Talk Radioisotopes: Going Nuclear on Cancer

Paul Schrimpf, Proprietor and Entrepreneur at Cyrall

In this episode of Talk Radioisotopes, Paul Schrimpf, Proprietor and Entrepreneur at Cyrall, unpacks what it takes to build and scale a radiopharmaceutical business. With a background spanning Accenture, Prophet, and leadership roles advising top healthcare organizations, Paul draws on deep experience across strategy, marketing, and team development to lay out what radiopharma innovators can learn from the broader B2B and life sciences sectors. He explains why too many startups fall in love with their technology before identifying a buyer, and why clarity, not complexity, is the foundation of effective communication. Paul also explores how AI is reshaping early-stage strategy—not by replacing decision-makers, but by accelerating hypothesis development, sharpening messaging, and driving customer-centric thinking. He shares practical frameworks for using tools like ChatGPT to refine go-to-market models, stress-test assumptions, and identify real buyers, not just theoretical markets. The conversation then pivots to commercialization strategy, where Paul critiques outdated pharma marketing playbooks and highlights the untapped potential of personalization and digital targeting. He also challenges old-school sales mentalities, urging founders and go-to-market teams to prioritize listening over pitching. Whether you're building a radiopharma company or advising one, this episode is packed with tactical insights into what it takes to succeed in today’s healthcare environment. —----- Time Stamps: * *(4:45) Business Comes Down to People * *(8:15) Addressing Unmet Needs and the Biggest Mistakes Startups Make * *(21:20) What Pharma Marketing Still Gets Wrong * *(24:50) Where is the Consumer? * *(32:00) What Space is Radiopharma in the Future? -------- ‘Talk Radioisotopes: Going Nuclear on Cancer’ is brought to you by Nusano, a physics company whose breakthrough technologies are poised to help supply the fight against cancer and enable innovation across multiple industries. Find out more at Nusano.com [http://nusano.com]. -------- Links: Follow Paul Schrimpf [https://www.linkedin.com/in/schrimpf/] Visit Cyrall [https://www.cyrall.com/] Talkradioisotopes.com [http://talkradioisotopes.com] —----

Building a Smarter Radiopharma Future with AI-Driven Drug Discovery

In this episode of Talk Radioisotopes, host Scott Ravi sits down with Sigal Kalmanson Cusnir, CEO and Co-Founder of Starget Pharma, an early-stage company at the forefront of precision oncology. Starget is redefining the way radiopharmaceuticals are discovered and developed by merging AI technology with decades of expertise in peptide chemistry. Sigal shares how Starget's proprietary backbone cyclization technology and in silico AI models enable the rapid development of metabolically stable and highly specific radioligands for hard-to-treat cancers. She also explains the company’s unique platform approach, which optimizes isotopes, chelators, and ligands for targeted cancer therapies, all in accelerated timelines. Listeners will learn about Starget’s innovative drug discovery pipeline, the company's ambitions to enter clinical trials, and the broader implications for the future of radiopharmaceuticals. This episode is a must-listen for biotech professionals, oncology researchers, and investors tracking the next wave of AI-powered drug development. —----- Time Stamps: * *(01:48) The Science Behind Smart Targeted Radioligands * *(04:02) AI and Peptide Radioligand Discovery * *(06:31) Understanding Starget Pharma's Product Pipeline * *(11:26) Emerging Isotopes and Future Prospects * *(13:10) Sigal’s Advice for the Early Stage Companies * *(19:35) Sigal’s Magic Wand -------- ‘Talk Radioisotopes: Going Nuclear on Cancer’ is brought to you by Nusano, a physics company whose breakthrough technologies are poised to help supply the fight against cancer and enable innovation across multiple industries. Find out more at Nusano.com [http://nusano.com]. -------- Links: Follow Sigal [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sigal-kalmanson-cusnir-978714/?originalSubdomain=il] Visit Starget Pharma [https://stargetpharma.com/] Talkradioisotopes.com [http://talkradioisotopes.com] —----

The Goldilocks Isotope? Why Astatine-211 Might Be Just Right for Radiotherapeutics

In this episode, Milton Lönnroth, Co-Founder and CEO, shares how Atley Solutions is changing the game for astatine-211, a promising isotope in cancer therapy. Atley supports radiopharmaceutical companies and researchers by enabling the scalable production and labeling of astatine-based compounds. Milton explains how the company's roots in the University of Gothenburg’s alpha therapy group shaped a mission focused squarely on patient needs, especially for challenging cancers like metastatic ovarian cancer. The company's first commercial product, the C100 module, automates the purification, labeling, and preparation of astatine-211 drug products, significantly lowering the barrier to entry for researchers and clinical developers alike. Milton dives deep into what makes astatine-211 uniquely suited for targeted radiotherapy. Its simple decay scheme, pure alpha emissions, and lack of hard gamma radiation allow for more precise treatment with fewer safety hurdles, enabling outpatient care and reducing the need for bulky shielding infrastructure. The show also explores the logistical and chemical advantages of astatine’s halogen status, its compatibility with small molecules, and the potential to reach hard-to-treat cancers like glioblastoma and neuroblastoma. Milton turns criticism of At-211’s short half-life on its head, arguing that astatine offers a “Goldilocks” balance, perfect for scalable and environmentally sound therapeutic use. Milton is optimistic about At-211’s role in advancing curative cancer care. With Atley’s technology entering clinical trials and commercial momentum building, he foresees a broader pipeline of alpha therapies reaching patients worldwide. He also emphasizes the importance of infrastructure and workforce development to support this growth and raises a call-to-action for the industry to invest in radiopharmacy readiness and training. Whether it’s reducing relapse rates in ovarian cancer or unlocking treatment options for children with aggressive cancers, Milton and his team at Atley are working hard to give astatine a leading role in defining the next era of nuclear medicine. —----- Time Stamps: * *(02:25 The Origin Story of Atley Solutions * *(04:34)  Clinical Trials and Seeing Promising Results * *(08:17) The E100 Module: A Game Changer * *(13:53) The Unique Properties of Astatine-211 * *(19:27) Global Progress and Future Prospects * *(22:45) Challenges and Opportunities in Radiopharmaceuticals -------- ‘Talk Radioisotopes: Going Nuclear on Cancer’ is brought to you by Nusano, a physics company whose breakthrough technologies are poised to help supply the fight against cancer and enable innovation across multiple industries. Find out more at Nusano.com [http://nusano.com]. -------- Links: Follow Milton [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikmiltonlonnroth/] Visit Atley Solutions [https://atley.com/] Talkradioisotopes.com [http://talkradioisotopes.com] —----

