Novartis Launches Its Largest RLT Facility in Indianapolis, Enhancing Pluvicto Production

Novartis has announced the opening of its largest and most sophisticated radioligand therapy manufacturing facility in Indianapolis. This state-of-the-art facility marks a pivotal step in the company's commitment to revolutionizing cancer care.

Novartis has opened its largest radioligand therapy (RLT) manufacturing facility in Indianapolis, significantly boosting its capacity to produce Pluvicto™ for cancer treatment. This facility, part of a global network, marks a major advancement in targeted cancer therapies. Novartis aims to expand RLT's application beyond prostate and neuroendocrine cancers, promising more effective, precise treatments for various cancer types.

A Milestone in Manufacturing and Accessibility

The new 70,000-square-foot facility, strategically located in the United States, represents the zenith of Novartis's RLT manufacturing capabilities. With the FDA's nod, this facility is set to enhance the production capacity of Pluvicto™ (lutetium (177Lu) vipivotide tetraxetan) to an impressive 250,000 doses annually.

Steffen Lang, President of Operations at Novartis, emphasized the complexity and precision involved in the manufacturing of RLTs. “Adding a second US RLT facility, our largest and most advanced yet, into our manufacturing network underscores our commitment to ensure a consistent and reliable experience for patients and their healthcare teams for years to come. We also recently announced plans to build our manufacturing capabilities in Sasayama, Japan and Haiyan, Zhejiang, China, as we continue to look for opportunities to further expand our worldwide reach.” he explained.

The Essence of Radioligand Therapy

RLT, a cutting-edge approach in cancer treatment, involves the use of radioactive substances bound to molecules that specifically target cancer cells. This method allows for a precise attack on cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Novartis's focus on RLT signifies a strategic shift towards more targeted and effective cancer treatments.

Beyond Prostate and Neuroendocrine Cancers

Novartis's RLT portfolio, including Pluvicto and Lutathera® (lutetium (177Lu) oxodotreotide), is currently centered on treating neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer. However, the company is ambitiously broadening its horizons to include a variety of other cancers, such as breast, colon, lung, and pancreatic cancers. This expansion, fueled by ongoing clinical trials, could revolutionize the treatment landscape for these formidable diseases.

Novartis recently presented data at the 2023 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress studying Pluvicto in the pre-taxane setting for patients with prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-positive metastatic castration-resistance prostate cancer (mCRPC).