Innovation / 10.04.2026
Eckert & Ziegler Secures Patient Access to Critical Eye Cancer Treatment with MDR Certification for Ru-106 Eye Applicators

Eckert & Ziegler BEBIG GmbH, subsidiary of Eckert & Ziegler SE with focus on brachytherapy solutions for the treatment of eye tumors and prostate cancer, obtained the MDR certificate for its Ruthenium-106 (Ru-106) Eye Applicators from competent authorities. Eckert & Ziegler is the only global provider of these eye applicators. Therefore, this important milestone is a critical safeguard against treatment shortages.

The Medical Device Regulation (MDR) is a European Union directive (EU 2017/745) with the aim of improving the quality of medical devices and increasing patient safety. Obtaining this certification guarantees the long-term availability of Ru-106 Eye Applicators within the EU. These medical devices have been manufactured and internationally marketed by Eckert & Ziegler for more than 30 years. They are actively used in almost 50 countries and contribute several million euros in annual sales to the Eckert & Ziegler Group's earnings.

During an ophthalmic brachytherapy procedure, a small radioactive plaque containing Ru-106 is used to treat uveal melanoma in adults or retinoblastoma in children. The plaque is sutured to the wall of the eye, adjacent to the tumor, and left in place for several days until the required dose of radiation has been delivered. As an alternative to the removal of the affected eye, this treatment offers a chance for patients to conserve vision and quality of life.

"The dedication of our team to achieve MDR certification for a niche product like the Ru-106 Eye Applicators demonstrates our commitment to ensure the long-term availability of this vital form of therapy to treatment centers and patients," explained Katrin Antonenko, Managing Director of Eckert & Ziegler BEBIG GmbH. “The milestone furthermore marks the durable legacy of a product that started to pave the way for the sustainable and successful growth of the Eckert & Ziegler Group more than three decades ago. The experience gained during the successful approval process is expected to expedite additional projects.”

About Eckert & Ziegler
Eckert & Ziegler SE, with more than 1,000 employees, is a leading specialist in isotope-related components for nuclear medicine and radiation therapy. The company offers a broad range of services and products for the radiopharmaceutical industry, from early development work to contract manufacturing and distribution. Eckert & Ziegler shares (ISIN DE0005659700) are listed in the TecDAX index of Deutsche Börse.
 

Source: Press Release Eckert & Ziegler
Eckert & Ziegler Secures Patient Access to Critical Eye Cancer Treatment with MDR Certification for Ru-106 Eye Applicators