One hospital in three in the world with a nuclear medicine department uses Belgian technology. With its innovative and recognized ecosystem in this field, Wallonia has been a key player for several years now. This expertise will be showcased in the United States and Canada, where a dozen Walloon-based companies will be presenting their know-how.
In a few days' time, a delegation of around ten Walloon companies will be flying to Indianapolis for a trade mission on nuclear medicine. Participants will then travel to Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The aim of the mission is to showcase Wallonia's expertise in radiation applied to healthcare, a field in which the region enjoys international recognition. It will focus in particular on the state of Indiana, where several strategic projects underway are attracting growing interest from American and international players, including Wallonia.
The aim of this mission is to connect two hubs specialized in nuclear medicine: on the one hand, the North American hub with the North American Great Lakes ecosystem, and on the other, the European hub with the Walloon ecosystem.
While a significant number of American and international companies have recently set up operations around Indianapolis (Telix, Curium, Orano Med, Isotopia, SpectronRx, Bristol Myers Squibb, Carinal Health, Novartis, Eli Lilly, etc.), Wallonia has no reason to be ashamed of its ecosystem (IBA, Telix, Trasis, IRE, Technologies, Telemis, DiaSource, Nucleis, Elysia Raytest or Abscint).
Wallonia, a world leader
Wallonia, and more broadly Belgium, has always been at the forefront of nuclear medicine, thanks to an early focus on healthcare applications. These technologies were introduced in most Belgian university hospitals as early as the late 1940s and early 1950s. By the end of the 1990s, Belgium had become the world leader in nuclear medicine equipment per capita, with a high density of experts and specialized personnel.
Nuclear medicine is a specialized field that uses radioactive substances (radiopharmaceuticals) for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, playing an essential role in personalized medicine. Today, Wallonia has established itself as a global center of excellence in this sector, with major assets in isotope production, specialized equipment, and the development of new therapeutic approaches such as theranostics and ligand-gated radiotherapy (RLT). This dynamic ecosystem is supported by a network of cutting-edge research centers, hospitals, companies and specialized logistics infrastructures.
Did you know? Belgium and Wallonia play a central role in the global supply of radionuclides, with over 10 million patients worldwide benefiting from Belgian production every year.
What's more, one in three hospitals worldwide with a nuclear medicine department uses Belgian technology.
Within a decade, the sector could see a three- to five-fold increase in activity. Theranostics, which combines diagnostic imaging and targeted radiotherapy, is revolutionizing nuclear medicine, and applications are expanding, not only in oncology, but also in neurology and cardiology.
Participants in the mission to Indiana / Canada
A dozen companies based in Wallonia will be on the trip to Indianapolis and Toronto.
ABSCINT is a clinical-stage company specializing in the development of in vivo imaging diagnostics, including tracers for positron emission tomography (PET). Founded in 2020, ABSCINT is a spin-off from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). ABSCINT's mission is to revolutionize care for patients with HER2 cancers by developing cutting-edge in vivo imaging diagnostics.
Elysia-Raytest is a supplier of LIMS, chromatography and quality control systems for the pharmaceutical, agrochemical and nuclear/PET industries. Elysia designs, manufactures, sells and services instruments used for radioactivity measurement and quality control. The company works closely with suppliers of radiopharmaceuticals and cyclotrons to develop new products and improve existing solutions.
Ion Beam Applications is a world leader in particle gas pedal technology. IBA designs and produces innovative solutions for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other serious diseases, as well as for industrial applications such as the sterilization of medical devices.
Through its four core businesses: Industrial Solutions, RadioPharma Solutions, Proton Therapy & Dosimetry, IBA provides healthcare professionals with solutions that enable them to adopt a fully integrated approach to patient care.
MODELLO Architects is a Belgian company that has been providing architectural services since 2005. Their core business is the construction of radiopharmacy facilities, healthcare installations and industrial buildings.
From preliminary design to final acceptance of the building, MODELLO Architects manages the construction process through all phases. This includes building permits, tender documents, bid analysis and site supervision.
SCK CEN is one of Belgium's largest research institutions. Every day, more than 900 employees work to develop peaceful applications of radioactivity. SCK CEN's research activities focus on three main themes: innovative nuclear systems, nuclear waste management and decommissioning, and nuclear medical applications. In its more than 70 years of existence, SCK CEN has never ceased to collaborate with national and international partners.
SHENGSHENG SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
Shengsheng International Logistics is a pioneer in China's bio-pharmaceutical supply chain, with a global presence in the USA, Europe and Asia-Pacific.
Thanks to its strong capability in cold chain management for investigational drugs, laboratory samples, biologics, commercial drugs and devices, as well as CGT products, Shengsheng International enjoys a well-established reputation and high customer satisfaction.
The Oncidium Foundation is a non-profit organization that advances nuclear medicine therapies for the treatment of cancer worldwide. Their mission focuses on education, awareness and support for people battling cancer, particularly those in need of better access to care.
Tractebel is an international engineering and consulting company providing integrated solutions for sustainable energy and built environment projects. Their expertise is recognized worldwide in numerous markets such as nuclear, renewable energies, electricity and gas, power grids, hydropower, complex and high-tech buildings, and transportation.
“By combining strategy, design, engineering, social and environmental studies, project management and in-house digital applications, we work in partnership with companies and public authorities to create a positive impact on people and the planet.”
Trasis is committed to developing cutting-edge solutions that help improve the diagnosis and treatment of major diseases including cancer, neurological and cardiological diseases. Trasis is an innovative player in the development of solutions in the field of radiopharmacy.
World Infinity Services, a PHSE company, is dedicated to the global logistics of (medical) radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals, including warehousing and import activities.
Isabelle Anneet (AWEX)
