Moffitt Cancer Center Launches Radiopharma Program to Accelerate Research, Clinical Translation, and Manufacturing of Next Generation Cancer Treatment

Moffitt Cancer Center Launches Radiopharma Program to Accelerate Research, Clinical Translation, and Manufacturing of Next Generation Cancer Treatment

New interdisciplinary program will bring together clinical, research and operational expertise to position Speros as a Southeastern hub for radiopharmaceutical innovation

TAMPA, Fla. (Aug. 25, 2026) - Moffitt Cancer Center and Speros today launched the Moffitt Radiopharmaceutical Program, an interdisciplinary initiative that accelerates radiopharmaceutical research, development, clinical translation and manufacturing at Speros and positions the 775-acre life sciences campus to be the leading hub for radiopharmaceutical innovation in the Southeast.

Radiopharmaceuticals combine a radioactive isotope with a pharmaceutical element that interacts with specific receptors on target cells or tissues to help diagnose or treat cancer. Theranostics pair diagnostic imaging with related therapies, helping physicians identify cancer and deliver radiation to the same targets. Together, these approaches offer new possibilities for more precise and personalized cancer care.

Moffitt's next big investment in its mission to prevent and cure cancer, the Radiopharmaceutical Program brings together clinical, research and operational expertise across Moffitt to coordinate the development of theranostics and radiopharmaceutical capabilities at Speros. The program will evaluate emerging technologies and strategic partnerships, coordinate current and future radiopharmaceutical therapy clinical trials, and identify opportunities at the intersection of radiopharmaceuticals and immunotherapy.

"Theranostics represent a promising new method to diagnose and treat cancer," said Patrick Hwu, M.D., president and CEO of Moffitt Cancer Center. "Moffitt is in a unique position to lead in radiopharmaceuticals, and we are investing in the talent and infrastructure to solidify it as a strategic priority."

Ghassan El-Haddad, M.D., vice chair, radiopharmaceutical & nuclear oncology, and Josh Carpenter, D.Phil., president of Speros and chief integration officer for Moffitt, serve as the program's co-leads, with El-Haddad overseeing clinical strategy and Carpenter leading strategic and executive operations. Together, they guide the program's clinical, research and operational priorities and help align Moffitt's growing radiopharmaceutical capabilities with opportunities across the broader field.

The program is supported by more than $600 million in infrastructure investments at Speros, including new radiochemistry labs at the 255,000-square-foot Moffitt Discovery and Innovation Center opening this fall and the planned Integrated Theranostics Center, which will contain dedicated radioisotope production and translational research capabilities. The University of South Florida, Pasco-Hernando State College, Embarc Collective and other industry partners are also working collaboratively with Moffitt and Speros through the FORGE coalition to build the talent pipeline and industry ecosystem required to support advanced radioisotope production and radiopharmaceutical development.

Moffitt continues expanding its specialized expertise through strategic hires focused on advancing radiopharmaceutical research, clinical trials and partnerships. Among them is Ivis Chaple, Ph.D., director of Radioisotope Research and Development, who provides strategic oversight of cyclotron facility operations, sets priorities for the platform's radioisotope portfolio, and cultivates industry engagement and strategic partnerships.

Building on Moffitt's history of investing early in emerging areas of cancer treatment, including cell and immunotherapy, the Moffitt Radiopharmaceutical Program establishes a coordinated foundation for the next generation of radiopharmaceutical research and therapy. By bringing together infrastructure, specialized talent, clinical expertise and external partnerships, Moffitt and Speros are building the capabilities needed to advance radiopharmaceuticals from discovery through clinical translation and toward production at scale.

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About Speros

Speros is a 775-acre campus in Pasco County, Florida, designed to accelerate cancer prevention and treatment through strategic industry partnerships and by forging collaborative space for scientific research and clinical care. Anchored by Moffitt Cancer Center, Speros imagines a new frontier for research and development with a mission-driven real estate venture where groundbreaking discoveries become lifesaving treatments. For more information, visit Speros.org or follow Speros on LinkedIn and X.

About Moffitt Cancer Center

Moffitt is dedicated to one lifesaving mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. The Tampa-based facility is one of only 58 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt's scientific excellence, multidisciplinary research, and robust training and education. Moffitt's expert nursing staff is recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center with Magnet® status, its highest distinction. For more information, call 1-888-MOFFITT (1-844-453-0589), visit Moffitt.org, and follow the momentum on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube