How is radioligand therapy developed?
Radioligand therapies have 2 primary components: the radioisotope and the cell-targeting compound, or ligand. Therapeutic radioisotopes are produced in special nuclear reactors or generators, then shipped to a production facility where the radioisotope is bonded to the cell- targeting compound. The finished product is then placed in vials, sent through quality testing, packaged into special lead-shielded containers, and shipped directly to the hospital or clinic as a ready-to-use therapy. The activity of the radioisotope diminishes over a specific period of time, therefore requiring timely delivery and administration to patient. Due to the limited time window for administration, these drugs are often produced as single-patient doses.