Belgium a pharma-valley in 2030, 2035, ... ?

Belgium, what a remarkable country!??

We’re a nation of stunning contrasts, vocal about the exports that the world knows us for, yet bashful when it comes to promoting our impressive – and growing – record as an innovator.??

From the Saxophone to the contraceptive pill [1] that set the standard for all others, Belgium has a history of innovation and creation. We’re a major player in Europe’s space sector, our automotive market is the third-fastest growing in Europe [2], and we can boast a strong legacy as a biopharma powerhouse, especially on radiopharmaceuticals.?

A prime example of this is the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre and Institute for Radioelements (SCKCEN), which produce nearly one third of the world’s radioisotopes[3] used for diagnostics and cancer treatments like Radioligand Therapy (RLT).

RLT is a targeted cancer treatment which delivers radiation directly to tumour cells, to minimise damage to nearby healthy cells. RLT allows us to address tumours precisely, at their specific site, transforming the quality of life of the roughly 70,000 people undergoing treatment for cancer in Belgium every year [4].

This contribution is massive, but we don’t talk about it.

So, let’s talk about it.

Continue making waves to lead the future of radiopharmaceuticals

During Belgium’s 6-month presidency of the Council of the European Union, we championed the future of radiopharmaceuticals – by being bold enough to put radioisotopes on the top of the agenda[5]. We addressed key challenges, including the development of radioisotopes, their availability, the reactors’ operation, the financial structure of their market and the need for a renewed legislative framework.?

We made a splash, but that moment has passed. Today, we need Belgium to build on its self-created momentum. We have everything it takes for Belgium to become an RLT hotspot. Belgium became big thanks to its bold moves and support for its innovation. New innovations like RLT will serve patients, contribute to a more prosperous society and create a more prosperous Belgium.??

Sounds like a great idea, right? So, let’s talk about the practicalities required to keep things moving.??

Let’s stop talking about innovation and innovate?

Setting the right foundations is vital, so first we must talk about preparing healthcare systems for RLT to prevent the looming tragedy of unrealized potential in Belgium.

Innovation such as RLT simply cannot reach its full potential if Europe lacks the necessary infrastructure, resources, processes, people and policies to integrate a new approach to cancer care.

We know the obstacles that Europe faces integrating RLT into cancer care, and here in Belgium we seek to change the status quo, to challenge the negative preconceptions towards radioactive treatments that make clinicians hesitant to adopt RLT.? Sure, RLT doesn’t cure cancer yet, but it will soon be the fifth pillar in cancer care next to surgery, chemo, immuno- and radiotheraphy.

It shows the potential we can bring, if we focus.

No pharma valley without cultivation

Welcoming and growing new technologies like RLT requires Belgium to maintain its position as a health innovator, and that is supported by the strong push towards further making the country a ‘Pharma Valley’.?

As emphasized in Mario Draghi’s report “The future of European competitiveness”, Europe’s future as an economic powerhouse and innovator will be also built on the strategic pillar of the pharmaceutical industry.

Areas like biologics, orphan drugs and advanced therapies require Europe to step up its game. By increasing public R&D investment; boosting private R&D investment; streamlining the regulatory framework; and maximizing the impact of the European Health Data Space (EHDS) we can keep up with global competition in key areas, but that doesn’t happen without conscious effort.

By considering Belgium’s future – not just its present – we can nurture this valley for the good of all innovation, drawing on the expertise, thriving facilities, key opinion leaders and upcoming biotech companies to become a global RLT hub.????

Currently, Belgium has more than 5,000 dedicated professionals working in nuclear medicine, amongst whom 350 are nuclear medicine specialists. We produce, separate and purify 20% to 25% of the global medical isotope demand, and this number can even reach 65% during peak periods.?[JL2]?

Imagine the impact we could have if we could do more?

Building such a legacy requires continued intent and investment, positioning RLT as an established instrument in the cancer treatment, and ultimately increasing the benefit for patients in Belgium and society at large.?

As it stands, we are currently the only European Member State which broadly reimburses RLT, and we plan to continue engaging partners across our unique ecosystem to become a global hub (from research to clinical trials to production). ?

Lead the way and pioneer for healthcare system readiness ?

Belgium is pushing ahead in building a strong legacy in RLT for advanced cancers – demonstrating our commitment to care for our population and build a healthier society.?

Through the recently launched Belgian RLT action plan[6] – developed by multiple stakeholders including healthcare professionals, hospitals, research institutes, universities, patient associations and the public services – we have a real chance to pioneer healthcare system readiness to offer patients new prospects for extending their lifespan and improving quality of life, but also offering economic benefits to society.

Through RLT, we have a chance to change, to move on from being bashful about our wins and challenge ourselves to make our vision of a better future into a reality.?

In 5, 10 to 15 years, how will we reflect on this moment??

Did we use the momentum behind RLT to keep our edge and allow future generations to reap the long-term benefits of our investment???

To maintain our position as pharma-valley in 2030, we need to make choices. RLT is the right choice to make. And to become an RLT-hotspot we need Belgium and the next governments to go all in. We need to take the leap forward and implement the RLT action plan. Let’s do it!

[1] British Medical Journal. “Anovlar” as an oral contraceptive. July 1962. Access: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1925289/pdf/brmedj02979-0025.pdf

[2] “Belgian car market records third strongest growth in Europe”. The Brussels Times. August 2023

[3] SCK CEN. Partnership between SCK CEN and the IRE. January 2019. Access: https://www.sckcen.be/en/news/partnership-between-sck-cen-and-ire

[4] Healthy Belgium. Cancer. Available at: https://www.healthybelgium.be/en/health-status/non-communicable-diseases/cancer

[5] Workshop on Medical Isotopes. https://belgian-presidency.consilium.europa.eu/en/events/workshop-on-medical-radioisotopes/#:~:text=This%20workshop%20aims%20to%20address,autonomy%20through%20infrastructure%20and%20production.

[6] SCK CEN. Broad action plan proposed to give more cancer patients in Belgium access to innovative radioligand therapy. June 2024. Access: 20240619_PressRelease_RLTactionplan_EN.pdf (sckcen.be)

?[JL2] INOVIGATE Maes I., Van Nuwenborg J., Kok E., Debruyn V., A radioligand therapy (RLT) plan for Belgium