Moffitt Cancer Center in the U.S. Launches $600 Million Radiopharmaceutical Program

Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, recently announced the launch of a new radiopharmaceutical program, planning to accelerate radiopharmaceutical research, development, and clinical translation through a total infrastructure investment of $600 million.

The program will be advanced at the Speros campus of Moffitt Cancer Center in Pasco County, Florida. The campus spans 775 acres, and the related investment will support the development of radiopharmaceutical research and development capabilities, including the construction of new radiochemistry laboratories within the Moffitt Discovery and Innovation Center, which opens this fall. The innovation center has a building area of approximately 255,000 square feet. The program funding will also support the construction of the planned comprehensive theranostics center, which will feature dedicated radioisotope production and translational research capabilities.

According to reports, radiopharmaceuticals typically combine radioisotopes with drug components that can target specific cellular or tissue receptors, and can be used for cancer diagnosis or treatment. Theranostics technology combines diagnostic imaging with related therapeutic approaches, helping physicians identify cancer targets and deliver radiation therapy against the same target. Moffitt Cancer Center stated that such technologies offer new possibilities for more precise, personalized cancer treatment.

Dr. Patrick Hwu, President and CEO of Moffitt Cancer Center, stated that theranostics represents a promising new approach to cancer diagnosis and treatment. The center is investing in talent and infrastructure to further advance radiopharmaceuticals as a strategic priority.

The program will integrate clinical, research, and operational resources to coordinate research and development capabilities in theranostics and radiopharmaceuticals at the Speros campus. The project team also plans to evaluate emerging technologies, seek strategic partnerships, and coordinate clinical trials to explore opportunities at the intersection of radiopharmaceuticals and immunotherapy. Ghassan El-Haddad, Vice Chair of Speros Radiopharmaceuticals and Nuclear Oncology, and Josh Carpenter, President of Speros and Chief Integration Officer at Moffitt, will co-lead the program, with El-Haddad focusing on clinical strategy and Carpenter overseeing strategy and execution operations.

In addition to Moffitt Cancer Center, the State of Florida and Pasco County are also participating in the project, which is expected to generate more than 11,000 new jobs. The University of South Florida, Pasco-Hernando State College, Embarc Collective, and other industry partners are collaborating with Moffitt Cancer Center and Speros through the FORGE Alliance, focusing on building a talent pipeline and industry ecosystem to support radioisotope production and radiopharmaceutical research and development.

Moffitt Cancer Center previously launched the FORGE project in May of this year, known as the "Florida Oncology and Radiopharmaceutical Growth Engine," which is expected to bring $2.6 billion in economic benefits to the State of Florida.