Shots: 

• Telix Pharmaceuticals’ Illuccix is approved in the UK for detecting and localizing prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-positive lesions in adults with prostate cancer, using PET imaging. 

• Amidst a shortage of PET imaging agents in the UK and mainland Europe, Telix Pharmaceuticals has secured a significant advantage through an exclusive distribution partnership with Xiel Limited 

• Raphaël Ortiz, Chief Executive Officer of Telix International (EMEA, APAC, Latin America), discusses the evolving prostate cancer imaging landscape following the introduction of Illuccix. 

Saurabh: How does Telix Pharmaceuticals plan to address the current supply shortages of PSMA-PET imaging agents in the UK and Europe, and what measures are being implemented to ensure timely access for patients?    

Raphaël: Telix Pharmaceuticals is fully committed to addressing the current supply shortages of PSMA-PET imaging agents in the UK and Europe. In the UK, we are working closely with Xiel, our distribution partner with a strong national footprint across the UK, to ensure a continuous and reliable supply of Illuccix. Additionally, we are streamlining our distribution network in Europe to ensure that healthcare providers have timely access to the product and that patients can benefit from it without delays.  

Saurabh: Can you elaborate on the specific advantages of Illuccix ((kit for the preparation of gallium-68 gozetotide injection) vs traditional imaging methods in terms of accuracy and efficiency in detecting prostate cancer?    

Raphaël: Illuccix offers significant advantages over traditional imaging methods, particularly in the accuracy and efficiency of prostate cancer detection. PSMA-PET imaging with Illuccix targets prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a biomarker highly expressed on prostate cancer cells (but which is low or absent on normal, healthy cells), resulting in higher sensitivity and specificity compared to traditional imaging techniques like CT or bone scans. This allows for earlier detection, more accurate staging, and better treatment planning, ultimately improving patient outcomes.   

Saurabh: How does Telix Pharmaceuticals intend to expand its market presence in Europe following the approval of Illuccix in the UK, and what are the next steps for regulatory approvals in other countries?    

Raphaël: Following the approval of Illuccix in the UK, and a positive opinion from the German regulator (BfArM) on our submission in the European Economic Area via the decentralised authorisation procedure, Telix is launching Illuccix in 20 countries across Europe, including the UK. Our strategy involves securing local national administrative regulatory approvals in these markets to ensure rapid and widespread access to Illuccix to help address patient unmet need. We are working closely with local regulatory authorities and distribution partners to enable the market introduction of Illuccix. Our goal is to expand our footprint across Europe, ensuring that healthcare providers have access to this advanced imaging agent and that patients benefit from its capabilities in prostate cancer detection.   

Saurabh: Can you discuss the role of your exclusive distribution partner, Xiel Limited, in ensuring that Illuccix reaches healthcare providers and patients effectively?    

Raphaël: Xiel Limited is our exclusive distribution partner in the UK, playing a vital role in ensuring that Illuccix reaches healthcare providers and patients effectively. Xiel is responsible for managing the distribution process, handling logistics, and providing customer support to ensure that Illuccix is delivered promptly and safely to healthcare institutions. Their deep expertise and demonstrated performance in the pharmaceutical distribution network will help us meet the patient demand for Illuccix and ensures its availability in the UK on an ongoing basis.   

Saurabh: What kind of training or resources will be provided to healthcare professionals to ensure they are well-equipped to utilize Illuccix in their practices?    

Raphaël: Telix provides extensive training and support to healthcare professionals to ensure they are well-equipped to utilize Illuccix effectively in their practices and to ultimately help prostate cancer patients appropriately manage their disease. We have a dedicated team of medical image specialists (MIS) who can assist healthcare professionals based on their specific technical, logistical or other disease unmet needs. Our training program includes both theoretical knowledge and hands-on training, covering the use of PSMA-PET imaging, the preparation and administration of Illuccix, and access to industry experts who provide training guidance on interpreting results. This comprehensive approach ensures that healthcare providers are confident in using Illuccix to deliver the best possible care to their patients.  

Saurabh: Are there any ongoing collaborations with research institutions or clinical centers to further investigate the applications of PSMA-PET imaging in prostate cancer?    

Raphaël: Telix is actively collaborating with leading research institutions and clinical centers in the UK, across mainland Europe, and worldwide to further investigate the applications of PSMA-PET imaging in prostate cancer. These partnerships are crucial for advancing the science behind PSMA-PET and expanding its potential uses beyond the current indications or current products. Our ongoing studies aim to refine imaging techniques and explore new clinical applications, which will contribute to the overall progress of prostate cancer diagnostics and treatment. We also have a strong pipeline of innovative radiopharmaceuticals and theranostics pipeline in prostate cancer and other cancers or rare diseases. Subject to regulatory approvals, we expect to launch new a PSMA-PET imaging product in the United States in 2025 and will be exploring opportunities internationally for expanded product offerings to treat or diagnose prostate cancer in due course.   

Saurabh: What is Telix’s strategy for educating patients about the benefits of PSMA-PET imaging and Illuccix, especially in light of existing misconceptions about prostate cancer diagnostics?    

Raphaël: Educating about the benefits of PSMA-PET imaging and the benefits for Illuccix is an essential part of our strategy. We are working to raise awareness and address existing misconceptions about prostate cancer diagnostics through targeted patient education campaigns. These include digital resources, patient information brochures, and partnerships with patient advocacy groups. Our aim is to provide health care professionals and patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their care, disease journey and to highlight the potential benefits of PSMA-PET imaging in prostate cancer detection.  

Saurabh: How do you foresee the future landscape of prostate cancer imaging evolving with the introduction of Illuccix, particularly in relation to emerging technologies?    

Raphaël: The introduction of Illuccix is a significant step forward in the evolution of prostate cancer imaging in the UK and in Europe. We foresee the continued growth of PSMA-PET imaging as a cornerstone of precision medicine in prostate cancer. Emerging technologies, such as radiopharmaceuticals and theranostics, are expected to further enhance diagnostic accuracy and enable targeted treatment strategies. Illuccix, along with other innovations, is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of prostate cancer imaging, leading to more personalized and effective treatment plans for patients. 

Image Source: Canva 

About the Author: 

Raphaël Ortiz

Mr. Ortiz leads the Rest of World commercial operations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Asia Pacific (APAC), and Latin America. He joined Telix with over 20 years of pharmaceutical industry experience in finance, business development, marketing, sales, and general management across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Prior to Telix, Raphaël worked at Advanced Accelerator Applications, a Novartis company, most recently serving as Asia-Pacific Cluster Head, where he established radioligand therapy operations in the region. 

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