Noted Florida cancer center launches new radiopharma program with $600M investment

A noted Florida cancer center is launching a new radiopharmaceutical program, supported by a $600 million investment. 

The Tampa-based Moffitt Cancer Center on Tuesday touted the start of its initiative, aimed at accelerating radiopharma research, development and clinical translation. Its Moffitt Radiopharmaceutical Program is supported by a nine-figure infrastructure investment at Speros—a 775-acre campus in Pasco County, Florida, aimed at furthering the drive to end cancer. 

Those pitching in include Moffitt, the state of Florida and Pasco County, expecting to create over 11,000 new jobs in the process. They said the project will include building new radiochemistry labs at the 255,000-square-foot Moffitt Discovery and Innovation Center opening this fall. Funds also are supporting the planned Integrated Theranostics Center, which will contain dedicated radioisotope production and translational research capabilities. 

“Theranostics represent a promising new method to diagnose and treat cancer,” Patrick Hwu, MD, president and CEO of the Moffitt Cancer Center, said in a statement Aug. 25. “Moffitt is in a unique position to lead in radiopharmaceuticals, and we are investing in the talent and infrastructure to solidify it as a strategic priority.”

Moffitt notes that radiopharmaceuticals combine a radioactive isotope with a pharmaceutical element that interacts with specific receptors on target cells or tissues to diagnose or treat cancer. Theranostics, meanwhile, pairs diagnostic imaging with related therapies, helping radiologists and other physicians identify cancer and deliver radiation to the same targets. 

“Together, these approaches offer new possibilities for more precise and personalized cancer care,” Moffitt noted. 

The new program brings together clinical, research and operational expertise to coordinate the development of theranostics and radiopharmaceutical capabilities at Speros. Hwu and colleagues hope to evaluate emerging technologies, pursue strategic partnerships and coordinate clinical trials, seeking to “identify opportunities at the intersection of radiopharmaceuticals and immunotherapy.” Ghassan El-Haddad, MD, vice chair, radiopharmaceutical and nuclear oncology, and Josh Carpenter, DPhil, president of Speros and chief integration officer for Moffitt, will serve as the program’s co-leads. Ell-Haddad will focus on clinical strategy while Carpenter oversees strategic and executive operations. 

The University of South Florida, Pasco-Hernando State College, Embarc Collective and other industry partners also are working collaboratively with Moffitt and Speros through the FORGE coalition. This seeks to build the talent pipeline and industry ecosystem needed to support radioisotope production and radiopharmaceutical development. Moffitt previously launched FORGE (Florida Oncology and Radiopharmaceutical Growth Engine) in May, estimating it will generate $2.6 billion in economic impact for the state of Florida. 

“FORGE represents a transformational opportunity to position the Tampa Bay region at the forefront of one of the most promising advances in cancer care,” Carpenter said earlier this year. “By bringing together these regional partners, we are building the talent, infrastructure and innovation ecosystem needed to accelerate next-generation radiopharmaceutical therapies. This level of collaboration has the potential not only to strengthen America’s leadership in precision oncology, but to save lives for decades to come.”