Aseptic robot-based radiopharmaceutical filling

In the production facilities of Truking, radiopharmaceuticals are manufactured under aseptic conditions, filled into vials, and packaged. / On the Truking production lines, radiopharmaceuticals are filled into vials, inspected, and packed under aseptic conditions and isolated due to the risk of radiation exposure.

A wall-mounted Stäubli TX2-60 performs aseptic filling of radiopharmaceuticals.

The filled and sealed vials are placed in trays.

Not least because of the sterilization requirements, the space in the individual production cells is limited.

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 six-axis 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 tumor site, which is much less stressful for the patient.

A new and successful type of cancer treatment

Radiopharmaceutical therapy (see text box 1) 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 centered in Shanghai, while C-Ray Chengdu (see text box 2) 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 (see text box 2). 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.

A robot designed for critical applications in pharmaceutical production

Why did the Truking engineers select the Stäubli TX2 Stericlean for this demanding application? There is more than one reason. One important point is their ability to work in sterile pharmaceutical environments. The Stericlean designation means the robots can work under aseptic conditions, which includes being cleaned with detergents used in medical and pharmaceutical applications. Designed to withstand vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) sterilization, these robots operate reliably in GMP Grade A cleanrooms, meeting the stringent aseptic requirements of radiopharmaceutical production.

Long life with continuously high performance

Like all Stäubli robots, the Stericlean range is easily adaptable to diverse production processes, with quick changeover capabilities that enhance operational efficiency. The robots’ longevity also makes them a sound long-term investment. Over their complete lifespan, the TX2 six-axis robots excel with precise, consistent movement, safeguarding product quality throughout production cycles. Their high performance optimizes throughput and overall manufacturing efficiency. This is especially true for the life sciences sector: Leading pharmaceutical companies worldwide trust Stäubli robots, which have a proven track record across global installations.

These qualities are beneficial in all pharmaceutical applications. In the case of the Truking system used by C-Ray, the wall-mounted installation option (not available with many robots) is of particular value because space is constrained by cleanroom conditions. Another key advantage is that the robots minimize human intervention, thus reducing radiation exposure and significantly lowering health risks.

A perfect solution for filling and handling radiopharmaceuticals

Since the system’s deployment, C-Ray has gained extensive experience with the Truking lines for filling and packaging radiopharmaceuticals—and with the Stäubli Stericlean robots. The facility features a compact and streamlined layout, enabling efficient, high-quality radiopharmaceutical production.

The production lines are built on world-class design principles and leverage intelligent technologies to address key challenges in radiopharmaceutical production. By integrating specialized solutions such as the Stäubli robots, automated visual inspection, and online labeling systems, the facility achieves true end-to-end automation, which is crucial when handling radioactive drugs. Occupational exposure risks are minimized for technical and operational personnel, and the lines run smoothly with high productivity and reliability.

Further, the Truking production lines fully comply with China’s GMP standards as well as US and EU cGMP regulations. And thanks to their flexibility and control system, the robots support a wide range of supply needs, from R&D and clinical samples to commercial-scale batches. Strengths like these make it clear why C-Ray is already planning additional installations at its radiopharmaceutical factory in Chengdu.

Radiopharmaceuticals: A demanding and very efficient class of drugs

Radiopharmaceuticals are a specialized class of medicinal products in which radioactive isotopes are incorporated into biologically active compounds or simple molecules. These compounds utilize the characteristic emissions of different radionuclides for imaging and targeted therapy, supporting both diagnosis and treatment. Widely used in nuclear medicine, radiopharmaceuticals play a vital role in precision diagnostics and targeted therapies, including oncology.

C-Ray Chengdu: Powering the next generation of radiopharmaceuticals

C-Ray Therapeutics Chengdu is a key driver in the global radiopharmaceutical ecosystem, combining large-scale infrastructure, broad isotope access, and a proven record of project execution. The 28,000 m² facility houses 13 cGMP suites and operates under a Class A radiation-use license, enabling commercial-scale handling of over 30 isotopes.

The site integrates full in-house R&D, from process development and analytical capabilities to a GLP-like preclinical center, allowing seamless support from early discovery to clinical supply. C-Ray is especially recognized for its leadership in Actinium-225, having secured stable isotope resources and supported numerous next-generation Targeted Alpha Therapy programs.

With more than 60 successful CRDMO projects, including multiple programs advancing into clinical trials, C-Ray Chengdu serves not only as a manufacturer but as a strategic partner powering the development of innovative radiopharmaceuticals worldwide.

Truking: A leading specialist for aseptic filling of pharmaceuticals

Truking Technology Ltd is currently the leading Chinese manufacturer of aseptic filling and freeze drying (lyo) equipment, as well as the leading supplier of inspection systems, secondary packaging machinery, water treatment systems, sterilization solutions and auxiliary equipment. The company has a strong reputation in the international market. 

As of November 30, 2025, Truking has filed 6,465 Chinese patent applications, with 5,350 patents granted and 3,071 valid patents. In addition, it has filed 69 PCT international patent applications and obtained 34 patent authorizations in multiple countries including the United States, Russia, India, South Korea, Germany, Indonesia, Japan and Europe. In 2017, Truking purchased Romaco Holding GmbH, a renowned multi-field manufacturer of packaging and processing equipment for the pharmaceutical industry in Western Europe. This acquisition made Truking one of the largest manufacturers of pharmaceutical systems worldwide.