Former FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn Joins Nucleus RadioPharma as CEO

In a significant move for the radiopharmaceutical industry, Nucleus RadioPharma has appointed Dr. Stephen Hahn, former FDA Commissioner, as its new chief executive officer. This appointment underscores the growing importance of radiopharmaceuticals in precision oncology and highlights the challenges facing this burgeoning field.

Hahn's Transition to Radiopharmaceutical Leadership

Dr. Hahn, who led the FDA from 2019 to 2021, brings a wealth of experience to his new role at Nucleus RadioPharma. Prior to this appointment, he served as CEO-partner at Flagship Pioneering and chief executive of Harbinger Health. His background also includes a tenure as chief medical executive at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, providing him with a unique perspective on both regulatory affairs and clinical oncology.

Justin Butler, partner at Eclipse and Nucleus board member, emphasized the significance of Hahn's appointment, stating, "Steve's experience as both a physician treating patients and as a leader at the FDA brings an unparalleled perspective to Nucleus as the company works to build the infrastructure needed to accelerate the widespread availability of radiopharmaceuticals."

Addressing Key Challenges in Radiopharmaceuticals

At Nucleus, Hahn will be tasked with tackling three major obstacles facing the radiopharmaceutical industry:

1. Expanding the currently limited supply of key isotopes
2. Building out GMP-compliant facilities capable of handling various medical isotopes
3. Increasing operational capacity to manage radioactive drugs

Hahn himself recognized the potential of radiopharmaceuticals, stating, "Radiopharmaceuticals are the next frontier of precision oncology care. But without the infrastructure to deliver these treatments, their impact is fundamentally limited."

Nucleus RadioPharma's Expansion Plans

Founded in 2022 as a collaboration between Eclipse and the Mayo Clinic, Nucleus RadioPharma has already made significant strides in the industry. The company has raised $72 million in funding, with financial participation from pharmaceutical giants like AstraZeneca.

In October of the previous year, Nucleus announced plans to increase its production capacity by 200%. This expansion includes new sites in Mesa, Arizona, and Springhouse, Pennsylvania, as well as a significant workforce increase. The strategic locations of these facilities will place Nucleus within a four-hour drive of 60% of the U.S. population, addressing the critical issue of limited shelf-life for radiopharmaceuticals.