Cyclone® KIUBE 300 technology will enable diverse radioisotope production for underserved Central Asian market
Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, November 18, 2024 – IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A.), the world leader in particle accelerator technology, today announces it has signed a contract with Almathera to supply and install a Cyclone® KIUBE 300 cyclotron, equipped with a beamline, at its planned radiopharmacy and theranostics complex in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Poised to become the first private facility of its kind in Kazakhstan, the project will be located in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) “Park of Innovation Technologies”, strategically positioned to serve as a theranostics hub enhancing oncology services in Central Asia.
The Almathera complex, designed to meet GMP EU standards, will specialize in the production and distribution of a comprehensive range of medical isotopes, including Fluorine-18, Copper-64, Zirconium-89, and Gallium-68, addressing the growing regional demand for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic applications. The installation of the Cyclone® KIUBE 300, which typically ranges in price from EUR 2.5 million to EUR 5 million depending on configuration and options, will mark a significant milestone, with the launch anticipated by Q1 2027.
Charles Kumps, President of IBA RadioPharma Solutions, commented: “This contract with Almathera represents a significant milestone in expanding access to essential medical isotopes across Central Asia. The versatility of our Cyclone® KIUBE 300 technology will enable Almathera to produce and distribute a wide range of high-quality radioisotopes in the region.”
Abay Zakaryanov, Co-Founder of Almathera, and Daur Tussupov, Managing Partner, stated jointly, “Partnering with IBA is a pivotal step toward realizing our vision for radiopharmaceutical advancement in Kazakhstan. Together, we are establishing a GxP-compliant, open-platform facility designed to support contract development and manufacturing across a spectrum of theranostics applications, creating valuable opportunities for collaboration and advancing healthcare access in Central Asia.”
Almathera has secured substantial support from its financial partner, Fonte Health Sciences Fund OEIC Limited, with Principals Ruslan and Zhasulan Adilbaev emphasizing the importance of this investment. Ruslan Adilbaev remarked, “Our fund is strategically aligned with life science ventures that offer both innovative solutions and positive societal impact. Almathera is a cornerstone investment, not only for its potential to transform theranostics in Central Asia but also for its long-term value in addressing critical healthcare challenges. This project is integral to advancing cancer treatment and further strengthening our life sciences portfolio.”
The Cyclone® KIUBE is one of the most advanced cyclotrons available. It is known for its upgradability, compact design, high efficiency, and the ability to produce a wide variety of radioisotopes, making it ideal for both research and commercial production. The Cyclone® KIUBE is well-suited for producing a wide range of PET radioisotopes including Fluorine-18, Gallium-68, Zirconium-89, Carbon-11, and others, used in the diagnosis and monitoring of various medical conditions including cancer and neurological disorders.
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About Almathera
Almathera is a radiopharmaceutical and theranostics company based in Kazakhstan. With advanced radiopharmacy solutions and innovative cancer treatment options, Almathera seeks to improve access to life-saving treatments throughout the region. Partnering with top technology providers and specialists in radiochemistry, Almathera aims to establish a world-class hub for cancer treatment and research in Almaty.
Please visit our website for more information: www.almathera.com
About Fonte Capital
Fonte Capital Ltd., registered in the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) in January 2022 (AFSA-A-LA-2022-0004), manages 14 investment funds that represent a wide range of investment products with access to various asset classes. As a key player in the AIFC collective investment market, Fonte Capital oversees capital exceeding $300 million.
Fonte Capital is actively developing Kazakhstan's investment infrastructure by supporting strategically important projects and implementing advanced approaches, including the launch of the Fonte Health Sciences Fund OEIC Limited, with an investment mandate focused on financing projects in medicine and healthcare, as well as supporting initiatives that contribute significantly to the development of biomedical technologies.
Additionally, Fonte Capital launched Kazakhstan’s first umbrella fund, the Fonte Emerging Markets Umbrella Fund OEIC Limited, and a fund dedicated to digital assets — the Fonte Innovation Fund OEIC Limited.
More information at: www.fonte.kz
About IBA
IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A.) is the world leader in particle accelerator technology. The company is the leading supplier of equipment and services in the field of proton therapy, considered to be the most advanced form of radiation therapy available today. IBA is also a leading player in the fields of industrial sterilization, radiopharmaceuticals and dosimetry. The company, based in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, employs approximately 2,000 people worldwide. IBA is a certified B Corporation (B Corp) meeting the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance.
IBA is listed on the pan-European stock exchange EURONEXT (IBA: Reuters IBAB.BR and Bloomberg IBAB.BB).
More information can be found at: www.iba-worldwide.com