Historic Nuclear Material to Power Cancer Treatments
A new partnership could transform UK cancer care by turning legacy nuclear material into life-saving medicines. Tens of thousands of doses of advanced radiopharmaceuticals will be produced each year using reprocessed uranium from spent nuclear fuel, marking a major milestone for science and medicine in the UK.
The agreement pairs Bicycle Therapeutics, a Cambridge-based biotech innovator, with the UK Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), unlocking a medical use for hundreds of tonnes of previously untapped nuclear material.
Government Support and Scientific Vision
Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the partnership offers new hope for cancer patients and their families. She highlighted how UK scientists, researchers, and doctors are turning what seems like science fiction into a life-saving reality.
“This work shows exactly why we’re determined to support life sciences innovators,” she said, “helping to make groundbreaking treatments possible.”
From Nuclear Legacy to Lead-212
Under the 15-year deal, the NDA will provide Bicycle Therapeutics access to up to 400 tonnes of reprocessed uranium. While a legacy of historic nuclear activity, the material contains a rare medical isotope: lead-212.
Using a pioneering technique from the UK National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL), scientists extract tiny amounts of lead-212’s parent material. The scale is small — like a single drop of water in an Olympic swimming pool — but sufficient for producing tens of thousands of doses annually. The uranium continuously regenerates isotopes, offering a sustainable long-term supply.
Why Radiopharmaceuticals Matter
Radiopharmaceuticals are precision medicines that deliver targeted radiation directly to cancer cells, destroying tumours while limiting damage to healthy tissue.
They are particularly promising for cancers difficult to treat with conventional therapies, including prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumours affecting the pancreas and gut. Lead-212 is especially valuable because its radioactive properties make it ideal for highly targeted treatment.
Innovation Driven by UK Expertise
Bicycle Therapeutics, co-founded by Nobel laureate Sir Greg Winter, develops a new class of precision medicines called Bicycle® molecules. These molecules target diseases underserved by existing treatments.
To support isotope extraction, the company will use a bespoke radioisotope generator developed by UK medical isotope specialists Spectron Rx, highlighting the depth of British scientific expertise.
UK Health Innovation Minister Dr Zubir Ahmed praised the partnership, saying it could be life-changing for patients with hard-to-treat cancers. He added that it demonstrates how British innovation can transform lives while supporting NHS modernization and economic growth.
Government Backing and the Path Forward
The initiative complements wider government efforts to modernize cancer care, including faster diagnostics and reduced waiting times. It also builds on £20 million in funding for lead-212 research by UKNNL and the Medicines Discovery Catapult.
By combining nuclear science, biotechnology, and healthcare, the UK is positioning itself as a global leader in radiopharmaceuticals, turning a nuclear legacy into hope for the future.
