United Imaging Invests $170M in Jiuyiyuan to Advance Domestic Medical Cyclotron Innovation

Cyclotron: This name, which sounds quite futuristic, actually refers to a precision particle acceleration device that cleverly harnesses the power of electromagnetic fields to accelerate charged particles to specific velocities and energy levels. This high-tech equipment is not a science fiction fantasy but a vital component of modern scientific laboratories, demonstrating exceptional value particularly in the medical field.

One of the primary applications of cyclotrons is the production of radioactive isotopes, which serve as the cornerstone for manufacturing radiopharmaceuticals. Radiopharmaceuticals play a pivotal role in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, enabling precise targeting and destruction of cancer cells, thereby providing robust support for patient therapy.

However, just as the vast majority of medical isotopes in China rely on imports, the market for medical cyclotrons was also monopolized by countries in Europe, the United States, and Japan until 2021. Globally, European and American countries currently have a higher installed base, with over 1,200 units, whereas China has approximately 200 units.

Amidst the monopoly, domestically produced medical cyclotrons have demonstrated robust independent innovation capabilities. Sichuan Jiuyiyuan Particle Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Jiuyiyuan”) is one such example.

As early as 2007, the Institute of Fluid Physics, China Academy of Engineering Physics (hereinafter referred to as “IFP”), initiated the research and development of medical cyclotrons. The IFP team first spent five years developing a principle prototype, followed by another three years to complete an engineering prototype, ultimately forming a preliminary product by 2015. However, successfully translating these scientific achievements into practical applications remained the final hurdle they faced.

In 2017, Sichuan Jiuyiyuan Particle Technology Co., Ltd. was established. A relevant official from Jiuyiyuan told VCBeat that the company’s establishment benefited in part from the support of the Institute of Fluid Physics, which helped Jiuyiyuan “get off the ground and gain momentum.” “After all, during the early start-up phase, it was unrealistic to expect an immediately complete R&D team capable of independently carrying out secondary development and in-depth research on products,” said the Jiuyiyuan official. During that period,The Institute of Fluid Physics not only encourages researchers to provide technical services to Sichuan Jiuyiyuan Particle Technology Co., Ltd. through part-time engagements, but also gives the green light for the translation of scientific achievements, thereby ensuring the smooth launch of the project.。

On the other hand, this achievement is inextricably linked to the team’s efforts. At the outset, everything started from scratch. The core team members pooled their own funds to lease a modestly sized factory with rudimentary facilities. After two years of relentless effort by dozens of engineers and technical personnel, China’s first medical cyclotron for PET radiopharmaceutical production was successfully launched.

2021 could be described as a harvest year for Jiuyiyuan. During this year, their products began to emerge in the domestic market and gained recognition and adoption by an increasing number of medical institutions.In October of the same year, the first domestically produced medical cyclotron was successfully installed and put into operation at Sichuan Science City Hospital.

In 2023, with the support of Mianyang Economic and Technological Development Zone, Sichuan Jiuyiyuan Particle Technology Co., Ltd. againOfficially completed and commissioned the cyclotron and isotope pharmaceutical R&D and production base. Covering an area of 46.17 mu with a total construction area exceeding 31,433 square meters, this modern production base has become the world’s largest manufacturing facility for medical cyclotrons.

Currently, all three production lines of Sichuan Jiuyiyuan Particle Technology Co., Ltd. are fully operational, with an annual production capacity firmly established at 30 units. When the production lines operate at full capacity, the annual output is projected to surge to between 50 and 100 units.In terms of product lines, Sichuan Jiuyiyuan Particle Technology Co., Ltd. is not only capable of mass-producing accelerator products covering different energy levels of 7MeV, 11MeV, and 20MeV, but also possesses strong customized R&D capabilities to meet the diversified needs of the market.

From a technical perspective, the relevant person in charge also stated, “The establishment of technological barriers is not an endeavor that can be accomplished by a single entity; rather, it is the result of close collaboration and layered integration across multiple technical components, forming a comprehensive, multi-dimensional protective network.”

Taking target design as an example, the target must withstand continuous bombardment by high-intensity energy to ensure the sustained stability of nuclear reactions, while also incorporating an efficient heat dissipation system to prevent damage caused by overheating. This requires engineers to possess multidisciplinary expertise in materials science, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism to achieve the optimal solution.

