Voyageur Pharmaceuticals Ltd (TSX-V:VM, OTC:VYYRF) announced that it has entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Altillion to initiate the creation of North America’s first fully integrated iodine-based pharmaceutical supply chain.
The agreement launches Phase 1 of Voyageur’s plan to manufacture iodine-based drugs domestically, leveraging Altillion’s mineral extraction technology and Voyageur’s experience in contrast media development.
The collaboration will begin with bench-scale testing to assess the performance of Altillion’s proprietary iodine extraction process, which targets 90% recovery and pharmaceutical-grade purity levels above 99% I₂ crystalline flake. This material is currently priced at approximately US$70 per kilogram.
The results of the bench test will support a broader feasibility study conducted by an independent engineering firm. This study will evaluate the technical, regulatory, and economic viability of establishing an iodine extraction facility in Oklahoma and a pharmaceutical manufacturing site in Texas.
Voyageur’s strategy will be rolled out in four phases. Phase 1 focuses on validating Altillion’s technology and finalizing a licensing agreement. Phase 2 includes building a 200 tonne-per-year Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient plant.
Phase 3 involves scaling iodine production to 1,000 tonnes annually and Phase 4 envisions constructing a sterile injectable facility in Texas, enabling full in-house manufacturing of iodine-based contrast drugs.
This strategy is designed to give Voyageur end-to-end control of the iodine drug supply chain, from raw material to finished pharmaceutical products, with the goal of becoming the lowest-cost producer in the space.
The company is in early discussions with global contrast media companies for strategic, non-dilutive funding, and has retained a Washington, DC-based advisory firm to explore federal, state, and local support programs aligned with critical mineral and pharmaceutical development.