ABK Biomedical, which is developing a transformative Eye90 microspheres® technology, with the potential to provide in-procedure prognostic dosimetry for cutting-edge treatment of liver tumours – has partnered with the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council.
The CNIC is an independent body made up of representatives from the Canadian health sector, nuclear industry and leading research groups to help deliver innovative cancer treatments to patients. ABK Biomedical is the latest company to get on board as a partner.
“Considering our role in the Canadian isotope sector, adding our voice for a Pan-Canadian strategy on isotopes strengthens the ability of our sector to improve patients’ treatment options and ultimately outcomes,” said Marc Gregoire, Vice President of Research and Development and Nuclear Operations at ABK Biomedical. “Y-90 radioembolization, also known as Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT) and Trans-arterial Radiation Therapy (TARE) is a minimally invasive therapy for treating non-resectable liver tumours. ABK’s Eye90 microspheres® proprietary technology incorporates the radiation therapy of Y-90 with a novel radiopaque glass composition for procedure visualization via fluoroscopy, X-ray, CT and Cone Beam CT imaging modalities.”
James Scongack, Chair of the CNIC, welcomed ABK Biomedical as the latest Council advocate for the production of medical isotopes and finding new ways to treat cancer.
“From coast to coast, people all across Canada depend on Canadian innovation and the medical isotope research, irradiation and production of the Canadian isotope sector,” Scongack said. “Our members on the West Coast like Triumf, to those in Ontario like Bruce Power and now ABK Biomedical on the east coast, all have an important role to play in ensuring that all Canadians have access to the best standard of care and that people around the world don’t have to face isotope shortages when they are needed the most.
“The CNIC was formed last year to ensure that there is awareness of the importance of isotopes for Canada, from both an economic and social perspective, and to advocate that we solidify this position by establishing a pan-Canadian strategy on isotopes. “
In September, the CNIC released a report highlighting the need for a Pan-Canadian strategy on isotopes led by the federal government to ensure a domestic and international supply of medical isotopes. The report makes it clear that Canada must invest in its isotope infrastructure as these investments would show a commitment to our role as a leader in nuclear medicine, and dramatically bolster the country’s capacity to innovate while delivering substantial economic and societal benefits to both Canadians and patients around the globe.
“Canada has a unique position that is recognized internationally; it is the world’s largest supplier of Cobalt-60 and Iodine-125, it hosts mostly all supply chain partners within its borders, it has a long tradition in supply chain collaboration, and it is renowned around the world for developing new applications,” said Scongack. “We need all of our partners across the industry to support Canadian isotope leadership, and I am delighted to have the support of ABK Biomedical.”
This year, the CNIC is focused on bridging these public and private coalitions into demonstrable results for Canadians, searching for new life-saving cancer treatments. The CNIC will continue to promote public awareness about the use and benefits of medical/industrial isotopes and radiation technologies, and work with government stakeholders to ensure that the public policy landscape promotes innovation and supports the increased proliferation of medical and industrial isotope uses.
About ABK Biomedical
ABK Biomedical is a development stage company based in Atlantic Canada whose mission is to research, develop and commercialize breakthrough medical device therapies to improve treatment outcomes and the lives of patients with hyper-vascular tumors.
ABK Biomedical’s primary focus is development of a radioembolization treatment combining embolization and radiation therapy to treat liver cancer. This minimally invasive treatment consists of administering microspheres into the vasculature of liver tumors. Yttrium-90, a pure beta emitter, is the preferred radioisotope for this application.
ABK Biomedical has research, development and manufacturing facilities in Halifax, NS.
For more information about ABK Biomedical:
Marc Gregoire, P. Eng.
VP of R&D and Nuclear Operations
613-859-0052
m.gregoire@abkbiomedical.com