# IBA and Framatome Launch Ekalia Joint Venture for Cancer Therapy Production

- URL: https://stocks.freetheai.org/news/iba-and-framatome-launch-ekalia-joint-venture-for-cancer-therapy-production-47f436
- Published: 2026-10-16T06:00:00Z
- Category: company_news; sentiment: bullish; impact: medium
- Symbols: [EURONEXT:IBAB](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/EURONEXT-IBAB)
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Ion Beam Applications S.A. (EURONEXT:IBAB) and nuclear energy group Framatome have created a joint venture called Ekalia to produce Astatine-211, a radioisotope used in targeted cancer therapies. Jointly owned by both partners, Ekalia will combine accelerator technology from Ion Beam Applications S.A. with nuclear manufacturing capabilities from Framatome.

Astatine-211 is an alpha-emitting isotope that delivers localized radiation to destroy cancer cells while limiting damage to surrounding healthy tissue. While clinically promising, widespread adoption of the therapy has been restricted by limited large-scale production infrastructure. The joint venture aims to solve this supply constraint by building a commercial manufacturing network across Europe and North America.

Ekalia plans to bring its initial manufacturing facility online in Nantes, France, in 2028. The venture also plans to build a second pilot facility in the United States, followed by additional sites across both regions.

## Key points

- Ion Beam Applications S.A. (EURONEXT:IBAB) and Framatome established a joint venture named Ekalia to produce Astatine-211 for cancer treatments.
- The joint venture merges particle accelerator and cyclotron technology with nuclear industrial expertise.
- Astatine-211 delivers targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
- The first production site is scheduled to become operational in Nantes, France, in 2028, with a second pilot site planned in the U.S.

## Questions and answers

### What is the purpose of the Ekalia joint venture?

Ekalia was established by Ion Beam Applications S.A. and Framatome to build an international supply network for Astatine-211, a radioisotope used in precision cancer therapies.

### When will Ekalia open its first production site?

Ekalia plans to launch its first production site in Nantes, France, in 2028, with additional plans for a pilot site in the United States.

### How does Astatine-211 help treat cancer?

Astatine-211 delivers targeted radiation over short distances to destroy cancer cells while minimizing exposure to healthy surrounding tissue.