AIBN and Clarity strengthen partnership to advance cancer imaging and treatment

The long-standing partnership between UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) and Clarity Pharmaceuticals continues to thrive with the signing of a brand-new Supply Agreement for radionuclide, Copper-64.

Since 2022, AIBN’s cyclotron and state-of-the-art radiochemistry facilities have been producing Copper-64 at the University of Queensland, ensuring a reliable supply of isotope crucial for Clarity’s pre-clinical trials around the country.

AIBN’s Deputy Director Professor Kristofer Thurecht said UQ’s decade-long collaboration with Clarity extends beyond the supply of radioisotopes, driving advancements in imaging, drug discovery, and personalised medicines.

“This work is delivering the medicine of the future, with the real potential to positively impact patient outcomes,” Professor Thurecht said.

“Our collaboration with Clarity isn’t just about producing Copper-64 – it’s about driving innovation in how we diagnose and treat disease.

“For years we’ve been working together evaluating Clarity’s different molecules and drugs, building a partnership that explores the translation of lead compounds to benefit human health.

“We’re also developing new imaging agents, refining radiopharmaceuticals, and supporting the development of personalised cancer treatment plans for individual patients.

Clarity’s Executive Chairperson, Dr Alan Taylor, said they were excited to build on an excellent long-term relationship with such an outstanding Australian institute like AIBN to bring novel products to patients in need of better diagnosis and treatment.

“We are dedicated to continuing to work with leading research institutes like AIBN in Australia to continue to create new, cutting-edge products, and, importantly, supply them to patients, to help us achieve our ultimate goal of improving treatment outcomes for people with cancer.

“Our new agreement not only builds on years of close ties between Clarity and AIBN but also reflects our strong focus on innovation and collaboration.”

Professor Thurecht said Clarity’s identification of a critical Copper-64 supply gap in Australia to meet future demand is what initially sparked the supply partnership, further highlighting the importance of industry partnerships.

“With Clarity’s growing portfolio of Targeted Copper Theranostics creating demand for copper radionuclides, the supply of diagnostic Copper-64 in Australia had to be increased to maximise the number of Australians receiving these life-saving products in Australian hospitals.

“Now, we’re not only shoring up supply capacity but also contributing to the development of next-generation cancer treatments.”

Beyond this partnership, Professor Thurecht highlighted the broader impact of strong industry collaboration. 

“We know that when research and industry work together, the benefits significantly enhance scientific discovery,” he said.

“At AIBN, we have more than 120 different industry partners that help build sovereign capability, support local manufacturing, and create jobs and training opportunities.

“They also enable pathways for translation of our research into clinical practice – taking what we’ve learnt at the lab bench to a patient’s bedside.”

To help drive translational health research and drive first-in-human clinical studies, AIBN recently appointed nuclear medicine specialist and Director of the Herston Imaging Research Facility (HIRF), Professor Roslyn Francis as a Senior Group Leader.

“Collaboration between clinicians and researchers is key to solving complex healthcare challenges and improving patient outcomes,” Professor Francis said.

“The Herston Imaging Research Facility provides a clinical research imaging environment that can support AIBN’s radiopharmaceutical research pipeline through clinical trials, which we know are fundamental for gaining approval and clinical implementation.

“This demonstrates the power of industry collaboration and how working together can accelerate the future of medicine.”

The partnership with HIRF, along with the renewed agreement with Clarity, strengthens AIBN’s ongoing commitment to translating cutting-edge radiopharmaceutical technologies into real-world medical advancements.