To meet diverse market demands, Sichuan Jiuyiyuan Particle Technology Co., Ltd. has successively launched 7 MeV and 20 MeV models following the successful release of its 11 MeV medical cyclotron, and is now intensively developing a 30 MeV multi-particle high-current cyclotron, which is scheduled for official launch in 2025.

A relevant official told VCBeat that the 30-MeV multi-particle high-current cyclotron mainly focuses on three directions:

Moreover, Sichuan Jiuyiyuan Particle Technology Co., Ltd. will continue to deepen its efforts in the future, enhancing the beam current and energy levels of its accelerators.By integrating cutting-edge technologies such as superconductivity, the company has pushed equipment performance to 230 MV to meet the demands of high-end medical fields including proton therapy and heavy ion therapy.

Two days before publication,United Imaging Announces RMB 120 Million Investment in Jiuyiyuan for 10% Equity Stake Using Internal Funds. A relevant person in charge told VCBeat that this round of financing dates back to the second quarter of 2023, and was finally completed successfully after nearly a year of preparation and negotiation.

It is understood that Sichuan Jiuyiyuan Particle Technology Co., Ltd. (Jiuyiyuan) and United Imaging will deepen their cooperation in the future. PET/CT systems and cyclotrons are mutually synergistic. Moving forward, Jiuyiyuan plans to jointly promote products with United Imaging in both domestic and overseas markets, serving customers through bundled sales or by providing comprehensive solutions.

This means that the two parties are not merely selling their respective products independently, but are operating as an integrated entity to provide customers with comprehensive services ranging from equipment to pharmaceuticals, ensuring optimal imaging outcomes. Beyond market collaboration, Sichuan Jiuyiyuan Particle Technology Co., Ltd. and United Imaging will generate synergies across multiple dimensions, including technology, supply chain, and after-sales service. Through this collaborative partnership, they can deliver complete nuclear medicine solutions, enhance the efficiency of hospital department development, achieve comprehensive upgrades in both equipment and services, and further strengthen the competitiveness of Chinese-made equipment in domestic and international markets.

In fact, Jiuyiyuan and United Imaging had already joined forces to bring their products to overseas markets at an earlier stage.At the end of 2023, Jiuyiyuan’s products were exported to Kenya, marking the first “Made in China” medical cyclotron to be deployed overseas.

“We have always maintained a close business partnership with United Imaging. In 2023, this collaboration extended beyond national borders. After United Imaging secured an overseas order from a hospital in Kenya, Africa, we joined forces to embark on this cross-border journey,” said the relevant person in charge. Starting in August 2023, the team from Sichuan Jiuyiyuan Particle Technology Co., Ltd. began engaging with this overseas client alongside United Imaging. After several months of communication and effort, the contract was successfully signed in December of the same year, followed by immediate shipment. The equipment has now been installed and commissioned in Kenya.

With the imminent successful implementation of the Kenya project, Sichuan Jiuyiyuan Particle Technology Co., Ltd. has also set its sights on broader overseas markets, particularly regions with urgent medical needs. A company representative stated, “Especially in countries along the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative, as well as in Latin America, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa, we are currently in active negotiations with multiple overseas clients, aiming to achieve greater export targets for our equipment in 2024.”

In recent years, Chinese enterprises have ushered in a new wave of global expansion. It is reported that in 2023, the number of non-financial overseas enterprises established through China’s direct investment reached 7,913, a sharp increase of 1,483 from the previous year, marking the highest growth rate on record. For Sichuan Jiuyiyuan Particle Technology Co., Ltd., its journey overseas represents not only the export of products but also a comprehensive showcase of its brand, technology, and services.

Currently, Sichuan Jiuyiyuan Particle Technology Co., Ltd. is continuously optimizing its team structure and strengthening capabilities in pre-sales consultation, in-sales support, and after-sales service to ensure the provision of more professional and efficient services to customers. Meanwhile, the company plans to establish overseas spare parts warehouses and assemble a team of after-sales maintenance engineers to address potential technical issues and ensure the stable operation of customer equipment.