Orano Med has expanded its US research and development center in Plano, Texas, increasing laboratory and office space by 50 percent to support a growing pipeline of targeted alpha therapies based on lead-212.

The $5 million expansion adds 5,000 square feet of new laboratory space and doubles GMP manufacturing capacity for early clinical trial supply. An additional 5,500 square feet of office space will accommodate the site’s expanding team, which has doubled in size over the past four years.

The facility, which also houses Orano Med subsidiary Macrocyclics, is focused on the development of radioligand therapies using lead-212, a short-lived alpha-emitting isotope with growing promise in oncology. The site’s capabilities span in vivo studies, CMC development, and small-scale GMP production—enabling rapid transition from discovery to early clinical phases.

Julien Torgue, chief scientific officer at Orano Med, said: “The expansion of our R&D center enhances our ability to develop lead-212-based radioligand therapies by giving our teams the resources they need to advance a growing pipeline of drug candidates through to the clinic. With an integrated platform, cutting-edge equipment and a focused scientific strategy, we are well positioned to support both our internal developments and collaborations with partners.”

While Orano Med runs in-house research programs, the Plano facility also supports collaborative development with biotech and pharma partners. The newly expanded site has been named the Drug Development and Preclinical Unit – George de Hevesy Center in recognition of the father of radiochemistry.

“This site has played a central role in Orano Med’s growth for over 15 years,” said CEO Arnaud Lesegretain. “The expansion reinforces our world-class R&D capabilities in the U.S. and strengthens our ability to deliver targeted alpha therapies in a fully integrated setting.”