MURR and Curium extend partnership to strengthen supply of critical cancer-fighting radioisotope

Sept. 25, 2026

As demand grows for targeted cancer treatments, the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) is expanding a long-standing collaboration to continue delivery of critical medical isotopes to patients around the world.

MURR has signed a new multi-year Irradiation Services agreement with Curium™, a global leader in nuclear medicine with North American headquarters in St. Louis, MO. The partnership supports production of lutetium-177 (Lu-177), a radioisotope increasingly used in precision therapies designed to target and destroy cancer cells while limiting damage to healthy tissue.

"Mizzou and Curium have a strong partnership focused on advancing nuclear medicine to improve lives in Missouri and around the world," University of Missouri President Mun Choi said. "Lutetium-177 is a game-changing innovation in the fight against cancer, and this collaboration builds on our shared success and the immense capabilities of MURR, the most powerful reactor of its kind in the country."

Under the agreement, MURR will provide Lu-177 in support of Curium's clinical trials and next-generation radiopharmaceuticals. The renewed agreement strengthens domestic access to Lu-177 as the need for targeted radiopharmaceutical therapies continues to grow.

"This agreement builds on a longstanding, mutually beneficial collaboration between MURR and Curium to meet the growing demand for medical isotopes," said Matt Sanford, executive director of MURR. "Our reactor's capabilities and unique operating schedule position us to support the expanding global need for radioisotopes, including Lu-177."

MURR is the nation's highest-powered university research reactor. Operating every day of the year, the facility provides radioisotopes for researchers, healthcare providers and radiopharmaceutical companies worldwide.

"Our continued partnership with Curium solidifies MURR's crucial role as a leading producer of medical isotopes in the U.S.," UM Board of Curators Chair Todd Graves said. "Mizzou and MURR tackle global health challenges while expanding economic and workforce opportunities in Missouri and creating life-saving solutions for all."

Curium is a leading global radiopharmaceutical company with proven expertise in the development, manufacturing and supply of radiopharmaceuticals that transform the way cancer is diagnosed and treated. Headquartered in Boston with offices around the world, Curium's mission is to find new and better ways to serve more than 14 million patients annually.

"We are proud to continue our partnership with MURR and the University of Missouri on this important initiative," said Michael Patterson, CEO Curium North America. "MURR's reliability as a critical component of our isotope supply chain is unmatched, and this extended collaboration will help ensure patients receive the treatments they need."

The agreement between MURR and Curium reflects a shared commitment to advancing public health, fostering innovation and leveraging domestic U.S. infrastructure for critical medical technologies.

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