Oncidium Foundation Expands Radioligand Therapy Access in Brazil

Agreements Signed with Leading National Institutions During the Belgian Economic Mission Bring Lifesaving Cancer Treatments to Underserved Communities

São Paulo, Brazil – During the recent Belgian Economic Mission to Brazil, headed by Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium, the Oncidium Foundation accomplished a series of milestones to improve access to innovative cancer treatments in the country. At the heart of this initiative is the implementation of RLT-Connect, Oncidium’s global treatment donation program, which supports patients who cannot afford radioligand therapy (RLT) for cancer care.

Historic Partnership Sets the Stage for Equitable Radioligand Therapy Access in Brazil

The signing of the RLT-Connect agreement with the MND Campinas marks a historical milestone for the access of radioligand therapy in Brazil. This is the first Brazilian partner to join the platform, consolidating its commitment to providing equitable cancer care. “We began discussing this initiative for Brazil in November of 2023, and to see this agreement finalized is truly incredible. It marks a significant milestone in expanding access to Nuclear medicine treatments across the country. It’s a step towards not only implementing but enabling Nuclear medicine physicians in different parts of the country to treat their patients. This initiative is crucial for ensuring equitable access to advanced healthcare, and I believe it represents a very important step for Brazil,” said Dr. Elba, Administrative Director of the MND group. “The number of patients we are able to treat is simply not enough—less than 1% of prostate cancer patients who need RLT treatment are currently treated in the country, and currently only those who can afford to pay out of pocket. This initiative will pave the way for many more who currently lack access.”

Additionally, during a B2B meeting, INRAD expressed strong interest in implementing the RLT-Connect platform. As part of the Hospital das Clínicas FMUSP—the largest public hospital in Latin America—INRAD would play a key role once the initiative is fully operational. This prospective partnership emphasizes how collaboration can broaden access to advanced RLT treatments, ensuring that no patient is excluded due to financial constraints.

Expanding Access with INCA

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA) represents a significant Breakthrough in expanding access to Radioligand Therapy (RLT) in Brazil. By joining RLT-Connect, INCA will enable financially disadvantaged patients under the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS) to potentially receive Radiopharmaceutical therapies—treatments that, until now, have only been reimbursed by private health care providers.

“In INCA, we are committed to improving the quality of care for all patients” said Dr. Roberto de Almeida Gil, Director-General of INCA. “By becoming part of RLT-Connect, we are taking a concrete step to ensure that advanced therapies reach the SUS for the benefit of the entire Brazilian population.”

Advancing Education and Research with IPEN

An MoU with IPEN, the Brazilian leader in nuclear energy and Radiopharmaceutical production, lays the groundwork for collaboration in education, training, and research. Together, the organizations aim to develop specialized training programs and encourage joint research initiatives to strengthen Brazil’s Radiopharmaceutical expertise.

“This collaboration exemplifies how coordinated efforts can bring cutting-edge treatments to those who need them most” said Isolda Costa, Superintendent at IPEN. “By working together, we have the opportunity to reshape the landscape of cancer care in Brazil and ensure that no patient is left behind.”

A Unified Mission for Global Impact

These collaborations, facilitated and empowered by the Belgian Economic Mission to Brazil, demonstrate the transformative potential of international partnerships in addressing healthcare inequities. By combining expertise and resources, these agreements pave the way for sustainable, equitable access to innovative therapies for cancer patients in Brazil.

About the Oncidium Foundation

The Oncidium Foundation is a non-profit, public-benefit organization dedicated to advancing Radiotheranostics for cancer care worldwide. Our mission focuses on education, awareness, and advocating for equitable access to treatment. Through our initiatives, we bridge care gaps and build an ecosystem that supports people living with cancer, regardless of geographical or financial barriers, offering hope for an improved quality of life.

About Our Partners

• INCA: Brazil’s National Cancer Institute is a federal institute that supports the Ministry of Health in creating integrated strategies for cancer prevention and treatment, improving public health nationwide.

• IPEN: Is a public institution part of the National Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN), an agency of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI). A leading institution in nuclear research and Radiopharmaceutical production, IPEN is committed to enhancing quality of life through innovation and education.

• MND Campinas: It’s part of the MND group with over 30 years of expertise, MND is a pioneer in Nuclear medicine therapies, offering cutting-edge treatments across Brazil.

• INRAD: It’s a leading healthcare provider in Latin America located within the Hospital das Clínicas FMUSP, dedicated to advancing medical excellence and innovation.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Thais Rocha Ruda

thais@oncidium-life.org

Download the press release here.

Download the portuguese version here.