The Nuclear Research and Consultancy Group (NRG) is scheduled to restart its nuclear reactor in Petten, Netherlands, on February 18, ending a six-month shutdown.
The facility has been closed since last August for repairs. It produces approximately one-third of the world's supply of medical isotopes.
According to the Dutch news agency Novum, NRG expects sufficient supplies of medical isotopes from other reactors to be delivered on Friday to help cover demand until next week, when production resumes.
Hazelwood, MO-based Mallinckrodt, a subsidiary of Covidien of Hamilton, Bermuda, is a joint venture partner with NRG at Petten. Mallinckrodt provides approximately 40% of the U.S. medical isotope supply.
"Covidien is optimistic about the Dutch Cabinet's decision to permit NRG to restart the High Flux Reactor in Petten with additional measures in place to protect public safety and the environment," said Covidien spokesperson JoAnna Schooler. "Our highest priority is helping healthcare professionals meet the diagnostic needs of patients. We will be working diligently to ramp up our production over the next several weeks."
Related Reading
Covidien, B&W to tackle medical isotope dilemma, January 28, 2009
Report: Use of low-enriched uranium in medical isotopes is feasible, January 15, 2009
NRCG reactor will be down longer, December 22, 2008
Belgium to restart medical isotope production, November 5, 2008
Dutch reactor won't restart until February 2009, October 15, 2008
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