A major partnership announced today could transform the future of cancer treatment in the UK by turning historic nuclear material into life-saving medicines.
Tens of thousands of doses of advanced radiopharmaceuticals will be produced every year using reprocessed uranium produced from spent nuclear reactor fuel, marking a significant scientific and medical milestone for the UK.
The agreement brings together Cambridge-based biotechnology innovator Bicycle Therapeutics and the UK Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) to enable new medical uses for hundreds of tonnes of previously unused nuclear material.
Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: “Cancer is a disease that affects millions of people around the world and tears apart too many families.
“Medical advances are providing hope to more cancer patients and their loved ones, and this unique partnership could help further advance that effort.
“Turning nuclear materials into cutting-edge cancer treatments sounds like science fiction, but thanks to the talent of scientists, researchers and doctors, saving lives could become a reality.
“Efforts like this demonstrate exactly why we are determined to support life sciences innovators to enable breakthrough new treatments.”
From nuclear legacies to cancer breakthroughs
Under the 15-year agreement, NDA will provide Bicycle Therapeutics with access to up to 400 tons of reprocessed uranium. This material is both a legacy of historic nuclear activity and holds the key to lead-212, a rare and valuable medical isotope.
Using pioneering technology developed by the UK National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL), scientists are able to extract trace amounts of lead-212’s parent material.
Its scale is astonishing, comparable to a drop of water diluted in an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Through controlled radioactive decay, further small amounts of lead-212 are isolated for medical use.
Importantly, reprocessed uranium continuously regenerates the necessary isotopes, creating a long-term sustainable source of raw material capable of producing tens of thousands of doses each year.
Why radiopharmaceuticals are important
Radiopharmaceuticals are one of the most promising frontiers in cancer treatment. These precision medicines deliver targeted radiation directly to cancer cells, destroying tumors with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
This approach holds particular promise for cancers that are difficult to treat with traditional treatments, such as prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors that affect organs such as the pancreas and intestines.
Radiopharmaceuticals have the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life by improving accuracy and reducing side effects.
Lead-212 is particularly valuable in this regard, as its radioactive properties make it suitable for highly targeted cancer therapy.
Innovation driven by great British science
Bicycle Therapeutics was co-founded by Sir Greg Winter, one of the UK’s most eminent scientists and winner of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
The company is developing a new class of precision medicine known as Bicycle® molecules, designed to target diseases that are not yet adequately treated by existing therapies.
To support the extraction process, Bicycle will use a bespoke radioisotope generator developed exclusively for the company by medical isotope specialist Spectron Rx, further underscoring the depth of UK expertise driving this initiative.
Dr Zubir Ahmed, UK Minister for Health Innovation, added: “Every breakthrough that brings new hope to patients and their loved ones is critical, and this extraordinary partnership has the potential to be truly life-changing for people facing some of the most difficult-to-treat cancers.”
“We are extremely proud to be supporting partnerships like this and demonstrating how British innovation can change lives. By turning nuclear materials into precision cancer treatments, we are breaking new ground in the fight against this deadly disease.”
“This is truly bold thinking that will help us build an NHS fit for the future, harnessing the potential of life sciences to improve care, save lives and drive economic growth across the UK.”
Backed by government investment and vision
The announcement builds on wider government efforts to modernize cancer care across the NHS, including expanding diagnostic capacity and reducing waiting times.
This work also complements £20m of funding announced last month by UKNNL and the Drug Discovery Catapult to support further research into lead-212 extraction.
These efforts, along with recent support for projects such as Sizewell C and small modular reactors, reflect the government’s ambition to usher in a “golden age” of nuclear innovation.
Combining nuclear science, biotechnology and healthcare, the UK is at the forefront of radiopharmaceuticals, turning the legacy of the past into hope for the future.
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