Luke Nordquist, CEO of XCancer

In this episode, host Scott Larrivee speaks with Dr. Luke Nordquist, a medical oncologist and Founder/CEO of XCancer, a globally recognized clinical research center. Dr. Nordquist shares the origin story of XCancer—born out of a desire to bring cutting-edge prostate cancer trials to community care settings—and how it has grown into a nationwide clinical research network supporting over 45 community cancer centers. With a patient-first philosophy, Luke discusses building operational efficiency, launching world-first trials, and developing proprietary research software to streamline clinical operations. They dive deep into the challenges and myths surrounding clinical trial participation. Dr. Nordquist debunks misconceptions around cost, access, and patient eligibility while underscoring the life-extending value trials offer. He explains how only 3–5% of cancer patients enroll in trials, often due to a lack of awareness, and why reshaping this narrative is essential. His approach includes integrating trial options into routine care and building relationships with pharmaceutical sponsors, helping bring innovative treatments to patients in both urban and rural settings. Scott and Luke also explore the future of theranostics, including X Cancer’s expansion into radiopharmaceutical clinical trials. Dr. Nordquist introduces TheranosticTrials.org, a first-of-its-kind patient- and provider-friendly platform that consolidates trials, education, and industry resources into one hub. The episode closes with a visionary look at democratizing access to cancer innovation globally, including in Tanzania—and even features a detour into Dr. Nordquist’s X Cancer Motorsports team, led by his son on the road to Indy. —----- Time Stamps: * *(01:28) How XCancer came to Existence * *(03:58) Expanding Research and Collaborations * *(08:44) Expanding Clinical Trials and Patient Perspectives * *(21:11) Overcoming the Challenges in Clinical Research * *(24:10) Theranostic Trials and Community Centers * *(31:46)What is the Future of Theranostics and Global Expansion * *(34:48) XCancer’s Own Branded Race Car -------- ‘Talk Radioisotopes: Going Nuclear on Cancer’ is brought to you by Nusano, a physics company whose breakthrough technologies are poised to help supply the fight against cancer and enable innovation across multiple industries. Find out more at Nusano.com [http://nusano.com]. -------- Links: Follow Luke [https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-nordquist-md-facp-92567525/] Visit XCancer [https://www.xcancer.com/] Talkradioisotopes.com [http://talkradioisotopes.com] —----

Matt Furlow, Principal Associate at ZS

On this episode, hosts Scott and Sarah are joined by Matt Furlow, Associate Principal at ZS, about the evolving role of radiopharmaceuticals in oncology. With a PhD in bioengineering and a decade of consulting experience, Matt brings a unique perspective on how scientific insight and strategic planning intersect to help biotech and pharma companies bring new therapies to the market. Matt shares how radiopharmaceuticals are following a path similar to antibody-drug conjugates and cell therapies. Which is attracting investment but facing challenges in logistics, site readiness, and workforce shortages. He explains why supply chain planning must start early, how regulatory requirements impact delivery sites, and why expanding access is critical for patient care. From radionuclide shortages to limited site accreditation, Matt outlines the practical hurdles companies must overcome. The trio explores emerging isotopes like actinium and copper and the potential for radiopharmaceuticals to move into earlier lines of treatment. Emphasizing the need for a diverse therapeutic toolkit—tailored isotopes, targeting agents, and delivery mechanisms—to personalize cancer care. Matt closes with a bold vision: if key barriers can be addressed, radiopharmaceuticals could one day supplant traditional radiation therapy.   —----- Time Stamps: * *(02:37) Matt's Journey from Academia to Consulting * *(05:29) The Current State of Radiopharmaceuticals * *(08:34) Challenges found in the Radiopharmaceutical Supply Chain * *(12:14) Exploring the Patient Journey and Logistics * *(23:56) What is the Future of Radiopharmaceuticals? -------- ‘Talk Radioisotopes: Going Nuclear on Cancer’ is brought to you by Nusano, a physics company whose breakthrough technologies are poised to help supply the fight against cancer and enable innovation across multiple industries. Find out more at Nusano.com [http://nusano.com]. -------- Links: Follow Matt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewfurlow/] Visit ZS [https://www.zs.com/] Talkradioisotopes.com [http://talkradioisotopes.com] —----