Plano, Texas – Orano Med, a specialized subsidiary of the global Orano Group focused on developing innovative radioligand therapies in oncology, today, June 27, 2025, marked a significant milestone with the official inauguration of the expanded facilities at its main U.S. Research and Development Center located here.
The expansion, representing a substantial investment exceeding $5 million, has added approximately 11,000 square feet to the existing facility, effectively increasing its footprint by about 50 percent. This growth is strategically designed to bolster the company’s capacity for advancing its pipeline of novel cancer treatments and scaling up production capabilities.
Boosting Laboratory and Manufacturing Capacity
A central component of the expansion is the addition of around 5,000 square feet of new, state-of-the-art laboratory space. This enhanced lab capacity is crucial for accelerating preclinical research and the development of new radiopharmaceutical candidates. Simultaneously, the project has successfully doubled the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) production capacity at the Plano site. This increased GMP capability is vital for ensuring a reliable supply of therapeutic candidates for early clinical trials, a critical step in bringing new treatments from the laboratory to patients.
Radioligand therapy is an emerging and promising approach in cancer treatment that involves coupling a radioactive isotope to a targeting molecule. This molecule is designed to seek out and bind specifically to cancer cells, delivering a highly localized dose of radiation directly to the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. Orano Med’s focus is particularly centered on targeted alpha therapies, which utilize alpha-emitting isotopes known for their potent and short-range cytotoxic effect.
Advancing Lead-212 Therapies
The Plano center is specifically dedicated to the rigorous process of developing these novel radiopharmaceuticals. A key element of its preclinical research program involves therapies utilizing the alpha-emitting radioisotope lead-212 (212Pb). This isotope is gaining increasing attention in the field due to its favorable decay properties for targeted therapy. Research conducted at the Texas facility aims to explore new ways to effectively deliver 212Pb to various types of cancer cells, expanding the potential applications of this powerful radionuclide.
Developing and manufacturing radiopharmaceuticals requires specialized infrastructure and expertise due to the handling of radioactive materials and the need for extremely high purity and precision, especially for treatments intended for human use in clinical trials. The expanded GMP facilities underscore Orano Med’s commitment to meeting the stringent regulatory requirements necessary to support its clinical development programs.
Accommodating a Growing Team
Beyond the laboratory and production enhancements, the expansion also includes the addition of about 5,500 square feet of new office space. This increased administrative and collaborative space is essential for accommodating the site’s rapidly growing team. Reflecting the dynamic progress in the radiopharmaceutical field and Orano Med’s specific advancements, the headcount at the Plano center has doubled over the past four years.
This significant team growth highlights the increasing investment in talent and resources required to drive complex research and development efforts in this cutting-edge area of oncology. The new office facilities are designed to foster collaboration and support the expanding workforce dedicated to the fight against cancer.
Integrating Subsidiary Expertise
The Plano facility also serves as a central hub by hosting the Research and Development teams of Macrocyclics, a subsidiary of Orano Med. Macrocyclics specializes in the manufacturing of customized chelating agents. Chelating agents are crucial components in radiopharmaceuticals, acting as molecular cages that securely bind the radioactive isotope (like 212Pb) to the targeting molecule. The co-location of Macrocyclics’ R&D expertise within the Plano center streamlines the development process, facilitating closer collaboration between isotope production, chelator design, and targeting molecule research.
This integrated approach is vital for the efficient and effective design and synthesis of novel radioligand therapies, ensuring that the radioactive payload can be safely and effectively delivered to cancer cells via the targeting agent.
Strategic Importance in the U.S. Market
The expansion of the Plano R&D center underscores Orano Med’s strategic commitment to the U.S. market, a global leader in pharmaceutical innovation and clinical research. By significantly increasing its capabilities in Texas, Orano Med is positioning itself to accelerate the development and potential future availability of its targeted alpha therapies for patients battling cancer. The investment reflects confidence in the potential of radioligand therapies and the critical role the Plano facility plays within Orano Med’s global network.
The inauguration ceremony today celebrated not just the physical growth of the facility but also the potential for accelerated scientific discovery and the future impact on oncology. The expanded U.S. Research and Development Center in Plano is poised to become an even more significant engine for innovation in the complex and vital field of targeted cancer treatment.
