Bydgoszcz has launched production of new radiopharmaceuticals for PET imaging,
Rynek Zdrowia reported. Until now, the Centre’s Nuclear Medicine Unit produced only FDG, the most commonly used PET radiopharmaceutical, which is a form of glucose. Now it has initiated production of a new one based on tyrosine, which is very effective in precise detection of malicious brain tumours.
The biggest problem faced by PET centres in Poland is the lack of short-lived PET isotopes on the local market. There are three cyclotrons installed in the country, but only two are currently working at full capacity (in Bydgoszcz and, since December 2009, in Gliwice). However, these entities are unable to sell isotopes to other PET centres, because to do so they would have to obtain a marketing authorisation, a procedure whose cost, at PLN 300,000 (€75,000), is seen by them as prohibitively expensive. Therefore isotopes are sourced from abroad and transported to Poland by plane. The cost of one imported capsule is approx. €450-550. The prices of isotopes made locally are 30% lower.
News about the possible expansion of radiopharmaceuticals production in Poland is also significant in view of the anticipated increase in the number of PET-CT centres in the country in the years ahead. For example, two PET-CT centres could be opened in Lodz and two in Krakow in the near future.
Agnieszka Stawarska
Pharmaceutical Market Analyst
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