Missouri doubles cancer research: 50 million for life-saving drugs!

Missouri doubles cancer research: 50 million for life-saving drugs!

The University of Missouri is planning a major expansion of its production of life-saving cancer drugs that are critical to many patients. Gov. Mike Kehoe has asked lawmakers for $50 million in support for cancer research, doubling the initial budget of $25 million. The original request was met with concerns from Republican leadership about government spending during the House's regular session and was rejected. However, through intensive negotiations in the current special session, the amount could be increased to the full amount, which could pave the way for comprehensive support. The Missouri Senate has approved full funding, which is now being debated in the House of Representatives, KCTV5 reported.

In a crucial step to improve cancer treatment, the University's NextGen Nuclear Research Reactor (NextGen MURR), which will be equipped with 20 megawatts of power, will double production capacity. This reactor will operate in parallel with the existing 10 megawatt reactor, significantly increasing the university's overall production of radioisotopes. This is particularly important because MURR is the only place in the United States that produces the radioactive isotope lutetium-177, which is used to treat various types of cancer, including pancreatic, liver, thyroid and prostate cancer.

Expanded production capacity and radiopharmaceutical initiative

The University of Missouri has also launched an initiative to increase production of no-carrier-added lutetium-177 (NCA Lu-177), an important component of new cancer therapies. President Mun Choi emphasized the important role this expansion plays for cancer patients in Missouri and beyond. The new reactor will significantly increase production capacity at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR), positioning the university as the central point of contact for radiopharmaceuticals in the United States, as Show Me Missouri reported.

The MURR, which has been in operation for nearly 60 years, treated over 1.6 million cancer patients and heart disease patients in 2023. Construction of the NextGen MURR has already begun; the university has signed a contract with Hyundai Engineering Company and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. The total cost of the project is estimated at about $1 billion, with $200 million already secured, mostly through government funding. The Board of Curators is working to secure the remainder through donations and federal funding.

The initiative to expand manufacturing capacity is intended not only to support existing treatments, but also to respond to increasing demand for advanced therapies following FDA approval of new treatments. MURR is also critical as it seeks partnerships with radiopharmaceutical companies to strengthen the U.S. manufacturing base for these important radioisotopes.

The new production line is a response to increasingly demanding healthcare needs and reflects the University of Missouri's commitment to serving as a global leader in radiopharmaceuticals and cancer therapy. Despite some critical voices, like Republican Mike Moon, who voted against the spending, and Democrats like Steve Roberts, who called for more projects, support for this vital effort remains strong.