The supply of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) will sufficient through 2017, according to a new analysis from the Association of Imaging Producers & Equipment Suppliers (AIPES).
The organization's Reactor and Isotope Working Group (RIWG) met on 27 September to review and coordinate late 2016 and proposed 2017 worldwide research reactor schedules, and to take steps to ensure the secure and reliable production of Mo-99 after the National Research Universal reactor in Canada stops production on 31 October.
A number of actions will be taken going forward, the AIPES said:
- Technical improvements to further increase the reliability of radioisotope manufacture
- Renovation of some research reactors, such as the BR2 reactor in Belgium
- Flexible planning for reactor cycles, particularly for reactors in Poland and the Czech Republic
- Cooperation between research reactors worldwide, including those in the Netherlands, Belgium, the Czech Republic, South Africa, and Australia
- Diversification of Mo-99 supply sourcing after October
