For the production and filling of highly effective radiopharmaceuticals, a sterile environment is crucial, and exposing staff to radioactive substances must be avoided. Given these requirements, 100% automation is essential. C-Ray, a leading manufacturer in this innovative field of pharmaceuticals, uses fully isolated production lines from Truking Technology. In these lines, Stäubli sixaxis Stericlean robots safely handle vials during filling, inspection and packaging processes.
Administered locally, with minimal impact on the human body: This delivery method is becoming increasingly popular in the fight against many diseases, including numerous types of cancer – with promising results. Local or targeted delivery is already used in treatments such as cytostatic drugs and certain forms of radiation therapy. Instead of directing external radiation at the body, radiopharmaceuticals are injected locally at the tumour site, which is much less stressful for the patient.
A New and Successful Type of Cancer Treatment
Radiopharmaceutical therapy is a rapidly advancing field, and C-Ray Therapeutics is among the companies leading this development in China. The company’s R&D activities are centred in Shanghai, while C-Ray Chengdu serves as its manufacturing backbone, supporting end-to-end production of innovative radiopharmaceuticals.
At the Chengdu site, C-Ray operates a modern facility equipped with fully isolated automated production lines developed by Truking Technology Ltd. These lines enable the precise aseptic filling, inspection, and packaging of radiopharmaceuticals – capabilities essential for safe and reliable production. To meet growing demand, C-Ray Chengdu continues to expand its capacity, with additional lines scheduled for installation in 2026.
Fully Automated Filling and Packaging of Radiopharmaceuticals
The production line supplied by Truking consists of several chambers, which are isolated from the environment for two reasons: first, due to the strict hygienic conditions. The treatment and handling of medicinal products requires, in this case, a cGMP Grade A aseptic environment. The second reason is equally obvious: radiation protection. Radioactive substances must not escape the production cells.
This is why the radiopharmaceuticals are transferred into the fully automated production line through a controlled transfer chamber. Under stable process conditions, the system operates in a modular configuration, supporting automated drug production.
Robot-Based Transportation Under Aseptic
Conditions In each cell, a Stäubli six-axis TX2-60 Stericlean robot performs aseptic filling of radiopharmaceuticals into vials. The robot then transports the filled vials to a real-time radioactivity measurement station.
In the next process step, the robot presents the vials to a visual inspection system. Finally, the vials are placed on slotted trays, ready for automatic labelling. Packaging is also automated, ensuring efficient product dispatch.
