Two US Companies Collaborate to Develop Radioisotopes

With a potential medical isotope shortage looming globally, Covidien signed an agreement with Babcock & Wilcox (B&W) to develop technology to manufacture molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) in the U.S. When complete, the collaboration could supply more than 50 percent of the U.S. demand for the radioisotope used for imaging. The U.S. imports all of its Mo-99 supply, which is manufactured by a handful of aging reactors. Because Mo-99 has a half-life of only 66 hours, shortages have an immediate impact on the ability to perform certain patient procedures, Covidien spokesman Eric Kraus said.
Devices & Diagnostics Letter